Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi A5 Sportback review - does it add to the coupe's appeal? - Ride and handling

The new A5 Sportback takes all the good from the coupe and puts it into a more practical package

Ride and handling

In the transformation from first to second generation, Audi significantly modified the A5’s MLB platform, reducing weight and lowering the centre of gravity. As a result the A5 and its sportier S5 sibling are more adept on the road than before, offering an impressively settled and concise ride quality with the usual unimpeachable quattro traction (where fitted).

Advertisement - Article continues below

Push a little harder and you are reminded that the A5 has its engine mostly strewn out in front of the axle, but for normal driving the Sportback is refined, smooth and feels incredibly tight on the road without being completely devoid of road feel. 

> Click here more on the upcoming Volkswagen Arteon

If you want your A5 to be able to challenge the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe on a windy road though, you will need to start ticking various option boxes. To get the best out of the A5’s chassis, you best option the adaptive dampers, as they usefully sharpen response and contain body-roll. 

Steering feel is predictably absent, although we would recommend leaving the dynamic steering option well alone, based on our experiences with other Audi systems. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks
Lotus Emira Turbo SE
Reviews

Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks

Amidst all the current hullabaloo at Hethel, a faster, sharper Emira four‐cylinder has emerged. Could it be the new pick of the range?
11 Sep 2025