2018 / 2019 Audi A5 Sportback Review and Comparison

[@davidmcelfresh7675]

I appreciate that one time somebody suggested that the intro music was slightly loud, and Alex on Autos fixed it in the next video, and every video since. The details are appreciated, Alex!

[@andrewkennedy9704]

David McElfresh wish the volume of the actual review to be louder tho. He's quite quiet.

[@duranamo4297]

When he first adjusted it it was wayy to loud but now it's okay

[@gamethuat]

David McElfresh Nah man. He didn't listen enough. When that intro music first came out, the majority of people including me hated it and wanted it out (just go back to those videos and read the comments). But he decided to keep it instead :|

[@KVW22]

This car is honestly one of the most gorgous vehicles I've ever seen

[@mr.porkchop6377]

Ikr! It looks much better in person as well

[@markymarkjapan]

Agree with that.

[@COMPNOR]

@@mancityfan2004 good for you, jackass.

[@threeer02]

Long time Bimmer fan but have to say...if I was in this market, the A5 is simply gorgeous to my eyes.

[@nunuwu]

Thanks for the review. I looked at four cars, Audi A5 sportsbsck, bmw series 4 Gran coupe, Lexus is300, Jaguar e pace. I decided on Audi, because of the interior, large truck, price, and the style. It is just overall all rounded.

[@satnitcboy]

Your new slate of reviews are exceptionally thorough, especially with the comparisons at the end. No hyperbole, you let the cars speak for themselves, as much as they can given the remove of video. Well done, Alex.

[@AmziAsher]

Just bought one. My first Audi. Thank you for teaching me more about this car than the dealer did!

[@jamsbong]

congrats. It will be hard for you to own or even sit in a normal-average car like a Camry now.

[@ShawnDavid91]

​@@jamsbong Lol He's ruined now, forever changed now. So am I by the way. 2018 A5.

[@jamsbong]

@@ShawnDavid91 congratulations! Welcome to the club. 😉

[@Philh2oCo]

We got the Prestige version last August and are sublimely happy with the driving, cargo capacity, safety features, interior comfort and, surprise, mileage averaging 36pmg+ on Colorado highways. (We don't do much city driving.) A few weeks ago our Tesla M3 Dual Motor finally arrived and I thought, oh, jeez, this thing is just so much fun to drive I may have to sell the Audi. After a long-haul road trip over Thanksgiving weekend in the Tesla, then back home and getting into the Audi for a mountain run, the answer is hell no, I ain't selling. The A5 is soooo much better built, secure on snow, beefy (in a good way). On the complaint side, I do tend to hit the side of my head getting in if in a hurry and not careful. And the MMI voice-recognition for navigation, phone, anything, is nearly useless. Clearly, English is a second language to this system. I renewed the MMI subscription once for a cross-country trip but will not renew again. A waste of money.

[@iansmith3016]

How tall are you that you are hitting your head? I'm between 5'11" and 6' and am considering 2019 rs5 sportback. Hopefully the MMI is improved in the newer model, but i have little hope as the mercedes voice command is crap as well (a few family members drive Merc and complain about that and the Mercedes app).

[@markymarkjapan]

I test drive the Model 3, and decided on the Audi A5. Not mentally ready to go electric.

[@VidVoyager4559]

My God, the DETAILS! So much information. Keep up the AMAZING reviews Alex and Crew!

[@emildejong1226]

Yes, and all seemingly without taking a breadth. Amazing. You have my total admiration Alex.

[@bird718]

i really like the way the Audi A5 Sportback looks

[@markymarkjapan]

Ditto!

[@mancityfan2004]

I hate how it looks. I'm a sedan lover. Nothing else. A4 A6 an A8 (and all s models.)

[@COMPNOR]

@@mancityfan2004 okay jackass. You know the sedan model exists in all Audi's from the 3 to 8's right? Also, the even numbered models have the most reliability issues.

[@1946gsp]

I’ve watched this review several times. It is the most complete and detailed review out there (although I love. Sarah-n-Tuned’s review, too). Thank you for such a great post !

[@sfg8265]

is all about taste. bought the car 3 months ago and is great... Worth the money spent...

[@breakingcycles741]

I have seen a few of these driving around town and they are even better looking in person. Audi nailed it with this car. So sexy.

[@iansmith3016]

You gotta se it in red or dark grey... it is beautiful.

[@breakingcycles741]

@@iansmith3016 Yeah one of the ones I saw was in Daytona Grey which is my favorite color.

[@stefantasevski4525]

Who on earth would order the glossy wood interior trim in a car this modern. Besides that, great spec!

[@2025Telluride]

mine is the 2018 A5 Premium Plus Sportback s-line. It is a very awesome looking, driving machine. Tons of compliments!!

[@brenrob7403]

I'd say the compromised rear seat comfort / headroom is more than offset by the sleeker shape and far better cargo practicality. Maybe this is how automakers save the sedan: give us more sleek liftbacks

[@craiga7652]

bren rob Easy to say if you're not above average height.

[@eug3nius]

@@craiga7652 What's the chance you have three or four 6.3" guys on a drive?

[@dreawint]

all I can say is WOW! you are so knowledgeable and thorough ! And clearly know what you are talking about since you were able to rattle a plethora of facts out even while driving!! I'm shopping and overwhelmed, so this was so helpful!

[@markymarkjapan]

Man, this is one in depth review. The best I've seen, and I've seen many. I'm in Japan and just purchased a 2019 Audi A5 Sportback Quattro S-Line. The car was a demo model and has roughly 200 km on it. The main difference I see with the 2019 vs. 2020 A5, besides price, is the 2019 doesn't have the touch screen and the front end a tad different. I do love that the A5 has real dual exhausts. I traded in my 2014 (75,000 km) A3 1.8 liter Quattro which I am going to miss. The A5 here, or any Audi for that matter, is not cheap. In Japan you pay a premium price for imports and there's a 10% sales tax (Yes, 10%). Anyway, loved my A3 and hoping the A5 makes me forget about it soon. Thanks for the review.

[@jamsbong]

Me too. I got mine about a month ago. 2019 A5 sportsback. The DSG is just incredible, this is one gearbox that makes me forget about manual gearbox.

[@sonicethos2872]

I would have to agree with many others - The intro audio clip is so obnoxiously grating that I fast forward through it as quickly as humanly possible. The intro is quite simply in stark contrast to Alex's consistently thorough and professionally produced reviews. More importantly, as a 2014 A5 owner, I am extremely fond of the 'new' A5 Sportback and can't wait until it has been been on the market for 3-4 years before I buy one ;)

[@grigiogt8793]

Thank you! I love my 2019 A5 sport back 45 TFSI S-line Black edition. It’s a beautiful car and your review provided so much useful information.

[@pistolpete6321]

Can’t really argue with your logic when comparing the A5 with its direct competitors, well done video!

[@alexsosna7180]

My current dream car. My only concern is reliability. I don't mind normal maintenance but frequent breakdowns would keep me from buying it. Consumer Reports has Audi ranked really high and I've heard they're really good quality. The Stinger would be the way to go if they refresh the design and interior more like the new K5

[@georgemcmurrayiii4633]

That was a great comprehensive video, and it brought me up to speed on the features pretty quick. THANKS

[@sak1339]

Really nice personal car, with good looks and performance.

[@josephcrangle4669]

Great review! Exhaustively detailed (but not exhausting). As usual, you answer all my questions, especially about competitive products before I can think of them. Ironically, you might have sold me on the Kia Stinger. The A5, like other Audi products is a gorgeous product, but the premium to get into a German luxury brand is frightening. There's a reason Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is doing so well.

[@Philh2oCo]

Finally, thanks for the tip on lowering the middle section of the rear seat. The dealership we first shopped and the dealership we purchased from both said the rear sear only folds as 2-and-1. To be sure, the latch is tricky to find at first.

[@jamsbong]

The Stinger is appropriately priced in my view. The fit and finish is just very poor on the KIA. Any Audi is light-years ahead in terms of quality. Audi quattro are incredible on snowy days. This is one car that can be safely driven at 10-20 mph faster than any other car on the road during a heavy snow storm. The handling is just that good. I've owned BMW xdrive and a few Audis, the xdrive is quite embarrassingly poor in snow conditions, I get overtaken by 20 years old pickup trucks in the Bimmer. In an Audi, the quattro AWD makes me feel like I have super power.

[@rlgwoody8966]

Alex, Thanks for another in-depth review. Your segment comparisons versus the car you review are the best KZbin has to offer. As for my selection, based on features and overarching value ... Kia Stinger GT2. You get a lot of car for your money.

[@EMITzzz]

Wow today i just looking for good review about this car and information stuff, and then suddenly you posted this!!! Thank you soooo much

[@jjayguy23]

timemanu it was meant to be!!

[@badevil18]

Great review Alex! Best car review so far!

[@stevieg3078]

Excellent review as usual. I was comparing the A5 Sportback to the S5....seems like the A5 is the better choice.

[@eug3nius]

This car is a huge win for Audi.

[@MrSweetpravin]

Sir...you are really really really helpful...you covered many that non did...just perfect..

