The 2026 Audi A5 is a premium executive car available in Saloon and Avant body styles, priced from £43,385 in the UK. It replaces the outgoing A4, offers petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and comes with a brilliant interior featuring a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen and an 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit.
Cast your mind back to March 2007 and the Geneva Motor Show. The curtain drops, and the first-generation car Audi A5 is revealed to the world. It was a proper head-turner. A long bonnet, sweeping roofline, and a look that said this is exactly what a German coupe should be. For the next 17 years, the A5 nameplate carried the emotional weight of that moment. Coupes, convertibles, and Sportbacks came and went, each one becoming one of Audi’s most loved cars. It was the kind of car people stopped to look at in supermarket car parks, and that is not something you say lightly.
Then, in 2024, Audi did something that raised eyebrows right across British showrooms. They retired the A4 saloon entirely and handed its job to the new Audi A5. Bold? Very much so. A little controversial? Yes. But spend some time with the new A5, whether in Saloon or Avant form, and it quickly becomes clear this is one of the most complete premium cars you can buy in the UK right now.
This review covers everything you need to know. From the Audi A5 price UK and trim levels, to engine specs, the Audi A5 hybrid powertrain, interior highlights, and who this car really suits. Whether you are a first-time buyer, thinking about switching from a BMW 3 Series, or simply looking at a new Audi A5 on sale at your local dealership, you will find all the answers here.
A Brief History: From Geneva Icon to Bold Reinvention
The original Audi A5 coupe that debuted at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show was not just a car. It was a proper statement. Designed by Walter de Silva and Wolfgang Egger, it gave Audi a fresh design language built on elegance rather than aggression. Over the years that followed, the A5 family grew to include the Sportback, the A5 hatchback in five-door form, and the Audi A5 convertible that became many UK buyers’ weekend dream.
For a lot of people, the A5 convertible was the aspirational choice. A proper drop-top for weekend drives through the Cotswolds or up along the Scottish coast. So when Audi confirmed the fourth-generation model would no longer include a convertible, there was genuine disappointment. The Audi A5 convertible, as a new car, is now gone. The Sportback body style has also been retired as a separate model. What remains is a more focused, more polished pairing of Saloon and Avant.
The naming shake-up is genuinely interesting. Audi absorbed the A4 into the A5 family as part of a wider plan to simplify its lineup. It is the sort of bold move you either admire or scratch your head at. But the car Audi A5 delivers in 2026 more than justifies the decision.
What Is New for 2026?
The 2026 model year brings some exciting additions to the already impressive range. The biggest news is that Audi officially unveiled the RS5 Sedan and RS5 Avant on 19 February 2026, which means the high-performance chapter of this generation is well and truly underway.
The Audi A5 e-hybrid PHEV has also arrived in UK showrooms, bringing a proper all-electric range to the lineup for the very first time. MHEV Plus mild-hybrid technology is now fitted across more variants too, helping improve fuel efficiency across the petrol range. There is plenty more to come, and with the RS5 back in the picture, things are getting properly exciting.
Body and Design: A Car That Turns Heads
Pull up next to a new A5 and it is obvious this car has grown up. The single-frame grille is wider and more confident than before, flanked by sharp LED headlights on Sport and S line trims, with Matrix LED units on higher specs. The flush door handles give the sides a clean, sculptured look, while the flared wheel arches hint at the car’s planted, purposeful stance.
Wheel sizes start at 18 inches on entry-level Sport models and go all the way up to 20 inches on Black Edition and Vorsprung trims. At the rear, OLED tail lights are available and they look genuinely striking, particularly on dark evenings. The Avant, with its extended roofline and generous tailgate, looks just as purposeful as the Saloon and is arguably the more practical of the two.
Four exterior trim lines are available: Sport, S line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung. Each has its own clear identity. The Audi A5 Black Edition, with its gloss black detailing, darkened grille inserts, and 20-inch alloys, is arguably the sharpest looking of the lot and has been very popular with UK buyers.
