“There are numerous modes of driving and you should definitely get familiar and take advantage of them! There is nothing that the Audi A5 can't do and I mean that. 5 stars/10 out of 10 from me.”
2021 Audi A5: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Audi A5 gets a mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. The headline change is a broad update that brings revised styling, a stronger 261-hp 45 TFSI engine with mild-hybrid assist, and a newer 10.1-inch touchscreen.
About the 2021 Audi A5
2nd generation A5 (F5, 2018-2024 in the U.S.), mid-cycle refresh year.
Audi positions the A5 as the style-forward alternative to the A4: same compact luxury foundation, but with sleeker sheet metal and more emotional appeal. In practice, the 2021 A5 is an upscale daily driver with standard all-wheel drive, strong turbo power, a polished cabin, and a choice of coupe, convertible, or Sportback body styles. Its main draw is blending premium comfort and everyday usability with a more dramatic look than a typical small luxury sedan.
The Premium trim delivers the A5’s essentials, including all-wheel drive, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen. Premium Plus adds useful everyday upgrades such as a digital instrument display, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera, while Prestige brings navigation, a head-up display, ventilated front seats, and automated parking help.
What changed, by category
Styling
Audi refreshed the grille, bumpers, and lighting details at the front and rear.
Powertrain
The 45 TFSI’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder rises from 248 to 261 horsepower and gains a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.
Tech
The cabin receives Audi’s newer 10.1-inch touchscreen interface, along with broader wireless Apple CarPlay integration.
Safety
Lane-departure warning becomes part of the A5’s broader standard-equipment package. Premium Plus also makes adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assistance, and additional driver aids standard.
2021 Audi A5 specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd S tronic Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–25 mpg | 23–25 mpg | 23–25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31–34 mpg | 31–34 mpg | 31–34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 201–261 hp | 201–261 hp | 201–261 hp |
| Torque | 236–273 lb-ft | 236–273 lb-ft | 236–273 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.3–21.8 cu-ft | 9.3–21.8 cu-ft | 9.3–21.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.7–35.1 in | 32.7–35.1 in | 32.7–35.1 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Top View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Audi A5 a full redesign?
No. The 2021 A5 is a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation model, with updated styling, powertrain, technology, and safety equipment but no major platform or chassis redesign.
What changed on the 2021 Audi A5 compared with the 2020 model?
The 2021 A5 gets revised front and rear styling, a newer 10.1-inch touchscreen, broader wireless Apple CarPlay integration, and more standard safety equipment. Its 45 TFSI engine also rises from 248 to 261 horsepower and gains a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.
Does the 2021 Audi A5 have a mild-hybrid engine?
Yes. The 2021 A5 45 TFSI pairs its 261-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.
What became standard on the 2021 Audi A5 Premium Plus?
The 2021 A5 Premium Plus makes adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, lane-departure warning, and active lane-keeping assistance standard. It also carries the year’s refreshed styling, stronger 45 TFSI engine, and newer touchscreen layout.
Does the 2021 Audi A5 have a touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes. The 2021 A5 uses a newer 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay is part of its broader standard technology package.
2021 Audi A5 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Audi A5.
4.3
2021 Audi A5
(196 reviews)
“Excellent. Great balance of smooth ride with great handling and enough acceleration yet great gas mileage.”
“This is a beautiful, high performing car. It looks like a sports car but has a luxury ride.”