Audi A5 Is a Cushy Executive Express

Its appeal includes generous equipment level and design

- Lee Nian Tjoe

German car brand Audi came up with a winner 16 years ago. Its A5 was positioned as a more desirable and upmarket version of the A4 saloon that was sold concurrently. Well, the A5 has been such a success that Audi not only launched a new one in 2025, but also discontinued the A4 to focus its efforts.

In reality, the car is basically the new A4 under a different name. Call it what you like, but the new car is big. While previous generations of the A4 and A5 have always been a bit larger than their rivals from BMW or Mercedes-Benz, the new A5 is almost one size bigger than its contemporaries.

Compared with the BMW 3- and 4-series, the Audi is more than 100mm longer. It also has a more powerful engine than the rivals sold here, being just over 200hp, while the other German models are below 190hp.

The Edition 1—the A5's more premium version—has a more flamboyant bodykit, larger wheels, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a higher-end sound system, among other differences, for an extra $15,000 over the regular model.

In line with how the current Audi models look, the A5 trades some elegance of its predecessors for muscles—with prominent haunches over the wheel arches and chunkier lines all around.

The hoop-style door handles have been replaced with flush-fitting ones that are electrically actuated.