Compared: 2023 Audi A4 vs. 2023 Audi A5

Two doors or four, these Audi models pair luxury and performance with technology.

Mark Hacking | 

Feb 13, 2024 | 3 min read

Audi

The Audi A4 is one of the staples of the German carmaker's lineup and has been since it was introduced almost 30 years ago. The Audi A5 is a more recent addition, joining the lineup in 2007. But from an engineering standpoint, they're similar vehicles, sharing platforms, powertrains, and all sorts of other things except body styles.

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Four Doors Is Cheaper Than Two

The current Audi A4 is the fifth generation of this stalwart sedan, introduced for the 2017 model year. The current A4 line consists of three models. The mainstay A4 is complemented by the higher-performance S4, while the A4 Allroad Quattro is an adventure-ready wagon with increased ground clearance and rugged body cladding. Pricing for the entry-level A4 Sedan, called the A4 Premium 40, starts above $41,000.

The current second-generation Audi A5 was introduced for the 2018 model year. The A5 line includes the Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, and A5 Sportback — essentially, a sleeker four-door with a rear hatchback cargo opening.

There are also high-performance S versions of the Coupe, convertible, and Sportback and even more aggressive RS versions of the coupe and Sportback. The price for the entry-level A5 coupe starts below $48,000, but its four-door Sportback variant actually undercuts the two-door with a starting price below $46,000.

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Audi A5 Is More Feature-Rich Than A4

Despite the A4 and A5 sharing so much in common, the A4 plays the generally more practical role, while the A5 is considered the more stylish choice.

When it comes to the cabin, the biggest difference is the seating capacity. The A4 can carry five occupants, the A5 Coupe only four, and the A5 Sportback can hold five. The A4 also has more cargo capacity in the trunk than the A5 coupe, with a score of 12 cubic-feet compared with 10.9. For more storage space, you might want to pick the A4 Allroad with 24.2 cu-ft or the A5 Sportback with 21.8 cu-ft.

Although space for front-seat occupants is roughly the same for the two vehicles, the A4 Sedan offers more legroom, headroom and shoulder room for rear-seat passengers than the A5 Coupe. Matched against the A5 Sportback, however, the A4 Sedan's interior measurements are roughly the same.

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In terms of standard equipment, the A4 40 comes with three-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a moonroof, a 10.1-inch center touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay plus Android Auto connectivity. Also included are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, lane-departure warning, and auto emergency braking.

The entry-level A5 coupe comes equipped with all of the standard features found on the A4 40 but adds even more comfort and convenience. The no-cost-extra amenities include ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic moonroof, power-adjustable, heated front sport seats, and a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel display.

Audi

Minimal Fuel Economy Advantage for Lower-Power Models

Although the entry-level A4 and A5 Coupe both feature turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, the performance levels are different. The A4 40 engine generates 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. It also delivers an EPA-estimated 24/33/28 mpg in city/highway/combined driving and runs on premium fuel. However, the entry A5 Sportback 40 also employs the 201-hp four-cylinder, and matches the A4 40's EPA fuel-economy figures.

The 2.0-liter turbo four in the A5 Coupe develops 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, also on premium fuel. (This engine is available in the A4 45.) The EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings for the A5 Coupe 45 are 24/32/27 mpg. Considering the power and performance advantage of the A5, that's not much of a penalty to pay at the pumps.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Mark Hacking

Mark Hacking is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years experience covering the automotive scene for some of the world's most popular publications. Mark holds an FIA International Race license and has his sights set on competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the future. He was the first automotive journalist to race in the Ferrari Challenge series (in 2013) and the Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy series (in 2019).