Audi A5 UK Variants: Saloon and Avant
The new A5 range in the UK is quite straightforward. You can have it as a Saloon or as an Avant, which is Audi’s name for the estate body. There is no Audi A5 hatchback in the traditional sense anymore. The old Audi A5 hatchback, which was known as the Sportback, no longer exists as a separate model. The Saloon offers a classic profile with a 480-litre boot, while the Avant delivers 476 litres of cargo space that grows to a massive 1,425 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
For families, company car drivers, or anyone covering big miles on UK motorways, the Avant is a very appealing option. That said, the Saloon’s proportions are genuinely elegant and arguably sharper looking than many traditional premium saloons on the market.
Engine Options and Performance: The Audi A5 Automatic Range Explained
Every single version of the new A5 comes with an automatic gearbox. It is a smooth, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch unit fitted across the whole range. There is no manual option available. The A5 automatic setup works really well in everyday driving and is one of the better dual-clutch systems you will find at this price point.
The entry-level TFSI 150 petrol produces 150hp and sprints from 0 to 62mph in 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of around 130mph. It is the sensible choice for lower-mileage drivers who mostly drive in town.
Step up to the TFSI 204, also a petrol engine, and you gain 204hp with 0 to 62mph in 7.8 seconds. This is likely the sweet spot for most UK buyers who want decent performance without big fuel costs. The Audi A5 automatic gearbox pairs really nicely with this engine, and the combination makes for a relaxed, refined drive on longer motorway journeys.
The TDI 204 diesel delivers the same headline power figure but gets to 62mph in 7.7 seconds, with real-world motorway economy that will impress anyone who covers long distances regularly. The TDI quattro, which is Audi’s all-wheel-drive diesel version, goes from 0 to 62mph in just 6.9 seconds.
The Audi A5 e-hybrid PHEV puts out 299hp combined and completes 0 to 62mph in a brisk 5.9 seconds, making it the quickest everyday variant in the range. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. Then there is the flagship S5, which packs a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with 362hp, 406Nm of torque, and a 0 to 62mph time of 4.5 seconds. If you are looking at the Audi A5 auto for sale in S5 form, it is seriously fast.
Audi A5 Hybrid: The e-Hybrid PHEV Explained
The A5 hybrid deserves its own section because it is such a meaningful addition to the UK range. The e-hybrid pairs a 20.7kWh battery with a petrol engine to deliver a combined output of 299hp. The all-electric range is rated at up to 67 miles under WLTP testing conditions, which is more than enough to cover the majority of UK daily commutes on battery power alone.
Charging through an 11kW AC onboard charger, a full charge takes roughly two hours using a home wallbox. For company car drivers, the A5 hybrid PHEV powertrain brings Benefit-in-Kind tax advantages that make the monthly cost genuinely competitive. The A5 hybrid is available in both Saloon and Avant body styles, with prices starting from £49,675. If you are a high-mileage commuter or a company car user, the A5 hybrid is one of the most sensible choices in this class.
Audi A5 Interior: Where This Car Really Shines
Spend five minutes inside a new A5 and the exterior almost takes a back seat. The A5 interior is, without question, one of the best you will find in any car at this price point.
The dashboard design follows Audi’s softwrap approach, with soft materials flowing across the dash and door panels in a way that feels properly premium. Ambient lighting with 30 colour options lets you set the mood to suit your drive, and it makes a real difference on evening journeys.
The Audi A5 interior centrepiece is the 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit driver display paired with a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system. The interface is quick and well organised, though you will need a little time to adjust if you are used to a car with more physical buttons. An optional 10.9-inch passenger display adds a screen for whoever is in the front passenger seat. Wireless phone charging, three-zone climate control, and heated front seats are all standard from the Black Edition trim upward. Electric adjustment and massage functions are available on higher trims. The S5 adds sports front seats with extra lateral support.
The A5 interior feels a genuine step above the old A4 in terms of quality and technology. Considering the A5 price, the level of equipment you get inside is very competitive.
Trim Levels Compared: Sport, S Line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung
The Sport is the starting point and it is well equipped from the off. You get 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, and the full digital interior setup. The S line adds sportier styling, 19-inch wheels, and firmer suspension tuning for a more dynamic feel on the road. This is the trim most UK buyers choose, and it is easy to see why.
