Parking at the Somerset Mall, the A5 Sedan disappears between a Fortuner and an X5. My daughter glances at the sea of SUVs and says, "Mom, I have no idea where the car is."
It's a fair question. South Africans have abandoned low-slung sedans for high-riding SUVs so completely that spotting an A5 in a crowded parking lot feels like encountering a rare species. So when this tech-laden fastback arrived with a R1.3 million price tag, the question wasn't whether it was good. It was whether anyone still wants this type of car at all. (We last reviewed the Audi A5 Coupé 40TFSI S Line in 2021.)
AUDI A5 FAST FACTS
| Category | Specification |
| Model Tested | A5 Sedan TFSI 146kW Black Edition |
| Price (Base) | R1 166 800 |
| Price (As Tested) | R1 348 300 |
| Options Fitted | R181 500 |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
| Power / Torque | 146kW / 340Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.8 seconds |
| Real-World Fuel | 6.5–7.5 L/100km (Claimed: 7.5 combined) |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Boot Space | 445 litres |
| Warranty | 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan |
| Rivals | BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
SPECIFIED OPTIONS
| Option Group | Specific items included | Price |
| Tech Pro Package (PQ7) | Matrix LED headlights, 360° camera, Digital OLED rear lights, MMI front passenger display, S sport suspension, seat heating (front/rear), heated steering wheel, Adaptive Cruise Assist Plus | R63 000 |
| MMI Experience Pro (PYH) | Head-up display, MMI navigation, Audi connect services, USB fast charging | R21 000 |
| Audio | Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System (headrest speakers) | R27 500 |
| Glass & Roof | Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency (PDLC technology) | R38 000 |
| Interior & Comfort | Ambient Lighting Pro (R6k), Wireless phone compartment (R6k), Memory seats/mirrors (R4.1k) | R16 100 |
| Utility | Trailer hitch (mechanically swivelling) | R15 900 |
| TOTAL OPTIONS | R181 500 | |
| AS-TESTED PRICE | R1 348 300 |
Styling
The A5 Sedan is, objectively, beautiful. Park it next to an Audi Q5, though, and you immediately understand why the SUV outsells the sedan five-to-one in South Africa. People want height, visibility, and presence. The A5 offers none of those things. It's low, sleek, driver-focused. But if you're specifically shopping for a sedan, it's one of the most distinctive designs in the segment. (Check out our 2017 review.)
The fastback roofline flows from the B-pillar to a short, sculpted tailgate with an integrated spoiler. Slim LED headlights give it a focused, predatory expression. The continuous OLED light strip at the rear (part of our Tech Pro-equipped car) offers eight selectable light signatures and proximity detection. Walk up to the car at night, and the lights respond, giving it serious wow-factor.
Our test car wore the full Black Edition treatment: high-gloss black accents, darkened Audi rings, 19-inch black Sport wheels, red brake callipers, plus optional carbon mirror housings. It's dramatic and sporty without being overly flamboyant. The Black Edition comes with these styling elements as standard, incidentally; there's no additional "Black Package" to tick.
My daughter mentioned that she didn't like the exterior door handles, which felt "unsatisfying" to open: there's nothing substantial to pull; you grip a minimal surface area to actually open the door. It feels like Audi tried to reinvent the wheel here; it's like something the Italians would do in a new Alfa Romeo. Just give us normal door handles, efficient Germans.
Interior & Tech
Inside, Audi's 'Digital Stage' dominates: a panoramic curved display combining a 14.5-inch central touchscreen with an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit. Our test car had both the Tech Pro Package (R63,000) and MMI Experience Pro (R21,000), showcasing the full tech experience.
The A5 excels with passenger-focused tech. That optional 10.9-inch front passenger display (part of the Tech Pro Package) transforms this seat into the most coveted spot in the car. Usually, the child in front would have to lean across to the main touchscreen to select their music. Now, whoever was privy to the front seat became passenger prince or princess, and had absolute power over everyone's listening (and other) preferences.
Audi A5 First Drive Review 2025
The system runs Android Automotive OS, which means YouTube, Spotify, and Google Maps just... work. No CarPlay cable required, no phone mirroring faffing about. The ChatGPT-enhanced voice control actually understands complex requests: a welcome relief from the robotic responses in older models.
The sport seats deserve special mention, particularly after dark when the illuminated headrests light up. It's a proper 'wow' moment that feels special every time. The seats themselves offer excellent support, and the leather/artificial leather combination feels appropriately upscale.
The Bang & Olufsen system justifies its price
The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System (a standalone R27,500 upgrade) is one of the standout features. With 20 speakers, 810 watts, and speakers integrated into the front headrests, it delivers impressive surround sound, even though it meant enduring the kids' indie/grunge playlists. As part of a refined tech suite, it's one of the upgrades you'll actually use and appreciate daily. One of the system's highlights is that navigation prompts are delivered only through your headrest speakers, so it doesn't interfere with your favourite song.
The cabin has some niggles
The large curved-screen assembly, while visually striking, produced some rattles and squeaks from the dashboard during our test week. Drive over speed bumps or park on a steep driveway, and you'll notice vibrations and sounds that feel out of place at this price point.
Then, the instrument display sits quite high, so the steering wheel rim can block the top edge of your view, depending on your preferred driving position; I lowered my seat way down to have more visual space ahead of me. At R1,348,300, these small irritations feel quite significant, but the seating position is something one gets used to (though at this price, should you have to?).
Space and Comfort
The A5's swooping fastback creates a stunning silhouette, but it comes with practical compromises.
Up front, there's generous space, but in the back, it eats into the rear space somewhat. It's adequate for average-sized adults, but taller passengers (anyone over 1.8m) will find headroom tight on longer trips.
The 445-litre boot is competitive for the class, though rivals like the BMW 3 Series (480L) offer more. The optional trailer hitch (R15,900) adds versatility; an interesting choice that suggests Audi knows some buyers will use this elegant coupé-style sedan as a cart horse.
That magical panoramic roof
The optional panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency (R38,000) uses PDLC technology to adjust different sections between clear and opaque states. During our test week, the cabin got noticeably hot in the Western Cape's summer sun. The roof remained in transparent mode throughout, so we can't confirm how well the opaque setting blocks heat. What concerns us: there's no physical sunshade backup. You're entirely reliant on electronic heat management, which may worry buyers who regularly park in direct summer sun.
Other practical bits work well. The wireless charging phone box (R6,000 option) works well, though it makes your iPhone noticeably warm. Three-zone climate control and sensible storage throughout handle the practical stuff competently. Two USB-C ports for rear passengers are standard.
Performance
The A5 truly shines on longer trips. Our Tech Pro Package included adaptive cruise assist plus. On well-marked roads like the N2 or R44 coastal route, the system maintains lane position, adjusts speed for traffic, and handles gentle curves for extended periods.
You won't get face-melting acceleration here, but the 2.0 TFSI's 146kW and 340Nm handle daily needs competently. Highway merges, overtaking slower traffic over Sir Lowry's Pass, uphill climbs: it handles them with quiet competence rather than face-melting excitement.
The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission is smooth in automatic mode and quick when you use the paddle shifters. Most of the time, you forget it's there, though it can be caught hesitating if you slow for a traffic circle and accelerate out of it.
The Drive
The A5 generally feels quite light and easy to manoeuvre, though the low seating position means you're looking up at bakkies and SUVs in traffic. The steering offers good weight and reasonable feedback (not as communicative as BMW's, but better than previous Audis). There's a hint of torque steer under hard acceleration: nothing dramatic, but enough to remind you this is a front-wheel-drive premium sedan, not a rear-drive sports machine.
The S sport suspension delivers a taut, composed ride. It handles the Western Cape's mix of smooth coastal roads and rougher patches with grace. Wind noise is minimal, and road noise is well suppressed even on the 19-inch run-flat tyres. The Audi A5 gobbles up the kilometres effortlessly on longer trips, making it a delicious long-distance grande dame.
Fuel Consumption
Real-world fuel consumption impressed. We achieved 6.0-6.5 L/100km on highway cruising at a steady 120 km/h, rising to 7.0-7.5 L/100km in mixed driving around town and neighbouring areas, and reaching a maximum of 8.0 L/100km in heavier traffic: impressive figures for a 146kW premium sedan.
The combination of the efficient 2.0 TFSI, smooth dual-clutch transmission, and effective stop-start system keeps consumption low without requiring eco-driving heroics. At current fuel prices, you're looking at approximately R1,700-2,000 per month for typical executive mileage.
The stop-start system, usually the first thing I deactivate, shuts off and restarts seamlessly and imperceptibly.
Safety
The A5 comes comprehensively equipped, with the Tech Pro Package (R63 000) adding the full suite of advanced driver assistance. Standard across all models are features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, park assist plus, rear view camera, and autonomous emergency braking.
