2020 Audi A5 Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Consumers who are rebelling against the SUV craze and find themselves in the market for a sporty little car will love the 2020 Audi A5. It has received a few significant visual updates, making it a more compelling choice than ever before. When comparing it to the competition, it is important to be fully aware of both the pros and cons. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

What's New for 2020?

This year, Audi gives the A5 what is known as a mid-cycle refresh. Cosmetic changes were made, including a new grille design and new tailpipes. The grille gets wider, flatter, and will show off larger intakes. Also new for 2020 are standard LED head and taillights on all three trim levels. Finally, the MMI infotainment system gets updated for this model year. This update was designed to make the voice recognition of the system more accurate.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Audi A5 – The Pros

1. Advanced Lighting Options

The 2020 Audi A5 makes a lasting impression. When seeing it from behind, people will notice the LED taillights with available animation. This animation feature "greets" drivers when they approach or leave their vehicle. With or without the animation feature, the taillights have integrated dynamic turn signals. In the front, the available Matrix LED headlights have an impressive 32 LED lights. These headlights can also greet drivers.

2. Sporty Interior

In the cabin of the A5, buyers will find standard leather seating and eight-way power-adjustable front seats. Power lumbar adjustment is included for the driver's seat only. Both of the front seats are bolstered to give them a sporty feel. Available touches include Alcantara as well as the Audi Sport rhombus design. Adding the S Line package takes the interior look to the next level by giving it a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel. It also gives the steering wheel shift paddles, a feature that many performance-oriented drivers enjoy.

3. Quattro All-Wheel-Drive

One thing that sets the 2020 Audi A5 apart from many competitors is the standard all-wheel-drive. This system constantly monitors for any lost traction. When this happens, it automatically sends power the wheel or wheels that have maintained the most traction, helping to maintain stability. This feature not only makes the Audi A5 safer, but it also makes it even more thrilling to drive.

4. Engaging Engine

Standard across the board for the 2020 Audi A5 is a powerful yet decently efficient turbo 2.0L four-cylinder that will generate 248-horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers will find that is plenty of power in a vehicle of this size. With the ability to get from zero to 60 in just 5.6 seconds, the A5 can merge on the highway with ease and should appeal to the adrenaline junkies out there. Drive select is standard and gives buyers the ability to choose from Auto, Individual, Comfort, and Dynamic modes. An available sports-tuned suspension upgrade will lower the vehicle's center of gravity and further improves the handling of this car.

5. Long List of Standard Features

Audi has named the entry-level model of their A5 the Premium. It lives up to this name by giving buyers a long list of tech, comfort, and convenience features. Keyless entry and ignition are standard. Other features found on this model include three-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, an LED interior lighting package, heated front seats, and heated auto-dimming side mirrors. Available options on the entry-level trim include the sports-tuned suspension and stylish natural wood inlays.

6. Sophisticated Prestige Trim

At the other extreme lives the Prestige trim level. This will appeal to those who want as many luxury features as possible in their 2020 Audi A5. Going with this trim means getting standard navigation, an upgraded stereo system, a head's up display, and traffic sign recognition. It also comes standard are the advanced lighting features listed above.

7. Advanced Tech Features

All models of the 2020 Audi A5 feature cutting-edge tech features. A 7-inch driver's information display and a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen are included. Smartphone integration through both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can also be found in all models. The Premium and Premium Plus trim levels have a 10-speaker sound system with a 6-channel amplifier. Going with the Prestige means getting an incredibly impressive Bang & Olufsen system with 19-speakers and a 16-channel amplifier. Also helping to enhance the music-enhancing experience is the standard "music interface" that has front data and charging USB ports. The HomeLink system, which allows drivers to program their A5 to work with compatible garage doors and security systems, is standard as well.

8. myAudi App

Available for the 2020 Audi A5 is what is known as the myAudi app. It unlocks a long list of features for drivers right on their compatible smartphone. Drivers can check how much fuel they have, lock or unlock their doors, and make sure they rolled up their windows in case it starts raining. This app also reminds drivers when their A5 needs service and allows them to make an appointment. Perhaps the most useful thing this app can do is help drivers locate their A5 when they can't remember where they parked.

9. Audi PreSense

Both Audi PreSense Basic and PreSense City are included on all three trim levels of the A5. The Basic feature is useful when the driver needs to slam on the brakes or perform other emergency maneuvers. When this happens, it automatically tightens seatbelts. It can also activate the hazards, close the sunroof, and unlock the doors, making it easier for emergency responders to get to the occupants of the vehicle after a crash. This system will also hit the brakes when it senses an imminent collision. As for PreSense City, it works very similar but is more aimed at urban settings. It scans the road ahead for pedestrians and vehicles and can help brake when needed.

10. Parking System Plus

This available feature for the 2020 Audi A5 uses acoustic sensors. These sensors help alert drivers when they are getting too close to a vehicle while parking. Relevant camera views are displayed in color on the large 10.1-inch infotainment screen. Park Steering Assist is a feature that makes parking easier still by actually steering the A5 into a space while the driver controls the throttle and brake.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Audi A5 – The Cons

1. Small Cargo Area

Although the small size of the 2020 Audi A5 may be considered a perk in many ways, its practicality is hindered by its lack of storage space. Coupe models have only 11.6 cubic feet in their trunk. An A5 cabriolet model has an ever small trunk, at only 9.3 cubic feet. There is a Sportback body style available that offers drivers 21.8 cubic feet, which is actually pretty good for this segment. There are also very few cubbies for storing smaller items inside the cabin. A power trunk is standard across the board, which helps make up a little for the lack of space.

2. High Base Price

The entry-level model of the Audi A5 has a higher price than many competitors. Those who are interested in a small luxury car can feasibly spend quite a bit less. At the same time, there may be enough standard features in this vehicle to justify its somewhat high price tag.

3. Cramped Backseat

Passengers will find that the back seat of the A5 is rather cramped. How cramped depends greatly on the body style, but they are all pretty small. The sloped roof takes away from the head room significantly. Getting in and out of the backseat can be a pain as well. At the same time, the front seats are spacious and comfortable, perhaps making this an ideal choice for a single person or a couple without children.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Buyers who are interested in the Audi A5 will have a few other vehicles to check out as well. The BMW 4 Series is similar to the A5 in many ways, but does not come standard with all-wheel-drive. The 4 Series also has fewer standard active safety features than the A5. Another small luxury car to look at would be the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. On top of not coming with AWD, this vehicle does not handle as well and many people complain that its infotainment system is difficult to use. The INFINITI Q60 has a lower starting price, but is once again lacking the AWD and also has significantly worse fuel economy.

Conclusion

The 2020 Audi A5 is a fun little vehicle that is sure to have a broad appeal. Due to its size, it is not going to be the perfect choice in every situation. Those who can get away with a smaller vehicle will not regret choosing this one, however, thanks to its powerful standard engine, driver aids, and tech features. These reasons, plus the standard all-wheel-drive, make the Audi A5 a good buy.