2018 Audi A5 Sportback

Kia Stinger Base is one of the primary competitors of the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback. BMW 430i Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz C300 also give the sports sedan a run for the money. Major selling points of Audi A5 Sportback includes elegance body styling, spacious interiors and a powerful and robust engine.

The latest Audi A5 Sportback is available in three trims, namely Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Pricing options for the trims start from $42,600, $45,600 and $50,200, respectively. All feats available to the Premium trim are available in the Premium Plus in addition to some more features. Likewise, the Prestige trim covers all feats of Premium Plus, plus some exclusive features.

Trims	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
MSRP	$42,600	$45,600	$50,200
Key Features	Audi smartphone interface including Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto	Everything on Premium and:	Everything on Premium Plus and:
	18" 10-spoke-dynamic design wheels with 245/40 93H all-season tires	Audi side assist and Audi pre sense rear with Rear cross traffic assist & Vehicle exit assist	Audi virtual cockpit and Head-up display with navigation and assistance systems information
	Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense basic	Audi connect CARE assistance and security services	Six-month trial subscription to Audi connect PRIME and Audi connect PLUS online services
	Rear view camera with 7.0" center color display	Full LED headlights	Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, 19 speakers, 16-channel amplifier and 755 watts
		Audi advanced key—keyless start, stop and entry with hands-free trunk/tailgate release	MMI navigation plus with MMI touch with handwriting-recognition technology
		Heated front seats with driver memory	Parking system plus with top view camera system

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Each one of the three trims of the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback has their own distinctions. For instance, the base model or the Premium trim is the cheapest that one can get. However, the Prestige offers the best feats that one can enjoy having in the Audi A5 Sportback. Premium Plus trim is $3k more than that of the Premium trim. The Prestige trim costs $4600 more than that of the Premium Plus trim.

All Premium features are available in the Premium Plus trim in addition to a few more. Likewise, all Premium Plus feats are supported by the Prestige trim with some exclusive features. However, there aren’t many additions to the Prestige trim. Therefore, we suggest that the best trim among the trio to go for is the Premium Plus trim.

"The redesigned 2018 Audi A5 has all the makings of a fun-to-drive luxury small car. It gives you a choice between two energetic powertrains and comes standard with all-wheel drive. The ride is smooth and the brakes are strong."- cars.usnews

Engine and Transmission

The Audi A5 Sportback comes with a 2.0L TFSI 4 Cylinder engine. It is capable of generating 252 hp of power and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The power offered by Audi A5 Sportback is second only to Kia Stinger Base’s 255 hp. Nonetheless, the amount of torque generated is highest in the league. Mercedes-Benz C300 also offers the same amount of torque but less, 241 hp, power.

Models	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
MSRP	$42,600	$44,600	$40,250	$31,900
Engine	2.0L TFSI 4 Cylinder	2.0L DOHC 16-Valve 4-Cylinder Turbocharged	2.0L Turbo I4	2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo 4-Cylinder
Transmission	7-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	252 hp	248 hp	241 hp	255 hp
Torque	273 lb-ft	258 lb-ft	273 lb-ft	260 lb-ft

2018 Audi A5 Sportback offers 7-speed automatic transmission mode. Both BMW 430i Gran Coupe and Kia Stinger Base comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission mode. Mercedes-Benz C300, on the other hand, offers a 9-speed automatic transmission mode.

Acceleration

2018 Audi A5 Sportback takes about 5.7 seconds to hit 60 MPH from 0 MPH. Evidently, it is not something that can be labeled as great. However, it is slightly better than that offered by the Mercedes-Benz C300, 5.8 seconds, and Kia Stinger Base, 5.9 seconds. The BMW 430i Gran Coupe takes 5.6 seconds to accomplish the same feat. In terms of covering a quarter-mile, Audi A5 Sportback is the slowest as it takes 15.2 seconds to do so.

Models	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
0-60 MPH	5.7 sec	5.6 sec	5.8 sec	5.9 sec
Quarter mile	15.2 sec	14.5 sec	14.6 sec	12.9 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.5	6.6	6.6	7.4

BMW 430i Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz G300 are close competitors in terms of quarter-mile distance time. 14.5 seconds and 14.6 seconds, respectively. Kia Stinger Base outshines all rides in the competition by taking 12.9 seconds to cover a quarter-mile. Unfortunately, it has the highest CO2 emission value of 7.4. While 430i Gran Coupe and G300 ties at 6.6, Audi A5 Sportback has a slightly better 6.5 CO2 emission value.

Ride and Handling

Audi A5 Sportback flaunts a precise handling. Its smooth looks resonate with the handling and steering. There isn’t much effort that needs to be put for taking out the best driving experience from the sports sedan. Moreover, the engine is powerful and braking is soft and effectual. So no matter whether you’re driving in packed city roads or highways, driving experience is as good as it gets.

Also, the car packs several features to help with the driving. These feats ensure that you have the best driving experience, regardless of the driving conditions. Though the car is not able to cope up with harsh weather conditions, it is above average in normal to bad weather conditions.

