2021 Audi A5: A Sophisticated and Stylish Premium Coupe, Convertible, and Sportback
The 2021 Audi A5 family continues its tradition of blending elegant design, engaging performance, and advanced technology. Available as a sleek Coupe, a wind-in-your-hair Cabriolet, and a versatile Sportback, the A5 offers a premium experience for a variety of discerning drivers. For 2021, Audi introduced a refreshed exterior design, updated infotainment, and enhanced standard features across the lineup, solidifying its position as a top contender in the competitive luxury segment.
Highlights
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Powertrain: The core of the A5's performance comes from a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. In its standard configuration, it produces a respectable 201 horsepower. For those seeking a bit more pep, an optional 261 horsepower tune is available, offering a more spirited driving dynamic. Both engines are paired with a smooth and responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (S tronic), known for its quick shifts. Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel drive system is standard on all A5 models, providing exceptional grip and confidence in various road conditions.
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Safety Features: The 2021 Audi A5 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience. Standard across all trims is Audi Pre Sense city, which utilizes sensors to detect vehicles and pedestrians, automatically applying brakes to help avoid or mitigate collisions. Also standard is Audi Pre Sense basic, which can detect potential collision scenarios and initiate preventative measures like closing windows and tightening seatbelts. Available advanced safety features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can also handle steering in slow-moving traffic.
- Active Lane Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane by providing subtle steering interventions.
- Side Assist (Blind-Spot Monitoring): Warns the driver of vehicles in their blind spots.
- Parking System plus (Front and Rear Acoustic Sensors): Assists with parking maneuvers by providing audible warnings of obstacles.
- High Beam Assist: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic conditions.
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Trims: The 2021 A5 is offered in three well-appointed trims, each offering increasing levels of luxury and sportiness:
- Premium: The entry-level trim still boasts a premium experience with features like a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 10.1-inch MMI touch display.
- Premium Plus: This mid-tier trim builds upon the Premium with the addition of features such as a virtual cockpit (a fully digital instrument cluster), wireless Apple CarPlay, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and power-folding side mirrors.
- Prestige: The top-tier Prestige trim elevates the A5 with even more advanced amenities, including a head-up display, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, ventilated front seats, and advanced lighting features.
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Other Notable Aspects:
- Refreshed Exterior Design: The 2021 A5 received a subtly updated exterior, featuring a wider, flatter Singleframe grille, redesigned headlights and taillights with new LED signatures, and revised bumper styling, giving it a sharper and more modern appearance.
- Updated Infotainment: The MMI touch infotainment system received a significant upgrade, now featuring a larger 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen with haptic feedback. It offers intuitive control of navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay is now standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims.
- Versatile Sportback: The A5 Sportback stands out with its five-door configuration, offering a more practical solution for those who need easier access to the rear seats and a larger, more versatile cargo area without sacrificing the coupe-like styling.
What to Expect
The ownership experience of a 2021 Audi A5 is generally characterized by its premium feel, sophisticated driving dynamics, and consistent reliability. Audi vehicles are known for their high-quality interior materials, comfortable seating, and a quiet cabin, contributing to a refined and enjoyable ride. The quattro all-wheel-drive system instills a sense of confidence, especially in challenging weather.
Maintenance: Like most luxury vehicles, the A5 will typically require scheduled maintenance at intervals recommended by Audi, usually every 10,000 miles or annually. This will include oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections of various systems. While routine maintenance is comparable to other vehicles in its class, specialized parts or extensive repairs could be more costly. Audi offers various maintenance packages that can help manage these costs.
Insurance: Due to its premium classification, luxury features, and performance capabilities, insurance premiums for the 2021 Audi A5 are likely to be higher than for mainstream sedans or coupes. Factors such as your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly influence the final cost.
Potential Considerations
While the 2021 Audi A5 is a highly desirable vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of a few aspects:
- Rear Seat Space (Coupe and Cabriolet): The Coupe and Cabriolet variants of the A5, by their nature, have limited rear-seat space. While they technically offer seating for four, the rear seats are best suited for children or occasional use by adults on shorter journeys.
- Infotainment Learning Curve: While the updated MMI touch system is impressive, some users may find it has a slight learning curve to master all of its features and menus. However, its intuitive layout and responsiveness generally make it easy to adapt to.
- Ride Comfort vs. Sportiness: While the A5 offers a good balance, some drivers seeking an exceptionally plush and isolated ride might find it slightly firmer, particularly with larger wheel options. Conversely, those prioritizing outright sportiness might desire more aggressive suspension tuning than what's offered in the standard A5 models.
Overall Summary
The 2021 Audi A5 is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a stylish, well-equipped, and dynamically competent premium vehicle. Its elegant design, refined interior, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and updated technology make it a strong contender in the luxury coupe, convertible, and sportback segments. Whether you opt for the practical Sportback, the classic Coupe, or the open-air Cabriolet, the A5 delivers a premium ownership experience that balances performance, comfort, and advanced safety features.
