The 2019 A5 Sportback combines the features of several Audis: the sweeping lines of the A5 coupe, the four-door layout and cargo space of the A4 sedan, and the convenience of the Q5 SUV’s rear liftgate. Despite this formula, the A5 Sportback doesn’t look or feel cobbled together—just the opposite. It’s rewarding to drive, with nimble sports-sedan handling and a spirited turbo four-cylinder. Its sheetmetal is Euro chic, and inside, its high-quality materials and minimalist design look great—although the interior gives up some rear-seat spaciousness to its sedan sibling.
It’s composed, confident, and easy to drive fast through corners: The A5 Sportback is everything a modern sports sedan should be. Its agility belies its comfort, too, and potholes and broken pavement do little to upset the Sportback, especially when it’s equipped with the optional adaptive suspension. The well-weighted steering feels natural in the driver’s hands, and the front tires respond immediately to driver inputs, making this Audi a joy to pilot on twisty tarmac.
A hatchback in disguise, the A5 Sportback has a sloping rear roofline that hides a power-operated liftgate and a large cargo hold, making it far more practical than the Audi A4 sedan or the A5 coupe and convertible. It proved its mettle in our carry-on suitcase testing by swallowing 16 cases; despite having one of the smallest cargo areas by volume, the Sportback beat all of its direct rivals.