The A5 Black Edition builds on the S line with gloss black exterior detailing, 20-inch wheels, Matrix LED headlights, electric seat adjustment, and a black headlining. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants a more aggressive, premium look. The Audi A5 Black Edition is particularly striking in darker body colours, and it is one of the best-value trims in the range.
Vorsprung sits at the very top of the standard range and adds everything from adaptive air suspension to a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system and a panoramic glass roof. It is the definitive version of the new Audi A5 on sale in the UK right now.
Audi A5 Price UK: What Does It Actually Cost?
Here is the full pricing picture for the new A5 in the UK.
The Saloon starts at £43,385 on the road for the base Sport with the TFSI 150 engine. The Avant starts from £44,660, or £45,410 for the TFSI 204 version. The A5 price UK rises to £49,675 for the e-hybrid PHEV and around £63,995 for the S5. Fully specced Vorsprung models can push close to £57,300 or higher depending on options.
The A5 price puts it squarely against the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Volvo S60. That is strong company, but the A5 holds its ground very well. The Audi A5 sedan price is particularly competitive when you factor in the standard equipment levels, which are generous even on Sport trim. The Audi A5 price UK also compares well against the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which tends to cost a little more for a similar specification.
The Audi A5 sedan price is broadly in line with what you would expect from a premium executive saloon, and the Avant adds only a modest premium over the Saloon at each trim level. The A5 on sale right now also qualifies for various finance and PCP options at most UK dealerships, making it accessible to a wider range of buyers.
How the New A5 Compares to the Old A4 and Previous A5 Generation
Compared to the outgoing A4, the new A5 is longer, wider, and noticeably more refined inside. The old A4’s interior was decent for its time, but the new A5’s OLED displays and softwrap design represent a real step forward.
When you compare it to the previous second-generation A5 Sportback, which was the Audi A5 hatchback that many UK buyers were very fond of, the new model is less overtly sporty in character but more capable as an all-rounder. The Sportback’s fastback profile gave it real visual flair. The new Saloon is a little more formal but more practical, with a bigger boot. If you are weighing up a used Audi A5 from the previous generation against the new car, the jump in interior technology and refinement is pretty significant.
The old A5 automatic was well regarded, but the new S tronic dual-clutch unit is sharper and smoother in everyday use. It is a meaningful improvement that you will notice on both town roads and longer motorway runs.
Who Is the New Audi A5 Best For?
The new A5 is a great match for long-distance commuters, particularly in Avant or e-hybrid PHEV form. Company car drivers will appreciate the PHEV tax advantages and the generous standard equipment levels. Families who want premium style without sacrificing practicality will find the Avant a very strong proposition.
Tech fans who love in-car digital features will also have a brilliant time. The interior technology here is genuinely class-leading at this price. If you are looking at a new Audi A5 on sale and you cover a lot of miles for work, the Avant or the e-hybrid are the obvious picks.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
Driving enthusiasts who are after the sharper, more involving feel of a BMW 3 Series or a Mercedes-AMG C 43 might find the new A5 a little too polished and comfortable. The car deliberately prioritises refinement over excitement, which is a perfectly reasonable choice, but it matters if steering feel and engagement are at the top of your list.
Buyers who need maximum boot space might also find that certain larger estates suit them better. And if you are used to a car with lots of physical buttons and dials, the touchscreen-led Audi MMI interface will take a bit of getting used to.
Car enthusiasts who specifically want a coupe or a convertible will need to look at the used market. The Audi A5 auto for sale in coupe form is no longer available as a new car, and the same goes for the convertible. For those buyers, a A5 from the previous generation is likely the better route. Searching for a used Audi A5 for sale UK will bring up plenty of excellent Sportback and S5 options from the outgoing generation at very fair prices.
Pros and Cons
The new A5 gets a great deal right. The interior quality and technology are genuinely impressive. The A5 hybrid powertrain is a real highlight. The Avant body style is practical without looking like a compromise. Every version uses a smooth A5 automatic gearbox, and the ride quality on Sport and Vorsprung models is very good.