Braking

2018 Audi A5 Sportback has a 13.3 inches front brake and 13.0 inches rear brake. Overall, the braking system is well-balanced and easy to adapt to. It takes 112 feet for coming to a full halt, from 60 MPH in panic situations.

Model	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
Brake Front(in)	13.3	13.0	13.0	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	13.0	11.8	11.8	12.4
Curb Weight(lbs)	3704	3680	3472	3611
60-0 MPH (ft.)	112	N/A	109	113

The braking performance of the Audi A5 Sportback Premium is somewhat better than that offered by the Kia Stinger Base, 113 feet. Mercedes-Benz C300 comes to a full halt at a distance of 109, better than both the Stinger Base and Audi A5 Sportback.

With a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg, the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback makes for an economical ride. On city roads, the sports sedan deliver 24 mpg, shooting all the way to 34 mpg in highway conditions. The fuel economy offered by the latest entry of Audi A5 Sportback is superior to the 25 mpg supported by the Kia Stinger Base.

Model	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
MPG (City)	24	24	24	22
MPG (Highway)	34	34	33	29
MPG (Combined)	27	27	28	25

BMW 430i Gran Coupe delivers the same 27 mpg combined fuel economy as that of the Audi A5 Sportback. Mercedes-Benz C300 provides a slightly better, the combined fuel economy of 28 mpg. 24 mpg in city conditions and 33 mpg on highways.

"The redesigned 2018 Audi A5 looks great inside. There is a wealth of top-notch materials, and the design is sleek and modern. The front seats are exceptional. The rear seats are spacious enough in Sportback models, but pretty cramped in other body styles."- cars.usnews

Seating and Comfort

Comfort is a primary aspect of Audi A5 Sportback. The latest entry can carry as much as 5 passengers at a time. Front headroom, shoulder room and legroom offered by the sports sedan are 39.4, 55.7 and 41.3 inches, respectively. Disappointingly, the front legroom flaunted by the ride is lowest among the competition. The most, front legroom is offered by Kia Stinger Base, 42.6 inches.

Model	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	N/A	N/A	88.2	93.8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.4/55.7/41.3	39.8/54.8/42.2	37.1/55.3/41.7	38.3/56.4/42.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.0/54.5/35.1	37.2/54.3/33.7	37.1/55.5/35.2	37/54.8/36.4

The second headroom, shoulder room and legroom available in Audi A5 Sportback are 37.0, 54.5 and 35.1 inches, respectively. Once again, Kia Stinger Base offers the most second legroom of 36.4 inches. BMW 430i Gran Coupe offers the least second legroom of 33.7 inches.

Infotainment System

2018 Audi A5 Sportback features a 7.0-inch infotainment system. It allows connectivity with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moreover, with the 12.3-inch instrument cluster, it allows the driver to customize info and make navigation better. This is dubbed the Audi virtual cockpit. With smartphone interface, the infotainment system allows passengers to use navigation, music, and telephone from a smartphone.

On the other hand, various infotainment features can be controlled using the MMI interface, voice or steering wheel controls. The MMI technology allows the driver to write something rather than merely using number, symbols, and letters. Audi Connect is available for integrating Google Earth, weather info and traffic details to make navigation simple and powerful.

Let,s have a look at what all infotainment features it provides us apart from the above-discussed features:

• Memory Card Slot
• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
• 10 Total Speakers
• USB Connection

Interior Features

Most part of the Audi A5 Sportback interiors is much similar to the new A4 sedan and the A5 Coupe. Nonetheless, it has its own feats to boast about. Interiors of the latest entry into the Audi A5 Sportback features:

• Essential departure from the previous homely look
• Futuristic setting with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit
• Enhanced content, ergonomics, and style
• A big hatch at the rear, making the cargo hold easily accessible

Cargo Capacity

With a trunk volume of 21.8 cubic feet, there’s plenty of storage space inside the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback. It is second only to Kia Stinger Base’s 23.3 cubic feet. BMW 430i Gran Coupe offers 17.0 cubic feet of trunk volume, while C300 offers the least. Mercedes-Benz C300 offers only 12.6 cubic feet of trunk volume.

Model	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
Volume (ft cube)	21.8	17.0	12.6	23.3

"The A5 Sportback is essentially a smaller version of the captivating A7, blending a 4-door coupe silhouette with an upward-rising power liftgate that hides a good-sized rear cargo bay."- Kelley Blue Book

Dimension and Weight

Audi A5 Sportback has the most curb weight of 3704 lbs. in the competition. Next is the BMW 430i Gran Coupe with 3680 lbs. of curb weight. The Kia Stinger Base delivers a marginally better curb weight of 3611 lbs. Besides, Mercedes-Benz C300 is the lightest with 3472 lbs. of curb weight.

