Audi A5 Avant (2024-) Review

Introduction

The Audi A5 wouldn’t normally need much introduction. Built as the coupe version of the A4, it has been a hit with customers for almost 20 years, but now everything has changed. The new A5 is really a replacement for the A4, which is going all-electric, but Audi clearly isn’t ready to abandon the estate (or Avant, as Audi call it) just yet.

So here is the new A5 Avant, and it promises a step forward in terms of driver involvement, in-car technology and exterior styling. But will it deliver on those fronts? And will that be enough to ensure the A5 can give the market-leading BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class equivalents a run for their money?

At a Glance

Though the A5 is effectively a new model, it’s unmistakably an Audi. The new design language is softer than before, with more rounded edges, but the hallmark Audi grille is unmistakable. The light signature, however, is easier to confuse because drivers can customise the most upmarket models’ lights to one of eight different layouts.

Inside, Audi has eschewed the minimalist approach favoured by BMW and so many other manufacturers these days. Instead, the dashboard is a cacophony of different angles and materials, and you get some huge screens. Every model gets a digital instrument cluster and a curved central touchscreen, but you can also specify a dumbed-down ‘passenger display’ that offers the front-seat passenger their own bespoke infotainment interface.

Speaking of passengers, the A5 Avant’s higher roofline provides a little more clearance for tall passengers than you get in the Saloon. And while the boot may not be quite as big as some in this class, it’s hardly miniscule.

And nor are the engines. You won’t find any downsized motors in the A5 range, with even the most basic car getting a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an automatic gearbox. You can have a diesel, too, and all-wheel-drive is available as an option, while there’s a 3.0-litre petrol S5 version for those in search of more performance. For company car drivers, plug-in hybrid versions are on the way.

Whichever you choose, the A5 will be quiet and comfortable, with a well-built cabin and better handling than ever before. S5 models are particularly enjoyable to drive, even if they aren’t quite as agile as their nearest rival, the BMW M340i.

Key Features

For Audi customers, the quality and technology in the cabin will be key considerations, and Audi has delivered. Admittedly, the new digital instrument display feels a bit less configurable than the old A5’s Virtual Cockpit, but the touchscreens are sharp, modern and reasonably easy to navigate. The optional passenger display is very good, too, and it’s all built with the kind of solidity, quality and competence you expect from Audi. Although some of the steering wheel buttons are fiddly, most of the materials on show are excellent, and they’re all neatly fitted together.

In a bit of a departure from the norm, however, Audi has tried to give the new A5 a bit more driver engagement than its predecessor, the A4, ever had. And it has worked. Although the car still rides competently and smoothly, the handling is much closer to that of the class leader, the BMW 3 Series. It isn’t quite that sharp, but the steering is much more precise than before, body control is very good and there’s lots of grip. Even the basic front-wheel-drive models feel keen to turn into corners, although they are very slightly nose-heavy. Even so, it brings the Audi closer to its BMW-badged rivals than ever before.

Performance & Drive

The core of the A5 Avant engine range comprises 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 150hp to well over 200hp. Some come with mild-hybrid technology to save fuel, and some are available with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, but all come with an automatic gearbox.

For many, the 2.0-litre petrol engine that forms the baseline of the A5 range will be more than adequate. With 150hp heading to the front wheels via the seven-speed automatic transmission, it’s quick enough for all situations, and it’s fairly smooth. But if you want acceleration from it, the fuel efficiency will take a hit as the engine works so hard.

As a result, we reckon one of the 2.0-litre diesel engines will be a better choice for many, offering better long-distance economy and the low-down grunt of diesel power. Mild-hybrid technology — which is remarkably effective and more noticeable than in some rivals — is there to help make sure the claimed economy is achievable.

There’s also a more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine on offer, churning out the same 204hp as the diesel, but if you want a more powerful petrol engine, why not go the whole hog and choose the 3.0-litre S5, with its 367hp turbocharged V6 engine? That variant is pretty rapid – it gets from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds – and it comes with all-wheel-drive as standard, but it’s going to cost a few quid at the pumps.

Nevertheless, the S5 Avant is quite a capable thing, and its combination of power, smoothness and performance is pretty remarkable. It also comes with air suspension as standard, so while it is a little firmer than the basic A5 Avant models, it manages to provide ample long-distance motorway comfort while still offering strong body control and decent handling. Even with the extra height and weight of the Avant body, it doesn't feel any less stable than the Saloon.

Audi has tried to give all versions of the A5 more direct, precise and responsive steering, which has helped to bring the car closer to its BMW-badged equivalents, while the new suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. The result is a car that feels much keener to corner than its predecessor, but still feels a little stodgy next to the brilliant BMW 3 Series.

Running Costs & Emissions

With electric power reserved for the forthcoming A4 e-tron models, the most efficient versions of the A5 will be the plug-in hybrid versions. But as they aren’t due until later in 2025, it’s a straight-up, old-fashioned choice between petrol and diesel. For those covering longer distance, the diesels will be the more appealing choice, especially with their mild hybrid technology. Those cars will do 50mpg without too much trouble, and with their strong power delivery, they’re going to be popular with customers.

Yet petrol power is also expected to be a hit, and the basic 2.0-litre petrol engine is pretty efficient, returning around 40mpg on a long run. But we’d suggest company car drivers hold on for the hybrids, or even the forthcoming all-electric A4 e-tron models, thanks to the cheaper company car tax rates you’ll get as a result of lower CO2 emissions. Just beware that the plug-in hybrids will only really be fuel efficient if you charge them regularly.

Interior & Technology

Interior design, technology and quality has always been a key consideration for Audi customers, and the A4 delivered all three in spades. The A5 aims to do exactly the same, with a similar dashboard to the new A6 e-tron, featuring a massive curved display with two huge screens, and some classy materials.

The two main screens — the digital instrument display and the central touchscreen — are really angled towards the driver, and live in a big glossy housing, surrounded by a combination of metal, leather and premium plastics. It all feels really solid, and aside from some awkward steering wheel buttons, it all works pretty well. And all the materials feel as upmarket as you expect.

And the tech is clever, too, with a new touchscreen that’s packed with features and neatly presented, with a sharp display and quick responses to inputs. Navigation of that touchscreen system isn’t quite as easy as you might like, simply because it has so much packed into it, but the screen’s way better than most.

Even the inclusion of touch-sensitive climate controls is less irritating than it might otherwise be, merely because the temperature controls are always visible no matter what, and the response to any input is very quick.

However, while the digital instrument display may look every bit as sharp as the touchscreen, it doesn’t have the configuration options of the old A4’s Virtual Cockpit display, and it doesn’t have the same appeal as a result. The optional passenger display, on the other hand, is really good, taking the best of the central touchscreen’s qualities and dialling out the negatives. It does feel a bit superfluous, though.

Practicality & Boot Space

Though the A5 Saloon’s boot may not be quite as big as those of its rivals, the A5 Avant’s boot is a little closer to the class average. At 476 litres, it’s about 30 litres larger than that of the Saloon, and fractionally smaller than that of the BMW 3 Series Touring, but you’ll have no trouble at all getting a family of four’s luggage in there. Better still, boot space is only measured to the window line, so the Avant’s cargo bay is much more practical than it looks in comparison with the Saloon, and the steep tailgate is more practical, too.

The Avant body doesn’t just make the boot more practical, though. It also means the roofline is higher, and that ensures there’s a bit more headroom in the back. The difference isn’t enormous, but it’s just enough to stop taller rear-seat passengers’ hair from brushing the roof lining, and that makes it a much more commodious place to sit. And because the rear legroom is unchanged, four adults will have no trouble sitting in the A5 Avant for a decent period of time.

