Pricy, Smooth, and Luxurious—2026 Audi A5
Audi has bitten back with the new A5 — but it comes at the expense of the A4 nameplate. An odd move from the German marque, if you ask me.
The A5 carries a certain swagger, much like Jason Statham in The Transporter. I grew up watching those films, and they deepened my appreciation for Audi. Sliding behind the wheel of the A5, I couldn’t help but feel a bit like the Transporter myself. Audi’s design approach has always been understated. It’s classy, never needing to shout with outrageous styling cues. That’s in contrast to what we’re seeing from BMW with the latest 3 Series and its electric variants — not exactly the easiest on the eye.
Traditionally, the 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been direct rivals to the A5, but the landscape is shifting. The German trio is now facing serious pressure from Chinese brands like Chery, Haval, Omoda and Jaecoo, which are rapidly gaining traction in South Africa. According to Naamsa, buyers are flocking to SUVs and crossovers for their value and practicality. Sedans are becoming niche — but for those who appreciate a low-slung driving experience, the A5 still delivers.
And deliver it does. The A5 feels composed, planted, and effortlessly smooth. There’s a confidence in the way it tackles corners — something I found lacking in a Haval H6 GT. Yes, the Haval is quick and might even trouble a Volkswagen Golf GTI in a straight line, but it doesn’t offer the same reassuring composure you expect from a German sedan. Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 146kW and 340Nm. It’s lively enough for everyday driving, though not particularly thrilling, with a 0–100km/h time of 7.8 seconds.
The ride is undeniably smooth, but fuel consumption came in at around 11L/100km. To be fair, the test unit had just over 10,000km on the clock, so there may still be some room for improvement. Visually, the A5 is a winner. Finished in Ascari Blue and sitting on 19-inch Audi Sport wheels, it turns heads with ease. The Sportback design adds a layer of practicality, blending coupe-like styling with usable space.
Inside, however, things aren’t perfect. Yes, you get three screens — a digital cluster, infotainment display, and a passenger screen — which give the cabin a modern, tech-forward feel. But look closer, and you’ll notice some creaks and questionable build quality, particularly below the infotainment system. At nearly R1.4 million (with options), that’s hard to ignore.
The cabin itself is clean and well laid out, complemented by features like the panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency — a R38,000 option. It doesn’t open, though, making it more of a visual feature than a functional one.
This particular A5 is fitted with R279,400 worth of optional extras, including Ascari Blue paint, the panoramic roof, Tech Pro and Infotainment packages, as well as upgrades like sport seats, ambient lighting, and added convenience features. It also benefits from several no-cost extras, such as the Bang & Olufsen sound system, digital key, and a suite of driver assistance systems.
Premium? Absolutely. But also pricey — and that’s where Audi may have missed the mark. In a market increasingly driven by value, the A5 risks being overshadowed. It’s a strong product, no doubt, but one that highlights the growing pressure legacy brands face in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.