First Drive: Audi A5 TFSI
Sedans have been forced to regress due to the global obsession with SUVs; only brands maintain the belief that executive sedans still carry relevance with their classier personality, and I tend to agree. BMW's 5 Series is an exceptional cruiser that can be pushed, and the E-Class brought back particular details and a sense of elevated competence that Mercedes had struggled to find for some time. But it's Audi's turn, and its new A5 is an impressive middle ground for those who enjoy the luxury of a premium German sedan with a touch of dynamic character.
In the current automotive world, tech is no longer a key selling point. The new A5 emphasises design, feel, and quality as key focus points that are worthy of a premium label. On paper, its exterior is peculiar; it measures the length of an A6, the width of an RS4, and the height of an A3. However, in practice, the results provide a stable platform with ample interior space and a flat, streamlined appearance. There is a sense of simplicity in its shape, and the finer details reveal a more attractive appearance, particularly in its use of LED light design in the headlights. The body is designed around an equator line that divides the car in half along its side profiles, where it meets its slippery front and dynamic tail. Viewing this car with natural light seems to add to its aesthetic appeal. It's not as aggressive as it was a few generations ago, but it maintains the tasteful impression we expect in an A5.
The A5's latest generation has arrived with only a petrol option for now, with the diesel planned to arrive midway through 2026. But there are two derivatives of this 2.0-litre petrol engine you can choose from. The first is the front-wheel-drive option, which provides 146kW and 340Nm that wafts from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds. The second option is the Quattro, or all-wheel-drive one, and it adds a touch more power to the equation too. It retains the same 2.0-litre TFSI engine, only this one produces 200kW and 400Nm, which allows for a slightly more exciting acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
On the launch we put the former to the test, and although it lacks the stats against its all-wheel-drive version, it’s still an impressive performer. Through the corners its widened wheelbase offers a strong cornering capability, only there is a rather large desire for more shunt when leaving corners or pulling away from the lights. The acceleration is comparable to what I would have expected in, say, a mid-sized SUV, and although it's more than enough to overtake at speeds and get you where you want to go without breaking a sweat, the Quattro added that touch of aggression and meets the confident style with the punch you would expect from an A5 without overdoing the aggression. It's a smooth ride that manages its weight in the turns impressively well. Yet the open road is a quiet and comfortable breeze.
The cabin space is the most noticeable element of Audi's new A5 design. While the recently launched Q7 and Q8 facelifts had a more refined exterior and driving character, the interior remained familiar and in a few ways vintage. On the other hand, Audi has clearly spent a fair amount of time perfecting the A5's interior. It's a highly digitalised space, with intricate details. The massive 14.5-inch driver-focused infotainment screen and 11.9-inch digital driver's cluster draw their shape from the front grill; it's a subtle touch but one which expresses the intricate thought and fun that the design team put in. The front passenger gets a gallery, or third screen, which allows them to change and adjust the navigation and music directly in front of them without distracting the driver.
If you gaze up towards the roof, its panoramic sunroof has some interestingly unique technology. There is no shade that winds its way across the roof, but rather smart glass that changes transparency. It is segmented into six parts and can be used to make intriguing frosted and clear glass patterns if you are feeling fancy. Or you can keep to your traditional dark and clear options. This newer technology creates a feeling of being in something genuinely premium and different.
The cabin is a gorgeous space with a high level of customisation. It's a bright atmosphere with dynamically styled but soft seats and a minimalist, tech-focused attitude up front. It feels thought through and tested thoroughly, so playing around with all the modes and features was responsive and genuinely enjoyable. The Bang & Olufsen premium 16-speaker 3D sound system with headrest speakers provides a clear and clean listening experience that feels different depending on where you sit in the car. Not worse, just different, and its quality is stunning.
If you do want to add a touch more personality to your A5, you can opt for the Tech Plus and Tech Pro add-ons. Tech Plus comes in at R45k and provides a 360-degree camera setup, Matrix headlights, a digital key, more airbags, and more driver assistance features, specifically around traffic monitoring. Tech Pro comes in at R100k and includes the Tech Plus options. In addition to the Tech Plus options, it further adds OLED rear lights, sports suspension, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, electric steering wheel adjustment, and a heated steering wheel. There is a black edition that adds aggression by blacking out some exterior trims and wheels, which costs R44,800.
The price is its biggest selling point. But before we unpack why it's such excellent value for money, let's touch on its competition. Traditionally, the A5 has been a C-Class and 4 Series Grand Coupe competitor. Only the A5 is a larger and more refined product than the C-Class, and I found it had a similar composure to the E-Class. The 4 Series is similar, but the A5 has a more executive presence, which I could compare closer to the 5 Series. In terms of spec, the A5 matches the E-Class, which also features a more distinguished cabin space and broader infotainment system operation, including three screens, and has a minimalistically beautiful design similar to that of the 5 Series.
The price tag of R1,123,000 for the S line and R1,238,000 for the Quattro is incredibly tempting. On price it does come in at a slightly higher price than the 4 Series and C-Class, with both being within the R1m-R1.1m range. While driving and sitting in the passenger seat, I couldn't shake the idea that this luxury saloon is larger and commands the same confidence we experienced in both the 5 Series and the E-Class. The 5-Series comes in at R1,278,731 for the 520d M Sport, and the E-Class starts at R1,331,478. With the addition of a passenger screen in the dash, the A5's specifications are closer to those of the E-Class, and its design and feel are comparable to those of the larger luxury offerings.
Heading into the launch of the new Audi A5, I approached it with an open mind and some hopeful views, and I was pleasantly surprised. The exterior retains the sensible and classy Audi look without reaching for attention like an E-Class. It doesn't feel as animalistic as a BMW, either, so it played the middle role for larger executive saloons well. Is there still interest in sedans with SUVs taking over? I feel that there is definitely still interest in this space. Luxury sedans are more serious than an SUV and provide this classy attitude that you just don't get sitting above surrounding traffic. Only the Audi A5 occupies an intriguing position. It's tech-forward and possesses a level of quality that few other vehicles can match. It's stylish but not overdone; it's quick but careful. In other words, it's still an authentic Audi. Only this one is loaded with tech, even some tech that we haven't seen yet, which makes it a rather attractive buy.
Audi A5 TFSI S Line: R1,123,000
Audi A5 Quattro S Line: R1,238,000
Audi A5 TFSI S Line Black Edition: R1,166,800
Audi A5 TFSI Quattro S Line Black Edition: R1,281,800
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