2023 Audi A5 Sportback

Before crossovers rose to prominence, the battle between sedans and hatchbacks raged, but why settle for one or the other when you can have the best of both worlds? The 2023 Audi A5 Sportback proves that you can have all the style and sportiness of a coupe-style body while still enjoying superior practicality, at least as far as cargo is concerned. The sloping roofline still means that taller passengers won't enjoy the back seat, though. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard, in two states of tune, delivering up to 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This puts it in a good position to go up against the sporty BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, one of the most capable sports execs in the USA. There aren't many other direct competitors to the Audi A5 Sportback. Standard quattro all-wheel drive and a good selection of driver-assistance features help round out the A5 Sportback and keep it highly competitive.

The price of the 2023 Audi A5 Sportback begins at $44,600 MSRP for the 40 TFSI Premium. From there, the 40 TFSI goes up to $49,700 for the Premium Plus and $55,000 for the Prestige.

The more powerful S line 45 TFSI starts at $46,700 for the Premium before increasing to $51,800 for the Premium Plus and $56,250 for the Prestige.

These prices exclude taxes and licensing. Besides this, the MSRP for the Audi A5 Sportback also excludes a destination charge.

This may not be an RS model, but the 2023 A5 Sportback is still a solid foundation for a sports coupe with the potential to thrill its driver. The quattro AWD system ensures that traction is never lacking, and it also does a good job of ensuring equitable distribution of power. The Sportback always feels surefooted, and the steering has a pleasing weighting to it.

The suspension is well-balanced and able to soak up bumps when cruising down the highway or remain composed when cornering at speed. It's not firm enough for truly spirited driving, but it works perfectly in this less powerful iteration of the Audi A5. The brakes are more than capable of bringing the car to a halt quickly and safely, and there is good feedback when applying them. The overall driving experience is laidback and enjoyable, ideal for a sporty exec and everyday commuter.

If there is a weak point, it's that the Audi isn't as engaging or sporty to drive as the 4 Series Gran Coupe. Most prospective customers will walk away from an Audi A5 Sportback test drive review impressed with the car's range of capabilities, though.

There is little, if anything, to complain about when it comes to the Audi A5 Sportback. It's not the most powerful vehicle on the market, nor is it the most athletic. However, it has enough kick to comfortably cruise down the highway or zip between traffic lights in town. Handling is impressive, too, with loads of traction supplied by the quattro all-wheel drivetrain. The standard suspension ensures a comfortable drive, while the available sports suspension adds some flair for fun, which goes well with the stronger turbo four-cylinder engine.

Features-wise, the new Audi A5 Sportback sedan has all the essentials, but some of the desirable extras are overly expensive. The Sportback body style is great to look at, but it's a double-edged sword in terms of practicality. Rear passengers sacrifice some headroom, but the overall increase in cargo capacity is well worth it. The fact that it has a reasonable price tag and surprisingly efficient fuel economy only enhances its attractiveness, especially among discerning shoppers who want a well-balanced daily car.

It's hard to pass up the more powerful 45 TFSI engine, which makes the compact sportback feel quite lively. It also comes paired with a sport suspension that improves handling and cornering when you feel the desire to push the car's limits. Since a few extra features come standard with the stronger engine, it actually costs less to upgrade the engine specification if you're already looking at the top-tier Prestige trim. However, with the 2023 upgrades, the Premium Plus looks extremely attractive and comes in at a slightly lower cost. The surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control are nice-to-have features at this level. When you're buying German, though, it's considered unusual to settle for anything less than the best.