2022 Audi A5

The Audi A5 comes as a coupe, convertible or Sportback, which is Audi’s name for its sleek hatchback. Each version has smooth styling, solid power, secure handling, and excellent infotainment. For 2022 there are only minor changes–more options in wheels and a package called Black Optic.

The high-performance versions of the A5 are the S5 and RS5.

The base 40 TFSI uses a turbo-4 making 201 horsepower, and the upgrade 45 TFSI makes 261 horsepower with mild-hybrid technology. The S5’s turbo V-6 engine lays down 349 ponies, and the fierce RS5 delivers 444 hp. Every A5 and S5 is all-wheel drive, with either a 7-speed or 8-speed automatic transmission.

The handling is sporty and ride comfortable, growing firmer as the horsepower increases. As good as the suspension is, a worthwhile option is adaptive dampers. The lineup is very well equipped, with leather upholstery standard in all models.

The 40 TFSI with the mildest engine is EPA-rated at a boastworthy 26 mpg city, 34 highway, 29 combined in the Sportback. The coupe gets 27 mpg combined, while the convertibles get 26 mpg. Even the S5 gets 24 mpg combined, and the RS5 23 mpg combined.

The NHTSA gives the Audi A5 Sportback five stars in crash tests, but the coupe only gets four stars. The IIHS calls it a Top Safety Pick+, with the highest trim. The base model misses that nod because of its “Marginal” headlamps. Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, while optional equipment includes adaptive cruise control, as well as a system that permits some hands-free driving in heavy slow traffic.

Model Lineup

Made in Germany, the A5 comes as a coupe, Sportback or convertible.

The base Sportback 20 TFSE Premium costs $44,585, while the 45 TFSE with 60 more horsepower goes for $46,685. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, and 10.1-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Premium Plus brings better LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, a surround-view camera system, and more. It’s a bit less than $50,000 for the 40 TFSI and a bit more than $51,000 for the 45.

The convertible and coupe cost more, while being similarly equipped.

The S5 starts at about $55,000, while a loaded RS5 coupe can double that.

Every A5 has a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

Exterior

The A5 looks good in every shape–coupe, convertible, or hatchback. The clean lines are eye-catching, especially on the Sportback, which looks like a luxury A7 only a bit smaller. It’s been more than 10 years since the coupe or convertible has been redesigned, but the lines still aren’t tired.

The S5 and RS5 have sportier bumpers, wheels, and trim.

Interior

The lines in the cabin are pleasant and uncomplicated. It feels better in bright colors than it does in basic black. The materials are beautiful, even in base versions, but upgraded trim and softer leather make it all the better.

The versatility inside the Sportback is superb, with utility almost like an SUV, and good leg room in the rear. There’s 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat in the hatchback, but the coupe and convertible not only have a cramped rear seat, but less than half the cargo space.

Driving Impressions

There are two 4-cylinder engines for the A5, and two V-6 engines for the S5 and RS5. The 40 TFSI uses a turbo-4 making 201 horsepower, mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration translates to 60-mph runs in about seven seconds. The 45 TFSI makes 261 hp from the same engine, and, in Premium Plus trim, only costs about a thousand dollars more. It’s worth it. Audi says 0-60 mph times are better than 5.4 seconds.

The S5 uses a turbocharged V-6 that makes 349 horsepower and is mated to 8-speed automatic. If that’s not enough, the RS5 brings 444 horsepower, to make it quick as a racecar, with a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds.

The ride is comfortable in most every version. It’s best on the standard 18-inch wheels, while RS5s can exhibit some rough responses generated by their low-profile tires and stiff suspension tuning. The optional adaptive dampers on the S5 give the ride more composure and add sharpness to the handling. There’s also optional variable steering, which alters the weight and ratio of steering based on inputs from the driver and the car’s speed. It isn’t entirely needed with the S5’s crisp responses.

The brakes are strong in every model. The optional carbon ceramic front brakes on the RS5 are overkill for the road; they belong on the track.

Final Word

The 2022 Audi A5 family of cars offers performance ranging from sublime to ferocious. The pretty and versatile A5 Sportback in 45 TSI trim may be the best of the range.

—by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection