Facelifted 2020 Audi A5 adds value, coming to Australia in October

While the heavily refreshed A4 received the lion’s share of the exterior styling updates, it’s Audi’s sleeker A5 that gets some essential tech thrown-in gratis for 2020.

The three body styles remain – Coupe, Cabriolet and the top-selling Sportback, and every variant now gets Matrix LED headlights and adaptive cruise as standard – not something to take for granted.

In fact, Audi says the additional features are worth $9,000; a sharp deal given the A5 asking prices have gone up by just $1,000 across the board.

Inside the A5 receives mostly the same treatment as the A4, that is, a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen with the rotary dial axed, ten times the computing power in the MMI infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit that looks the business.

Launched nearly 12 months ago in Europe, the updated A5 is slated to arrive in Australia in October to compete with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe, soon-to-arrive BMW 4 Series and the wildcard Lexus RC.

But it’s not just coupes that A5 customers will be cross-shopping, the unique Sportback is a stronger seller than the A4 Sedan, says Audi Australia. We can see why – It’s an intriguing way to merge practicality with a more style-conscious purchase.

While Audi has dropped the 40TFSI for the A4, the 140kW/320nm two-litre turbo powerplant is still available in the A5 and starts at $71,900 (driveaway pricing TBC) for the Sportback and Coupe.

Additionally, the A5 40TFSI is equipped with S Line exterior trim, new 19-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed sports seats, ambient lighting and electric tailgate on the Sportback. A full suite of active safety tech including adaptive cruise with stop and go, park-assist and a 360-degree camera is standard. 

That’s a lot more safety kit than A4 variants, none of which come with adaptive cruise or a 360-degree camera as standard.

Lopping the roof off the 40TFSI adds a not-insignificant $14,500. However heated-seats, neck warmers and ingenious microphones in the seatbelt should justify the extra ask. You do lose boot space, though, down nearly 100L (370L) compared to the 465L Sportback boot.

Traditionally the strongest-selling A5 has been the range-topping – S5 notwithstanding – 45TFSI that now starts at $79,900 (driveaway pricing TBC). This variant boasts outputs of 183kW and 370Nm courtesy its two-litre turbo motor, which is sent to all-four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. 

For 2020 standard spec is bolstered with a head-up display, flat-bottom sports steering wheel and a new 19-inch alloy wheel design.

If that’s not enough, Audi offers a ‘carbon and black package’ which replaces chrome trim with, you guessed it, “real carbon fibre” mirror caps, boot spoiler, and black exterior trim for $3,500.

There are more practical packages like the premium plus package which adds a panoramic sunroof, laser headlights and Bang & Olufson sound system. Audi also offers a sports package for the A5 with 20-inch alloy wheels and Nappa leather with contrast stitching.

The updated A5 range will arrive in Australia in October after the more traditional A4 in Coupe, Sportback and Cabriolet body styles, giving prospective buyers a glut of options to choose from.

2020 Audi A5 pricing

All prices are before on-road costs

A5 40TFSI Sportback/Coupe – $70,900 (up $1,000)
A5 40TFSI Cabriolet – $85,400  (up $1,000)
A5 45TFSI Sportback/Coupe – $79,900 (up $1,000)
A5 45TFSI Cabriolet – $93,400 (up $1,000)
Carbon and black package – $3,500
40TFSI premium plus package – $6,200
45TFSI premium plus package – $2,450
S Line sport package – $6,050-$6,250