[@JamesRussoMillas]

Subaru with their similarly laid out AWD system should take note from Audi on how to do front overhangs. This car looks properly RWD proportioned.

[@markymarkjapan]

I hate Suburu. Loud, Jerky and powerless.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

After driving the Stinger, I felt that it lacked the luxuriousness and refinement of the Audi. It’ll be interesting to see how the new G70 stacks up against the Audi.

[@stArCraft168]

Best detail review on the web, for that reason I click subscribe!

[@paul7328]

10:43 can’t you just press the back shortcut button?

[@LostInSpice]

Yes.

[@mrxyz2k]

S K 😹😹😹😹😹

[@mrxyz2k]

Steven Turner 😹😹😹😹

[@halnaggar]

This is a high quality review

[@zaven3584]

I have the A4 and was surprised Alex didn't mention the cup holders... which require leaning forward and reaching, even for a 6' person. The in-cabin storage space is really limited in these cars; it's unfortunate for the price. I've also found the wind noise to be much worse in the A4 than the Q5. Finally, the electronic shifter is really annoying -- it's never obvious when you're in R/D in parking situations, and the dual-clutch takes a good fraction of a second to get into R. Done complaining for now. :)

[@lunthamtotha7029]

Here because I am getting one in a few weeks

[@trossk]

Finally! After 10 attempts, a Audi with left side steering and the word " coop: instead of " koo Pay"

[@shirazpervez2405]

Bro you got some of the best and most informative videos out there, but what is up with the intro music? Your channel is freaking awesome, in my opinion the intro music doesn't match the coolness of the channel

[@justinfontaine5539]

I bought a KIA Stinger and saved a bundle of money. Great car

[@hqmcjep13]

Very informative video... keep making more, the public, like myself, are very appreciative

[@David-lj6dq]

Excellent and well informed review

[@LifeISMagix]

Alex, could you add “Expected Reliability” to the 6 categories already used in your reviews and rate it from 1 to 10. Edmunds and other do that and it is helpful. Also, it is very important to state whether an engine takes regular or premium fuel and it would be great to mention resale value as well. I am not saying you are not doing that, but it hasn’t been consistent. Thanks

[@craiga7652]

LifeISMagix You make some good points.

[@deansmits006]

Expected reliability....it's a premium German car, which means it's not great.

[@klyxiss]

now this is a Review! Bravo! Sub!

[@jelderBEATMONSTA]

Best review on this car

[@IsolestiK]

I got Stinger GT over Audi A5. Sure, it is a KIA, but they have come a long way and Stinger is designed/engineered by Peter Schreyer/Albert Biermann. I really liked what Biermann did for BMW M series before, thus I picked Stinger.

[@kevinfromny5881]

very specific!! greatest on the youtube

[@sdh653]

I love this car

[@edgarsonromeus3333]

I like this car is the styling of a coupe with the practicality of an hatchback with the extra 2 doors but if you are tall person that’s not for you. Since mercedes sell their C class very well, I expect a « CLC » class to follow Audi and BMW. Btw Alex, I like your «easter egg » from hehe 😄, 9:23, #quattro

[@luvhuangwen77]

I think this one is much better than the 4 gran coupe.

[@tilu3303]

I got this car as a loaner when my A4 was in for service. Being a big fan of the 5th door (hatch/wagon rear gate) for more spacious and versatile carrying capacity, I thought I would be a lot more impressed than I was. The visibility out the back was not great and the liftgate was disconcertingly large considering how often I use it. It was a luxurious ride, but I was not as comfortable as in the A4. Still, I felt it had more carrying capacity than the Q5 while being much more sporty to drive.

[@normt5463]

I'd go 2018 Regal Sportback 2.0T with torque vectoring AWD for under $30K. With real leather, not fake and a bigger trunk that doubles a 2018 Honda Accord 2.0T. Add $300-600 for a ecu tune and 360 lb-ft of torque.

[@compewterbleu2]

Here’s the difference, Audi and BMW vehicles are better built, with higher-quality components that meet premium luxury car standards. Same as a really nice Times compared to even the cheapest Rolex...folks try to convince themselves something is as good as something when it’s just as good as but not the original. Nothing wrong with bargains I’m no millionaire but I know you get what you pay for. KIA makes a good vehicle, just Audi and BMW make better vehicles. A twin turbo V6 in a premium brand is going to be a different beast from BMW or Audi, one that KIA motors won’t be able to match without significant cost.

[@Siggfuggggg2000]

Love those timeless rims

[@aeriose]

The center screen infotainment system seems terrible. Especially how it works with Apple CarPlay. Hopefully, they start integrating touch screens in their next cars to actually have a good infotainment experience.