Safety

The A5 achieved a highly commendable five-star rating when it was crash-tested by the European independent safety organisation, Euro NCAP. With strong scores across the board, it goes down among the safest cars on the road, meeting all the latest standards.

As part of that, it comes with a vast array of safety gizmos, from lane departure warning to a reversing camera and from traffic sign recognition to autonomous emergency braking, which can stop the car if the driver doesn’t react to a hazard. Adaptive cruise control is in the offing, too, as well as parking sensors on every model. You get two Isofix child seat mounting points in the rear, too, as well as a third one on the front passenger seat.

Options

The A5 range is – for the time being, at least – split up into four different levels. The base option is the Sport, which is hardly ill-equipped. The digital instrument display and touchscreen are standard, along with heated front sports seats, adaptive cruise control and climate control. You get a reversing camera and parking sensors thrown in, too, along with 18-inch alloys and a 10-speaker sound system.

Moving up to the S Line gets you sportier styling, sports suspension that puts you 20mm closer to the ground, and privacy glass, as well as a slightly sportier interior ambience with stainless steel pedals and black cloth roof lining. The wheels are upgraded to 19-inch alloys, too.

Then there’s the Edition 1 trim available at launch, bringing with it the passenger touchscreen, some extra safety tech and a 360-degree manoeuvring camera, not to mention 20-inch alloys and the black styling package with grey Audi logos, black window trims and black door handles. The brake callipers, however, are finished in red, while there’s a dark chrome look for the exhausts.

Finally, the S5 models get their own bespoke trim level based on the Edition 1, with a panoramic sunroof, the passenger display and a Bang & Olufsen sound system all included. It gets the S sports suspension with adjustable damper control, too, and there’s bespoke styling that ups the ante slightly compared with the S Line models. Inside, the car also benefits from seat ventilation in the front, a head-up display included as standard and even a garage door opener.

Rival Cars

The Audi’s biggest rival is unquestionably its compatriot, the BMW 3 Series. Like the Audi, it’s a premium executive estate with classy tech and a strong brand image. It’s also spectacular to drive, to such an extent that Audi had the BMW in its sights during the A5’s development. Unfortunately, the BMW is still better to drive, but the Audi is closer than ever, and it’s better built.

If you don’t like either car, but you still want an executive estate that isn’t too big or too expensive, the other major contender is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. More attractively designed than ever and with a cool, high-tech and oh-so-German interior, it’s a hit with leasing customers. And if you choose one of the diesel versions, it’s incredibly fuel-efficient.

The other big rival is the Volvo V60, which competes with the A5 Avant thanks to its distinctive Scandinavian style, a comfortable ride and a choice of plug-in and mild hybrid powertrains. It isn’t as good as the Audi when it comes to handling, though.

But the A5’s pool of rivals is not as big as it once was. Genesis has pulled its rather cool G70 models from the market, the Mazda 6 has gone out of production (although it’s coming back in electric form) and there are no obvious rivals from elsewhere. You could, at a pinch, consider the VW Passat and the Skoda Octavia, but neither car quite has the class of the Audi, even if they have just as much space.

Verdict & Next Steps

The A5 Avant is not perfect, but it isn’t a million miles away. Yes, the 3 Series is still a bit better to drive, but the gap has narrowed, and the Audi is easily in the same ballpark when it comes to technology, space and style. It’s also much more practical than the Saloon, and no worse to drive, while those worried about build quality will find the Audi is arguably the best of the German estates. Making the decision between Audi, Mercedes and BMW in this part of the market has never been so difficult.

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**Score based on Select’s unique meta score analysis, taking into account the UK’s top leading independent car website reviews of the Audi A5 Avant.

**Correct as of 17/02/2025. Based on 9 months initial payment, 5,000 miles annually, over a 24 month lease. Initial payment equivalent to 9 monthly payments, or £4,023.18 (Plus admin fee) Ts and Cs apply. Credit is subject to status.