Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Audi's long-running A4 compact sports sedan and A5 Sportback, Convertible and Coupe variants ended production in 2024 to be replaced with a single four-door liftback A5 model. While there is no word yet about a replacement coupe or convertible, the A4 badge should return as a pure EV model in another year or so. For now, though, the new A5 is the sole offering for Audi's compact sport sedan fans.It is also available in a sportier S5 variant, and we decided to see whether the extra $13,100 it costs is worth it over the already impressive base A5. So read on to see how the 2026 Audi A5 and S5 compare when it comes to value for money, tech, practicality and performance.Audi A5AudiView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementEffectively replacing the previous generation A4 and A5, the new Audi A5 is available only as a four-door liftback, which was arguably the most practical and stylish body style of the previous range.Being a completely new model means that the 2026 A5 features the latest tech Audi has to offer, and as such it gets the latest exterior and interior design language as well as an all-new MMI interface design and revised 268-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. Audi's usual Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trim offerings are available, and all get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.Inside, the cabin features a wall of screens starting with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch MMI center touchscreen. A 10.9-inch front passenger screen is optional, as are some other luxury add-ons like a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and advanced driver safety and assistance systems. Even in the base Premium trim the spec levels are high, with adaptive cruise control, a top view camera and a power tailgate already standard.The A5 delivers a sharp if slightly disconnected driving experience, but there is no denying its overall dynamic abilities, aided in poor weather by the all-wheel drive setup. The ride is comfortable, and even the base 2.0-liter engine will get you from 0-60mph in just 5.6-seconds.Audi S5AudiView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe S in the Audi S5's name means that this model fits in between the base car and the full-fat RS models (A new RS5 is on the way), and as such it often represents a perfect compromise for daily-driver comfort and sporty performance. The trim levels remain the same, but the S5 gets some sportier standard features and options at each tier.Every S5 is fitted with a 362-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive system. S5 models also get a sportier exterior treatment with aggressive front air inlets, red brake calipers, quad exhaust outlets, and standard 19-inch wheels. Inside, sport seats with diamond stitching, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and other subtle touches separate it from the base A5.The rest of the package is very similar to the A5, with the same digital driver display and infotainment setup. With a base price starting at just over $13,000 more than the A5, we need to dig a little deeper to see whether it is worth the extra expense.A5 and S5 Side-by-Side ComparisonView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleMake and Model2026 Audi A52026 Audi S5Engine2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder + 48V mild hybrid3.0L Turbo V6 + 48V mild hybridPower268 hp362 hpTorque295 lb-ft406 lb-ft0-60 mph5.6 sec4.3 secFuel Economy26 MPG Combined23 MPG CombinedPremium Trim MSRP$50,200$63,300Premium Plus Trim MSRP$52,700$66,200Prestige Trim MSRP$56,700$70,900Front Row Headroom40.0 in40.0 inFront Row Legroom41.3 in41.0 inSecond Row Headroom37.2 in37.2 inSecond Row Legroom36.1 in36.1 inCargo Space22.6 cubic feet behind second row37.5 cubic feet with rear seats stowed flat22.6 cubic feet behind second row37.5 cubic feet with rear seats stowed flat(Note: Prices listed exclude destination charges, options, and local taxes.)AdvertisementAdvertisementIn terms of interior dimensions and cargo space, these two are practically identical. The differences in terms of standard luxury features are not all that different either. Aside from the more powerful engine and sporty design cues, the main differences at each trim level are smaller than you'd think considering the price difference, and you can spec both cars to very similar levels.2026 Audi A5 vs. Audi S5 Notable Trim DifferencesAudiTrim LevelAudi A5Audi S5Premium18-inch wheels and dual exhaust outletsLeather seats and comfort-focused sport seats19-inch wheels, quad exhaust outlets, and silver mirror capsS sport seats with diamond stitchingHeated steering wheelPremium PlusLED headlights plus with digital DRLBang & Olufsen 3D sound systemMatrix design LED headlightsBang & Olufsen 3D sound system with front headrest speakersPark assist plusPrestigeMatrix design LED headlightsBang & Olufsen front headrest speakersVentilated front sport seatsSport adaptive damping suspensionFine Nappa / Pearl Nappa leather seatsThe real difference here is found under the hood. With an additional 94-hp and 111 lb-ft of torque, the S5 is significantly quicker, and its 4.3-second 0-60 mph time compares favorably with rivals like the 386-hp BMW M440i xDrive Gran Coupe. The A5 delivers 3 mpg better economy overall, and it is certainly responsive enough for daily driving as well as highway use.Audi A5 vs Audi S5: Reliability and WarrantyAdvertisementAdvertisementBoth vehicles benefit from Audi's standard warranty coverage, which includes a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and powertrain warranty, along with 3 years or 30,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. We will have to wait for long-term reliability survey results once these models are a bit older, and judging by the previous Audi A5, they should be above average in the compact sport sedan class.Audi A5 or Audi S5?AudiThe new generation Audi A5 is a dynamically competent, stylish and very luxurious vehicle. Perhaps by accident, but most likely by design, it splits the difference between the more luxury-oriented Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the overtly sporty BMW 3 and 4 Series models. The base A5 comes with a decent level of standard kit, has enough performance for most needs, and is both comfortable and practical enough to make you wonder what the fuss about SUVs is all about.The S5, meanwhile, retains the base model's daily-driver appeal, but adds a bit more standard tech and a lot more performance into the mix. The ride quality is a bit firmer, and the fuel economy is a bit worse, but you get a sharper driving experience as the tradeoff. Whether that is worth an additional $13,200 over the already capable base A5 is a matter of personal preference. If the budget allowed, the S5 would certainly be our choice.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.