On the downside, there is no longer a coupe or an Audi A5 convertible for those who loved the more characterful body styles of the previous generation. The touchscreen-led interior will frustrate some drivers. Entry-level Sport models can feel a little lightly equipped for the Audi A5 price, and the base TFSI 150 engine, while capable, is not particularly exciting.
Buying a Used or Second-Hand Audi A5 in the UK
As the current generation only launched in late 2024, the A5 market for new-shape cars is still fairly limited. That said, used Audi A5 for sale UK listings for the previous generation, particularly A5 Sportbacks and S5 models, are widely available and represent very good value.
When considering an Audi A5 2nd hand, always check for a full Audi service history, look for software updates on the MMI system, and check the alloy wheels for any kerbing damage, which can be costly to sort. The Audi A5 auto for sale in used form is well worth considering too, as the previous S tronic units are generally very reliable. For outgoing A5 models, the TFSI engines are broadly dependable, but it is worth checking timing chain condition on higher-mileage examples.
If you are buying an Audi A5 second hand, the Sportback and S5 variants from 2017 onwards are particularly good value right now. A5 second hand prices have held up well historically, which reflects how much people still want this car. A A5 for sale UK at around three to five years old with a full service history represents one of the better used buys in the executive car sector.
Buying an Audi A5 2nd hand from an Audi-approved dealer also comes with peace of mind, including a warranty and an inspection, which makes the process a lot less stressful than buying from a private seller. Audi A5 second hand stock is widely available across the UK, from specialist dealerships to main Audi centres.
A Car That Lives Up to Its Legacy
The 2026 Audi A5 is a sophisticated, well-rounded executive car that deserves serious consideration from anyone in the premium saloon or estate market. It will not give you the same flutter of excitement that the 2007 Geneva reveal did, but it offers something arguably more useful: a car that works brilliantly every single day. The Audi A5 interior is outstanding. The A5 hybrid powertrain is forward-thinking. The Avant is one of the best estates in its class right now.
Whether you are buying a new Audi A5 on sale at a dealership today, looking at the Audi A5 auto for sale online, or hunting for a used Audi A5 for sale UK, this is a car that earns its asking price. It may have lost the coupe and the convertible, but what remains is genuinely excellent.
FAQs
The new A5 price starts at £43,385 on the road for the Saloon in Sport trim. The Avant starts from £44,660. The Audi A5 price UK rises to £49,675 for the hybrid e-hybrid PHEV, and the S5 starts at around £63,995.
No. The new Audi A5 is only available as a Saloon and an Avant estate in the UK. The old Audi A5 hatchback Sportback and the Audi A5 convertible are no longer made as new models.
Yes. Every version of the new A5 is an Audi A5 automatic, fitted with an S tronic dual-clutch gearbox. There is no manual transmission option. The Audi A5 automatic setup is smooth and well suited to both town driving and motorway cruising.
The Audi A5 hybrid e-hybrid PHEV offers up to 67 miles of all-electric range under WLTP testing conditions. It uses a 20.7kWh battery and supports 11kW AC charging, which gives a full charge in around two hours using a home wallbox.
The new A5 fully replaces the A4. It is larger, more refined, and comes with much more advanced in-car technology, including a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen and an 11.9-inch OLED virtual cockpit. The Audi A5 interior is a significant step up from the outgoing A4 in terms of quality and features.
A used Audi A5 for sale UK represents very strong value, particularly for Sportback and S5 variants from the previous generation. When looking at an Audi A5 second hand or Audi A5 2nd hand, always check for a full service history and ask about any infotainment updates. A5 second hand prices have remained strong, which is a good indicator of the car’s long-term appeal.
The RS5 Sedan and RS5 Avant were officially unveiled on 19 February 2026.
The car Audi A5 suits long-distance commuters, company car drivers especially in hybrid form, technology enthusiasts, and families who want premium practicality. The Avant is particularly well suited to family life. The Audi A5 sedan price makes it competitive against key rivals in the premium executive segment.
The Audi A5 Black Edition is a mid-to-high trim level that adds gloss black exterior detailing, 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, electric front seat adjustment, heated seats, and a black headlining over the standard S line spec. The A5 Black Edition is one of the most popular trim choices among UK buyers.
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