Length, width, and height of 2018 Audi A5 Sportback are 186.3 inches, 72.6 inches, and 54.6 inches, respectively. Mercedes-Benz C300 has the lowest ground clearance of 4.1 inches in the league. Second is the Audi A5 Sportback with 4.5 inches of ground clearance. While Kia Stinger Base has 5.0 inches of ground clearance, 430i Gran Coup has the most of it, 5.1 inches.

Model	Audi A5 Sportback Premium	BMW 430i Gran Coupe	Mercedes-Benz C300	Kia Stinger Base
Curb weight(lbs)	3704	3680	3472	3611
Length(in)	186.3	182.5	184.5	190.2
Width(in)	72.6	71.8	71.3	73.6
Height(in)	54.6	54.6	57.0	55.1
Ground clearance(in)	4.5	5.1	4.1	5.0
Wheelbase(in)	111.2	110.6	111.8	114.4
Track width(in) F/R	62.5/61.7	60.8/62.8	61.5/60.9	62.8/64.8

Audi A5 Sportback has a wheelbase of 111.2 inches. This is 0.6 inches, more than that of the 430i, and less than that of the C300. Kia Stinger Base has the maximum wheelbase of 114.4 inches among the competition.

Exterior Features
The all-new 2018 Audi A5 Sportback is about looks and style. Though the ride shares mechanical similarities with the A4, it adds elegance to a sedan. The latest entry into the Audi A5 family flaunts to have:

• A beautiful body styling
• Sharp and precise wave-design Shoulder line
• Pronounced wheel arches
• Wide rear horizontal design lines

2018 Audi A5 Sportback offers one of the best safety ratings. It comes with power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy. Moreover, it has an effectual anti-theft alarm system at its disposal. There is a safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger system available too.

It has 5-star ratings for side barrier rating, overall side crash rating and overall rating. Overall frontal barrier crash rating and frontal carrier crash rating driver is awarded a 4-star rating. Moreover, it has superior front crash prevention.

Safety Features

• Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, knee airbags and front head/thorax side airbags
• Front passenger occupant detection for airbags
• Power central locking system with safety unlock feature if airbags deploy
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
• Lower anchors for child seats in rear seats
• Electromechanical parking brake

Safety Ratings by NHSTA

Overall Rating	5 Star
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver	4 Star
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger	4 Star
Overall Side Crash Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Driver	5 Star
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat	5 Star
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Rating Front Seat	5 Star
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat	5 Star
Rollover Rating	5 Star

IIHS Safety Rating

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance & Mitigation
Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal
LATCH	Good

BMW 430i Gran Coupe Vs Audi A5 Hatchback

Featuring a 2.0L Turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder engine, the BMW 430i Gran Coupe is in league with the Audi A5. Pricing options for the car start from $44,600, $2k more than that of the price-tag for Audi A5 Sportback Premium. It has slightly lesser power and torque capacity, 248 hp and 258 lb.-ft. respectively. On the flip side, the 430i offers slightly better acceleration.

In terms of fuel economy, BMW 430i and Audi A5 offer the same 27 mpg. The wheelbase of 430i is 0.6 inches less than that of the 111.2 inches of Audi A5. Nonetheless, it has 5.1 inches of ground clearance, about 0.6 inches more than that of the Audi A5 Sportback.

Kia Stinger Base Vs Audi A5 Hatchback

With pricing options starting from $31,900, Kia Stinger Base is the most inexpensive ride in the competition. Its 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine imparts the ride with 255 hp power and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. It comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission mode. Even though it has the slowest 0-60 MPH time of 5.9 seconds, it offers the best quarter-mile coverage time of 12.9 seconds.

However, it takes the most distance of 113 feet for coming to a halt during emergencies from 60 MPH to 0 MPH. Also, it offers the lowest fuel economy of 25 mpg in the league. Nonetheless, it has a better ground clearance of 5.0 inches.

Mercedes-Benz C300 Vs Audi A5 Hatchback

The C300 is a small sedan from Mercedes-Benz. Pricing for the coupe starts from $40,250, about $2,350 less than that of the Audi A5’s base model. It packs a 2.0L Turbo I4 engine, capable of delivering 241 hp of power and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. While the power is little lesser than that of Audi A5 Sportback, torque is exactly the same. It allows for a 9-speed automatic transmission mode.

In terms of acceleration, Mercedes-Benz C300 is no better than the Audi A5 Sportback. However, it is much lighter than the same with a curb weight of 3472 lbs. In fact, it is the lightest ride in the competition. Its 60-0 MPH distance of 109 feet and a fuel economy of 28 mpg are also impressive.

2018 Audi A5 Sportback is an elegant sports sedan with above average performance, great fuel economy, and spacious interiors. Moreover, there are several customizations available for the coupe, making it a lucrative option altogether. However, its curb weight is much or less of concern for those aiming for a lightweight sedan. Also, acceleration is sluggish.

Audi A5 Sportback isn’t meant for those eyeing for a sedan with powerful performance only. It is intended to provide several great feats in a single package. Therefore, for those seeking a sports sedan that’s a sort of all-rounder, the 2018 Audi A5 Sportback is ideal to go for.