Audi A5 F57 Sportback (2020–2023): Elegance, Everyday
I spent a week commuting in an Audi A5 F57 Sportback 45 TFSI and, honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Another sleek premium hatch with a fancy badge and big wheels? Then it rained, a lot, and the quattro system shrugged off the morning chaos while the cabin stayed whisper-quiet—quiet enough to hear my kids negotiating back-seat snack rights. By day three, the A5 Sportback had quietly done what Audis do best: it made everything feel easy.
What Changed in the 2020–2023 Audi A5 F57 Sportback
The 2020 refresh sharpened the A5 Sportback’s edges without messing up the recipe. You get the crisper grille and lighting signatures, revised bumpers, and inside, the rotary MMI controller gave way to a 10.1-inch touchscreen (a win for screen size, a loss if you liked the old dial). Mild-hybrid tech joined the range to help fuel economy and smooth out stop/start.
The result? A car that looks expensive without trying too hard, and feels smarter the longer you live with it.
Engines, Performance, and Ride
Most buyers gravitate to the A5 Sportback 45 TFSI: a 2.0-liter turbo four with mild-hybrid assistance, rated at 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. It’s paired with a 7‑speed dual-clutch and standard quattro. Audi quotes a mid‑five-second 0–60 mph run; my test car felt every bit that quick merging onto the motorway. Real-world economy hovered around the low-30s mpg on highway runs, mid‑20s in town—respectable for an all-wheel-drive luxury hatch.
Prefer spicier? The S5’s 349 hp V6 turns up the heat, and the RS5 Sportback is the quiet assassin with 444 hp. But the 45 TFSI hits the sweet spot for commuters: easy torque, confident traction, and a ride that stays composed even on 19s. On truly rough roads, the suspension can thump over sharp edges, but it never gets crashy.
Cabin, Tech, and Practicality
Slide in and you get the modern Audi greatest hits: the optional Virtual Cockpit, neat materials, and ergonomics that make sense straight away. The 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen is quick and clear, though it does collect fingerprints—keep a cloth in the door pocket. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, the 3D sound upgrade is worth it if you care about your playlists, and the driver-assist suite (adaptive cruise, lane-keep, top-view camera) takes the edge off city traffic.
Practicality is the A5 Sportback’s hidden ace. The hatch opening swallows luggage in a way traditional sedans just can’t; you get around 21.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. I tossed in a folded stroller, a week’s groceries, and still had space for a backpack. Rear headroom is decent for average-height adults; if you’re over six feet, you’ll want the outer seats. Child seats fit fine, though the sloping roof can ask for a bit of patience during install.
Standout Features in the Audi A5 F57 Sportback
- 2.0T 45 TFSI with mild-hybrid smoothness and strong mid-range punch
- Quattro confidence in the wet and snow
- 10.1-inch touchscreen with available Virtual Cockpit
- Big hatch opening and split-fold seats—genuinely useful
- Available adaptive dampers and Matrix-design LED headlights
Living With It: The Everyday Audi
In a week of mixed driving—school runs, a rainy B‑road blast, and a Friday night city loop—the A5 Sportback proved itself as a premium SUV alternative for people who still like to drive. Steering is accurate rather than talkative, the brake pedal is easy to modulate in town, and the cabin is quiet enough to host hushed conversations (or, occasionally, back-seat arguments you’d rather not host).
Gripes? The touchscreen-only climate shortcuts mean a second tap for certain adjustments, and some of the safety alerts are a bit eager from the factory (easy to tone down in menus). Otherwise, it’s classic Audi: thoughtful, subtle, and well made.
Must-Have Accessories: Protect the Pretty
If you’re planning to keep the interior looking box-fresh, start with floor protection. I’ve tried universal mats before—don’t. The precision-fit floor mats for the Audi A5 F57 Sportback fit properly around the seat rails and dead pedal, and they stop winter grime from chewing through your carpets. For broader Audi coverage, you can browse Audi floor mats or zero in on Audi A5 mats specifically.
Best Place to Buy
For A5 F57 Sportback owners who want OE-grade fit without the OE price, the AutoWin Eshop is an easy stop: wide selection, quick sizing for your exact model years, and finishes that don’t look out of place in a premium interior.
Audi A5 F57 Sportback vs Competitors
| Model | Power | 0–60 mph | Cargo (cu ft) | Starting Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A5 Sportback 45 TFSI (2020–2023) | 261 hp / 273 lb-ft | ~5.3 sec | ~21.8 | Mid-$40Ks |
| BMW 430i Gran Coupe | 255 hp / 295 lb-ft | ~5.8 sec | ~16–17 | High-$40Ks |
| Kia Stinger (GT-Line) | 300 hp / 311 lb-ft | ~5.2 sec | ~23 | Mid-$30Ks–Low-$40Ks |
Numbers vary by spec and test conditions, but the takeaway is clear: the Audi A5 Sportback blends classy refinement with genuine hatchback utility, landing right in the sweet spot for daily livability.
Is the Audi A5 F57 Sportback the Right Fit?
If you want a luxury SUV’s practicality without the bulk, the A5 Sportback makes a strong case. It’s as happy taking you to a black‑tie dinner as it is hauling a flat-pack bookcase on a Sunday morning. And when the weather turns, quattro’s steady hand keeps the jitters at bay.
FAQ: Audi A5 F57 Sportback (2020–2023)
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What changed for the Audi A5 Sportback in 2023?
2023 models build on the 2020 refresh with incremental tech and package tweaks. You still get the 10.1-inch touchscreen interface, available Virtual Cockpit, and the 45 TFSI mild-hybrid setup as the sweet-spot powertrain. -
How much does a 2023 Audi A5 Sportback cost?
Expect pricing in the mid-$40Ks to start, climbing with S line trims, adaptive dampers, premium audio, and driver-assist bundles. -
Is the Audi A5 Sportback a luxury car?
Absolutely. The A5 Sportback is a premium five-door with a refined ride, a high-quality interior, advanced tech, and understated style. It’s a luxury alternative to mainstream sedans and crossovers. -
Will there be a 2024 Audi A5?
Audi routinely updates the A5 line. Timing and details vary by market, but the model range typically sees rolling improvements in design and tech. -
Which floor mats fit my Audi A5 F57 Sportback (2020–2023)?
Go for model-specific mats designed for this body style and years. See A5 F57 Sportback mats, browse the wider A5 range, or view all Audi floor mats.
Conclusion: The Audi A5 F57 Sportback Nails the Brief
The Audi A5 F57 Sportback (2020–2023) blends luxury, performance, and everyday usefulness in a way that’s hard not to admire. It’s quick when you want, calm when you need, and practical when life gets messy. If your garage has room for just one premium do-it-all machine, this elegant five-door belongs on the shortlist.
