Al-Qalam 
By Imraan Buccus
The original Audi A5 has always had a sense of superiority. The all-new, third-generation Audi A5 has maintained that, aided even more by the fact that the Audi A4 is no more – the A5 has replaced it.
A legacy recrafted
Proportionally, the A5 has grown up; it now sits neatly between the A4 and the more executive Audi A6. In fact, with both those nameplates stepping aside in local showrooms, the A5 becomes something of a one-size-fits-all solution in Audi’s midsize offering. It’s a pragmatic move, and perhaps one that could not be avoided.
At first glance, the new A5 has done well to consolidate its related iterations of the A class. No coupe and cabriolet derivatives; what remains is a single, elegant five-door. Audi, somewhat curiously, calls it a sedan, though it’s unmistakably a Sportback in silhouette. And honestly, it works. You get the visual poise of a traditional saloon with the added practicality of a hatch. I’d say this works well in a Suth African market where demand and domination for SUVs continues to surge.
Bigger, bolder, pricier
It now measures fractionally over 4,8m. This means more space and pragmatism but there’s also a quiet confidence in the design. It’s less conservative than the A4 ever was, with a more sculpted presence. It feels like a car you’d choose, rather than simply opt for when faced with other choices.
Of course, stepping up in stature also means stepping up in price. The entry point sits at R1,123,000 for the front-wheel-drive 2.0 TFSI S Line — powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 146kW and 340Nm. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers its shifts with that familiar Audi slickness. The claimed 0-100kph is 7.8 seconds and the listed fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km.
For those wanting a little more, the quattro derivative ups the ante to 200kW and 400Nm, along with all-wheel-drive assurance, at R1,238,000. The TFSI 200 kW quattro Black Edition sells for R 1 281 800
On the road, both derivatives feel polished and composed; as one would expect from Audi. Driving through KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands, with sweeping roads that allowed the A5 to settle into an easy rhythm. The ride is supple, and the A5 showed a level of enthusiasm under hard acceleration, responding with a reassuring sense of grip and purpose.
If there’s a minor quibble, it’s the intrusion of wind noise at speed, likely from those rather large mirrors. It’s not a dealbreaker, but in a car that otherwise feels so well resolved, it stands out more than it should.
Polished and technologically advanced
Inside, the transformation is far more dramatic. Audi has leaned fully into its digital future, introducing a new MMI panoramic display that stretches across the dashboard in one seamless curve. A 14.5-inch central touchscreen flows into an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s crisp, modern, and refreshingly intuitive.
It allows the passenger to interact with media independently, thanks to a clever privacy mode that keeps distractions out of the driver’s line of sight.
The system itself runs on an Android-based platform, with app integration including YouTube, and a voice assistant that responds to “Hey Audi” with increasing competence. It all feels very current, though one suspects some buyers may still long for the reassuring simplicity of physical buttons.
The cabin exudes that understated premium feel Audi does so well. The standard kit is generous with adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, wireless charging, and LED headlights all feature.
Space, and stepping forward
In terms of space, the A5 is a mixed bag. Up front, it feels airy and accommodating, but rear legroom is adequate, but not for an especially tall passenger. Headroom holds up well despite the sloping roofline, and the 445-litre boot, while shallow, benefits hugely from the hatchback design when loading bulkier items; something rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class can’t quite match.
Ultimately, the new Audi A5 feels like a car that understands its moment. It’s stylish, more upmarket, and cleverly positioned to fill multiple roles in Audi’s lineup. But it’s also undeniably expensive, and once you start indulging in the options list, it edges into territory that demands serious consideration.
Overview of pricing:
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 146 kW S line R 1 123 000
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 146 kW Black Edition R 1 166 800
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 200 kW quattro S line R 1 238 000
Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 200 kW quattro Black Edition R 1 281 800
The Audi makes a compelling, quietly confident case for itself.
All models are sold with a standard 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan. Customers may also explore Audi Financial Services options, including Audi Assured.
