Top 3 Audi A5 trims head to head: here’s our winner.

The latest iterations of the Audi A5 range arrived locally towards the end of 2020. The coupe model is made available in three trim levels, however, a more powerful S5 coupe, that was revealed at the same time, is also on offer from the German automaker. As per Audi's model naming conventions, all three of the current A5 coupe derivates fall within a similar power range and as such bare the 40 monikers on the rear.

The model, however, is offered in combinations of rear-wheel driven and all-wheel-drive variants with both petrol and diesel engines available. Let us take a closer look at how the three trim levels compare.

Exterior

The Audi A5 is offered in either the standard specification or S line guise. The standard specification incorporates 15-spoke alloy wheels in 17-inch size while the door sills feature finished with aluminium inlays. Upfront the grille is finished in matte black with a contrasting chrome frame garnish. Similar to the grille, the side air inlets as well as the rear diffuser comes in a grained matte black.

Contrasting the darker elements is matte aluminium tailpipe tips as well as a tailgate trim piece finished in chrome. The S line trim level receives upgrades such as 18-inch, 5-twin-spoke design alloy wheels. The door sills also come with an illuminated S logo while the same logo also features on the front fenders.

Below the door sills are wider body-coloured side skirting while upfront the matte black S line-specific grille sees the addition of an S line emblem. The matte black rear diffuser also changes shape to an S line-specific model and is complemented by the flanking tailpipe pieces in a matte aluminium silver finish. The grained matte black side air inlets are also bolstered with silver-grey inlays. One of the main benefits of the S line trim level is the sports suspension that features as standard equipment. 

Interior

Like with the exterior, the interior configuration also see upgrades fitted once the S line is selected. In place of the standard leather seats, customers of the S line models can expect sport seats for the front occupants and are optionally available in Nappa leather. The lighter headlining is replaced with black material to match the accent surfaces now painted in gloss black. 

Other decorative inserts on the interior get a matte brushed aluminium surface while in the driver footwell, stainless steel pedals and footrest feature. S line logos also feature around the cabin such as on the steering wheel. Customers are able to choose from the optional Technology, Sports and Comfort packages available for the model to further bolster the interior features.

Engine and drivetrain

As alluded to earlier, all three derivatives fall within a similar power range, however, come offer rear-wheel-drive while the flagship A5 offering comes fitted with Audi's quattro system powering all four wheels. Let us compare the models side by side to see the configurations.

	Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI	Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI S line	Audi A5 coupe 40TDI quattro S line
Engine	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol	2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel
Transmission	7-speed automated dual-clutch	7-speed automated dual-clutch	7-speed automated dual-clutch
Driven wheels	Rear	Rear	Four-wheel-drive
Power	140 kW	140 kW	140 kW
Torque	320 Nm	320 Nm	400 Nm
0-100 km/h	7.3s	7.3s	7.4s
Top speed	241 km/h	241 km/h	235 km/h
Fuel consumption	6.4 L / 100 km	6.4 L / 100 km	6.0 L / 100 km
CO2 emission	145 g/km	145 g/km	158 g/km

*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za

Conclusion

At the time of writing this article, there is an R 45 000 price difference between the Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI and the Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI S line. The jump in price between the latter model and the diesel-powered Audi A5 coupe 40TDI quattro S line is R 43 500. Taking into consideration that all three models offer similar power levels, the main benefit of choosing the  Audi A5 coupe 40TDI quattro S line is the all-wheel-drive system. 

If you are planning to push the vehicle to its limits, the quattro system will provide the much-needed grip in the corners and will be worth the additional spend. However, if you are merely going to commute with the A5 and/or take the occasional leisurely drive on the weekends the Audi A5 coupe 40TFSI S line will be more than competent and as such is our winner between the three. We would rather use the R 43 500 on the additional packages available such as the Technology package.