2020 Audi A5 Sportback

Overview

Audi took the Frankenstein approach with the 2020 A5 Sportback, as it features the four-door passenger space of the A4 sedan, the sloping rear end of the A5 coupe, and a cargo area that rivals that of the Q5 SUV. It also inherits the fun-to-drive nature of the A4 and A5, making it a quadruple threat. Its turbocharged engine provides plenty of pep while still sipping fuel and the interior, while not particularly plush, offers about the same amount of tech as your local Apple retail store. Compromises are few and mostly revolve around the tight rear-seat headroom, but the A5 Sportback is such a charming option in the entry-luxury sedan segment that we'd be happy to live with the few downsides.

What's New for 2020?

Audi's swoopy coupe-like sedan receives a fresh exterior design for 2020, complete with a new grille, new front and rear bumpers, updated exterior lighting elements, and cool trapezoidal tailpipes. On the inside, the infotainment display grows to a large 10.1-inch size and features updated software.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The A5 Sportback's standard 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive make for a winning formula in both efficiency and performance. Smooth and sonorous, the engine provides effortless power while the transmission shifts gears quickly and seamlessly; it's a polished and well-matched setup made all the more capable by standard all-wheel drive. In our zero-to-60-mph testing, the A5 Sportback outran the Buick Regal GS, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti, and the BMW 430i Gran Coupe with a 5.0-second result. It's composed, confident, and easy to drive fast through corners; the A5 Sportback is everything a modern sports sedan should be. Its agility belies its comfort, too, and potholes and broken pavement do little to upset the Sportback, especially when it's equipped with the optional adaptive suspension. The well-weighted steering feels natural in the driver's hands, and the front tires respond immediately to inputs, making this Audi a joy to pilot on twisty tarmac.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2020 A5 Sportback will earn 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are different from the previous model year when the Audi was rated at 23 mpg city and 34 highway. While we haven't tested a 2020 A5 Sportback on our real-world highway fuel-economy route, the last one we evaluated returned 34 mpg during that test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The A5 Sportback's cabin isn't as plush as some might expect from a luxury brand, but all of the materials are high quality, the fit and finish is superb, and there are enough high-end features to distance it from mainstream sedans. Rear-seat passenger space isn't as generous as in the Audi A4 sedan, but it's spacious enough for two average-size adults—and for the slight sacrifice in rear headroom, you get the A5 Sportback's sleek roofline, which is far sexier than that of its more angular and upright sibling. All A5 Sportback models come well equipped with luxury necessities such as power front seats, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, and three-zone automatic climate control. A hatchback in disguise, the A5 Sportback has a sloping rear roofline that hides a power-operated liftgate and a large cargo hold, making it far more practical than the Audi A4 sedan or the A5 coupe and convertible. It proved its mettle in our carry-on suitcase testing by accommodating 16 cases; despite having one of the smallest cargo areas when measured by volume, the Sportback beat all of its direct rivals except for the particularly voluminous Regal GS.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Audi's MMI is one of the most pleasing infotainment systems among premium brands. It's made even better by the A5 Sportback's optional—and highly recommended—12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display. All models come with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen display that can also be controlled by a clickwheel mounted on the console between the driver and the front-seat passenger. Audi's MMI interface is easy to use while on the go, but Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is standard if users prefer to interact directly with their smartphones instead. Navigation is optional and comes with access to a suite of internet and vehicle-connectivity features called Audi Connect Prime and Audi Connect Plus.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Earning good marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the A5 Sportback appears to be a trustworthy choice for those concerned with safety. Audi offers a wide range of driver-assistance features, but some are only available on the most expensive Prestige model. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi's warranty package doesn't stand out among rivals in this comparison. The Kia Stinger's 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain policy leads the segment in coverage.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance