2026 Audi A5 Sedan Review

2026 Audi A5 Sedan – Overview

The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan stands as the sole compact sedan in Audi’s lineup, embracing a versatile, do-it-all character. Offered exclusively as a four-door with a hatchback-style rear liftgate, it merges the best attributes of the now-discontinued A4 sedan and A5 Sportback into a single package. With larger dimensions than its predecessors, the A5 provides generous interior space and ample cargo capacity.

Comfort takes center stage with a smooth, forgiving ride and a tech-rich cabin finished in premium materials, yet the A5 remains composed and agile through corners. Power comes from a 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine driving all four wheels, delivering brisk acceleration for everyday commuting. While the BMW 3 Series offers sharper driving engagement and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leans more toward luxury, the A5 strikes a balanced, practical middle ground.

Expert Tip: Drivers seeking more performance can upgrade to the 362-hp S5, which elevates dynamic capabilities but carries a roughly $13,000 premium.

When Is The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan Coming Out?

Audi plans to release the 2026 A5 Sedan in late 2025 for the 2026 model year. Early reservations and dealership previews will likely start in the fall, with deliveries expected before the holiday season.

What’s New for 2026 Audi A5 Sedan?

The all-new 2026 Audi A5 Sedan made its debut last year, initially sold alongside the outgoing A5 Sportback. For 2026, the Sportback has been discontinued, leaving the four-door sedan as the sole bearer of the A5 name. Since the current-generation sedan is still fresh, no significant changes are expected for the 2026 model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan is expected to start at approximately $52,000, with fully loaded models reaching around $58,000, depending on trim level and optional features.

For a balanced mix of luxury and technology, the mid-range Premium Plus trim is a smart choice. It brings upgraded ambient interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, parking sensors, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Premium Plus models also include a panoramic glass roof, filling the cabin with natural light and creating a more open, airy atmosphere.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Engine: 268-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

• Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic

• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive

The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan comes with a single powertrain: a turbocharged 268-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. A manual transmission is not offered; instead, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic handles gear changes, the same unit found in the higher-performance V6-powered S5.

On the road, the A5 feels slightly sportier than its previous generation, yet its suspension remains tuned for comfort. The turbo-four engine and dual-clutch transmission deliver responsive acceleration and smooth, quick shifts, making the A5 both practical for daily driving and enjoyable around corners.

0–60-MPH Times

• C/D 60-mph Estimate: 5.2 seconds

While we haven’t yet tested the 2026 Audi A5 Sedan on our track, we estimate it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds. If accurate, this puts the A5 in line with competitors like the base BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70, offering brisk and confident performance for daily driving and spirited commutes.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• EPA City Rating: 22 mpg

• EPA Highway Rating: 31 mpg

The EPA has not yet released official fuel economy ratings for the 2026 Audi A5 Sedan, but last year’s model achieved 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. With no major changes expected for 2026, similar results are anticipated.

We plan to test the new A5 on our 75-mph highway route and will update with real-world fuel economy figures when available. For additional details on the A5 Sportback’s efficiency, refer to the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The Audi A5’s cabin stands out with high-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, and a range of premium features that set it apart from mainstream sedans. The interior feels luxurious and sophisticated, though it leans more toward understated elegance than flashy design. Fans of the previous generation’s mix of physical and digital controls may miss some tactile buttons, but the new screen-focused dashboard remains functional and intuitive.

Second Row: Rear passengers enjoy well-cushioned seats and ample legroom. The backseat area feels spacious, and opting for the panoramic glass sunroof—which extends over the rear seats—enhances the cabin’s airy, open atmosphere.

Cargo Capacity: The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan hatchback-style rear liftgate provides one of the segment’s largest cargo holds, offering 23 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up. That’s significantly more than what you’ll find in the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class trunks, making the A5 both practical and versatile.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 14.5-inch touchscreen

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Audio System: 10-speaker Audi audio system (standard), 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D premium audio system (optional)

The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan features a sweeping curved glass panel that houses an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system is responsive and intuitive, offering easy access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings.

An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen sits to the right, designed to be visible only to the front passenger while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, a new head-up display projects key information—including speed, navigation prompts, driver-assistance alerts, and audio details—directly onto the windshield, keeping drivers informed without distraction.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan comes equipped with a comprehensive array of driver-assistance technologies, though several advanced systems are reserved for the higher-end Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

Standard Safety Features:

• Automated emergency braking with forward collision warning

• Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist

• Adaptive cruise control

For detailed crash-test results, refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi’s warranty package for the A5 is competitive but doesn’t particularly stand out among rivals. It matches the coverage offered by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class but does not include the complimentary maintenance that BMW provides for the 4 Series Gran Coupe. All three fall short of the comprehensive coverage offered by the Genesis G70.

• Limited Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary Maintenance: None

2026 Audi A5 Sedan Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2026 Audi A5 Sedan remains a top contender in the luxury compact sedan segment. With its refined interior, strong performance options, advanced tech, and all-weather capability with quattro AWD, it’s a versatile sedan for both daily driving and weekend adventures.

2026 Audi A5 Sedan Videos