The Tech Pro Package adds Matrix LED headlights, a 360-degree camera (useful for tight parking spaces in town), side assist, exit warning (saved us once when a cyclist approached as we opened doors), swerve assist, adaptive cruise assist plus, and the aforementioned digital OLED rear lights. The Matrix LED headlights automatically adjust beam patterns to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic: sophisticated tech that works seamlessly, especially when your eyes aren't quite what they used to be. The A5 earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
5 Stars all 'round for the A5.Price
Base pricing starts at R1,123,000 for the A5 TFSI 146kW S line, rising to R1,166,800 for the front-wheel-drive Black Edition we tested without options. The 200kW quattro models command R1,238,000 (S line) or R1,281,800 (Black Edition).
Our R1,348,300 test car included R181,500 in options: the Tech Pro Package (R63,000), MMI Experience Pro (R21,000), Bang & Olufsen (R27,500), panoramic switchable glass roof (R38,000), trailer hitch (R15,900), and various smaller extras. The Black Edition's styling elements: black accents, darkened rings, black wheels: are standard, not a separate R100,000 package as sometimes incorrectly cited.
That as-tested price sits competitively against the BMW 3 Series. For context, a BMW 320i M Sport starts at R970,230, while the BMW 330i M Sport sits at R1,040,567. The Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde comes in at R1,050,000.
Your best-value buy
For most buyers, the base A5 Sedan TFSI 146kW Black Edition at R1,166,800 is the sweet spot. It's comprehensively equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, lane departure warning, a rear camera, and the full Digital Stage infotainment system. If you must add something, the Tech Pro Package (R63,000) brings the passenger display, Matrix LEDs, and advanced driver aids, raising the total to R1,229,800. Skip the extra styling extras unless you really need the creature comforts. The panoramic roof is innovative, but consider whether you really need it, given its R38,000 cost and the lack of a physical sunshade backup.
The Verdict
If you're a technology-focused buyer looking for a distinctive, refined sedan with cutting-edge infotainment, you will love the A5. It's ideal as a pampered two-person cruiser or for small families with average-sized members. If you're one of the few South Africans who still prefer low-slung sedans over SUVs, the A5 delivers the sleek styling and sophistication that made the nameplate famous.
Who shouldn't buy it? Driving enthusiasts prioritise engagement over refinement (the BMW 3 Series is sharper). Families needing maximum rear headroom (taller teenagers will complain on longer trips). Anyone expecting a well-optioned premium sedan under R1.1 million.
Having it at my disposal for a week rekindled my affections for the luxury sedan and Audi as a brand, but those rattles need addressing. Maybe it was just my specific test model? My advice is to go for a test drive to find out.
Frequently-asked Audi A5 questions
What's the real-world fuel consumption?
We achieved 6.0-7.0 L/100km on highway cruising at 120 km/h, 7.0-7.5 L/100km in mixed driving, and a maximum of 8.0 L/100km in heavier traffic. Impressive for a premium sedan.
Is it good value?
At base price (R1,166,800), reasonably competitive. Our R1,348,300 test car with R181,500 in options? It is a high premium, but the 5-year warranty and maintenance plan add value, potentially R50,000-70,000.
What are the main pros and cons?
Pros: Exceptional fuel economy, passenger display, illuminated headrests, excellent Bang & Olufsen sound system, distinctive styling, advanced tech, comprehensive warranty, fantastic ride quality, wow-factor, beautiful styling inside and out.
Cons: Dashboard rattles, fastback styling eats into rear headroom, gimmicky exterior door handles, options are pricey, no physical sunshade backup for the panoramic roof, front-wheel-drive torque steer (though it's very subtle).
How does it compare to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class?
The BMW 3 Series (see our 3 Series Buyer's Guide) offers sharper driving dynamics and more engaging steering, but the A5's interior tech and fuel economy are superior, unless you opt for a diesel Merc. The Mercedes C-Class delivers a plusher ride and more traditional luxury, though its MBUX infotainment isn't as intuitive as Audi's Android-based system. Choose the A5 for tech and efficiency, the BMW for driving pleasure, the Merc for classic comfort, although the Audi-ness is what sells Audis, if that makes sense!
Which model should I buy?
For most buyers: the base A5 TFSI 146kW Black Edition at R1,166,800. If you want the full tech suite, including the passenger display, add the Tech Pro Package for a total of R1,229,800. Go to the Audi website and configure your A5.