[@craiga7652]

aeriose Pretty stupid not to have touch screen.

[@carmenye1275]

As an Audi owner now and having had a touch screen, I really appreciate not having touch screen! Those finger prints drive me up the wall!!

[@aeriose]

Don't know what touchscreen you were using, but mine doesn't leave fingerprints and is faster to use than a dial. I've tried Audi, but their infotainment system is just such garbage w/ Apple CarPlay (more responsive than Mercedez though). I will give Audi credit where credit is due because their virtual cockpit was/is really cool, but having to pay an additional amount every month to keep Google Maps is just not worth it. Carplay is free and offers a variety of Apps to use with your phone.

[@tonybailey89]

I'll be purchasing the refreshed model, if you check out the 2020 A4 they FINALLY got rid of that stupid wheel and made the infotainment a 10.1" touchscreen and also kept the climate control buttons... I think this is even better than the 2nd screen on the A6 and up models!

[@broosewee]

Alex, do you have a separate video for taillight/headlight regulations for the US? It would be interesting. Progressive headlights are allowed under some conditions, a la Ford Mustang.

[@wannabedal-adx458]

I would have to dig deep to resolve the conflict between the A5, Kia Stinger, and the Buick Regal. But if I had to choose the A5, I would splurge for the S5 Prestige. Or look at a different Audi. Audi's are catching on in my personal view.

[@DavekayBSC]

One very disappointing thing - Audi for whatever reason cuts out most of their best autonomous driving tech for the US market. No traffic jam pilot assist, no autonomous parking, no outside the car automatic parking. Strangely you can get autonomous parking in a VW here, but not an Audi.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

David Kay You can thank the DOT for that.

[@khoaphan8490]

They’re probably saving those features for higher trims and next generation models in 2019

[@sjm7518]

I'm not sure what the difference is but you can get the driver assist package that includes adaptive cruise control, brake assist, active lane assist and parking system plus. I think for the better tech you're going to have to get the A6 >. I don't think your going to find any car that parks itself for $50k.

[@DavekayBSC]

SJM All of those features you can get in a Honda Civic. Parking system plus is literally just parking sensors and a camera. My 2014 Lincoln MKZ parks itself, as do most Fords that cost half as much as this Audi. In the 2017+ cars they added automatic perpendicular parking in addition to parallel. BMW and Volvo have similar systems in their cars in the US, so it's not like you can't get it here because of some US reg. Audi just doesn't bother to offer it here.

[@sjm7518]

Actually you'er right about the self parking, I forgot about Ford doing that. But, the rest have features that are similar to what Audi has but Audi does it better and some cars do offer self parking. They just don't advertise all their options. The screen resolution is better and bigger etc. Compare the 2018 A6, A7, A8; they have better tech than any of the main stream cars companies.Audi also has things like open door alert that tells you when a car is coming so you won't get your door taken off by a passing car. That, to me is better than self parking but you might disagree. Audi builds luxury cars so if you don't want to pay for what makes it such then you'll be happy with a Honda. My real point is that you can't get everything unless you spend a lot of money.

[@namangupta5064]

Audi A5 anyday

[@aaron___6014]

How does the second row get an 8 if you can't move your feet, sit up straight, or see to the side? And why aren't heated seats standard? A Hyundai under $25k has them.

[@silentrefusal9911]

Why weren't Infiniti Q50 (60) and Genesis G-70 not included in the comparison section?

[@gregfoles5480]

Fides Because of the hatch, the Stinger is a competitor of the A5. The G70 competes with the A4.

[@TheSmurf1973]

I have an 2011 A5 Sportback S-line. Its a beautiful car. I actually prefer it to the styling of the new model.

[@mancityfan2004]

I hate the a5 and the a7 (and s5 and s7) because they are hatchbacks and not sedans.

[@mortezalitkoohi4846]

Very useful contents 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrHav1k]

lol. BMW got shit on throughout the entire video as they should. They've slipped and are no longer the segment leader they once were. They got complacent and skid by on their name. Given BMW has the shittiest reliability of the German big 3, nobody should buy their vehicles until they get that resolved.

[@maestroadam]

Am I remiss in remembering that Audis from about 15 years ago never had hard materials lower on the centre console?

[@silentrefusal9911]

Besides maintenance on Alfa Romeo Giulia, what about parts availability and their price?? I think much costlier than Audi's

[@sanghoonlee5171]

0:41 From the front, no other sports sedan looks half as good. From the rear... oh god Audi, why did you do that?? They've RUINED the tail lights.

[@ahlsn7346]

Are you of Swedish origin? You have Swedish tracks in the playlist at 10:42

[@JDMHero47]

Alex, I think it is more correct to say that this is architecturally equivalent to a subaru, and that it's its own unique architecture. Saying it's like a bmw or Mercedes or Lexus will just drive those other brand owners nuts, because the driving feel between them is drastically different when you start pushing corners.

[@silentrefusal9911]

That motor bike at 16:04... 👍👍

[@rda6481]

Excellent review!

[@andrewg2586]

Hi Alex how would you compare this car to an Infiniti Q50?

[@TropicielPablo]

10:21 I see what you did there Alex ;)

[@EARLandPEARL-c3i]

my favorite Audi but is a Stinger better alternative?

[@colelockridge5816]

No. I mean the GT will have more pickup but Audi quality is hundred times better.

[@joecool9739]

Heres the simple answer: One is an Audi The other is a Kia People with money arent even considering the Kia.

[@colelockridge5816]

Bill H yeah but you get one hell of an engine in those. When I drove a charger hellcat. This was after I'd gotten out of a v6 charger sxt plus. The interior is garbage, it doesn't handle well. But you know what. The second I hit the gas I forgot about all of that. Its amazing how tons of power can transform how you look at a car.

[@joecool9739]

Cole Lockridge Dont hellcat variants get a sumptuous laguna leather interior?

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Bill H Anyone who buys an FCA product is an imbecile.

[@syedalirazashamsi8408]

Love this car

[@MrHav1k]

I want this, but in coupe form.

[@verygood7155]

The reason he wont mention whether the sun visors extend or slide is because he didn't think of it himself and he ignores viewers who ask him to include it in his reviews.

[@rosemont5339]

How does that size comparison chart scale? It’s hard for me to make sense of it.

[@syedalam6363]

Why don't you put the IS300 in that leg room chart?

[@theomamba]

How many 6:5 foot people do you know bro?

[@terrykarlin4340]

Alex, do you have any plans to review the 2018 Buick Regal GS?

[@clairekennedy8767]

Hope you'll review the A5 convertible 😊

[@mistertee5000]

Solid review!

[@Stewbert_72]

Does this have parking assist plus ?

[@BrogeKilrain]

I wish Audi gave the S5 a more aggressive sport look and the RS5 be what it needs, then take the RS5 and give it a better race look.

[@MrPodgoon]

Does premium plus A5 sportback comes with multi color interior ambient lights?

[@SighTology]

MrPodgoon no this is for prestige trim level only. Don’t even think it was an option for me (I own premium plus A5)

[@ginzero]

Wonder how VW Arteon will compare against this..

[@dannybear48393]

I like your shoes!

[@destincoutee7377]

Can you do a BTS for your videos?

[@swanblake]

Who ever asked form the Buick Regal to be included needs to get there head checked. GM fan boys clearly. FWD pos

[@rogerford703]

Great review! Nice looking car. No touch screen though?? Really? Kind of brutal

[@austinformedude]

No nasty fingerprints all over the place either. :)

[@gogasakva3631]

would you recommend A5 over C300 ?

[@Philh2oCo]

Not even in the ballpark given the storage on the A5 vs. the imposing cross bar inside the truck of the C300 that runs crosswise below the rear window. Even with C300 rear seats folded down it limits what you can pass through. (Ok, I took one of our Osprey suitcases with me to the MB dealership to test. Fail.) C300 also comes up way short on the tech/safety features but expect them to catch up with next the model revision. Another fun fact: if I had to I could sleep in the back of the A5 easier than I can in our 2012 Honda CR-V.

[@dosethree-q6b]

do an audi allroad review

[@Steelviper61]

Good job Alex as always. 2 things. I literally had anxiety attack watching how cramped you were in the back seat, there is no way I could ever sit back there and I would feel horrible asking someone other than a small child to even consider sitting back there. Also, what is it with these IPad looking systems that are now going on the dash? Toyota does it, and I may be in the minority but I feel it gives it an out of place look, almost clunky even. I think it would be better to just leave the dash alone and put everything in the HUD display. Thanks again for your expertise in auto evaluation sir.

[@jons4717]

I agree 100%! I hate that display sitting on the dashboard, ruins the lines. I have a 2015 A4, and the display is built into the dashboard, the way it should be!

[@tsint]

Swedish songs in your playlist?!

[@tomeng9520]

tsint. Good music taste in that playlist.

[@rohansabharwal8101]

Did this man just compare a kia to an audi 1:25

[@nrborod1]

...or the VW Arteon?

[@yunohu386]

Hey Alex, why didn't you compare this to the Mercedes CLA?

[@Whoracle8531]

i think the CLA is way smaller

[@Okenpo]

CLA is Subcompact.