Audi A5 vs. Audi A7: which is better?
Audi is renowned for its executive coupé models, but which comes out on top between the A5 and the A7?
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Buying an Audi A5 or an Audi A7 proves that coupés needn’t be impractical and that they can still serve as your main family car.
Even so, if you’re buying something stylish, you’ll no doubt want to make sure that it’s got a premium badge on the bonnet.
As well, choosing a used Audi can mean you'll get to enjoy these luxury cars for much less than when purchasing brand-new.
We outline what makes these two similar-looking cars so very different, as we strive to help you decide whether you should put your hard-earned cash towards an Audi A5 or an Audi A7.
Is the Audi A5 or Audi A7 more stylish?
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These are two of Audi’s most sought-after models, building on the elegant and understated design of the company’s saloons by adding sportier looks.
The Audi A5 is available in three- and five-door coupé format (the latter is badged ‘Sportback’) or as a convertible.
Compared with the Audi A4 on which it’s based, the A5 has a lower beltline, which makes the car look more aggressive.
This, its large grille and the sharper lines all help to create a more appealing car without necessarily having to forgo practicality, especially in Sportback form.
Similarly, the A7 is available in Sportback form, but there are no coupé or convertible models.
What this does mean, though, is that it benefits from a more usable hatchback-style boot compared with the A6 and A8 it shares many of its mechanical parts with.
It’s worth noting that the A7 is available with two or three rear seats depending on specification, so take note if you need a five-seater.
What are the Audi A7 and Audi A5 like to drive?
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The Audi A5 is a much smaller car and is designed to be a mainstream model, so it’s available with a range of efficient petrol and diesel engines.
Many buyers will generally opt for one of the 2.0-litre models.
There are performance S5 and RS 5 versions, but for the most part, the A5 is a sensible car that’s still got enough oomph when you need it.
It’s worth noting that it uses a front-wheel-drive setup, unlike the rear-wheel-drive BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupé.
Enthusiasts will tell you that this makes it less engaging and fun to drive, but most drivers won’t be able to tell the difference and front-wheel-drive cars are generally more efficient.
There are four-wheel-drive models if you need the extra grip, but we think you’re better off spending your money on a better engine or a higher trim level before thinking about a 4x4 model.
The same is true of the A7, but four-wheel drive is more common because it uses more powerful engines.
There are some 2.0-litre models available, but the pick of the bunch are the 3.0-litre units, which can handle the car’s extra weight better.
There are S7 and RS 7 models, too, but they’re ridiculously quick and not very fuel-efficient.
Audi A5 vs. A7 interior and technology
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The A7 bridges the gap between the already-premium A6 and the range-topping A8, so it’s filled to the brim with all the latest car tech you could need.
Over time, the technology has filtered down to the A5, though this car was more likely to have extra features available as optional (paid) extras rather than standard equipment, so check any used car listings to make sure they have what you’re after.
We think it’s worth scouting out cars with the upgraded virtual cockpit, which replaces the instrument cluster with a customisable digital display.
You can even have the map displayed there to make navigating less distracting.
Audi A7 vs. A5: which has the bigger boot space?
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The coupé version of the A5 has a 465-litre boot, while the Sportback model has a larger 480-litre boot.
Only the Sportback model gets the wide-opening hatchback-style boot, with the coupé and convertible version, which has a smaller 380-litre boot, getting a narrower opening.
The A7 has a 535-litre capacity at the back, making it as roomy as some SUVs with large boot space. However, comparing these figures can be misleading.
You’ll find a lot of floor space in the A7’s boot but not much height, which is the opposite of an SUV, so consider carefully how you’re likely to use the boot.
Is a used Audi A5 or used Audi A7 more reliable?
Because both cars belong to the same brand, their reliabilities are generally fairly matched.
This is even more true because they share the same engines, gearboxes and four-wheel-drive setup (where fitted).
It’s worth noting that the A7 is more likely to be fitted with automatic gearboxes and four-wheel drive, which can become costlier to repair and replace if something does go wrong.
There’s less data about the A7 because they’re less common, but both models tend to fare reasonably well in consumer feedback.
It’s worth mentioning that Volkswagen owns Audi as well as SEAT, Skoda, and a few other car brands, so car parts should be widely available.
Audi A5 vs. A7 dimensions
The Audi A7 is a very long car, and at almost 5m long, it’s as long as a Range Rover Sport.
It’s 4969mm long and 2,118mm wide, which you’ll be able to notice in a parking space.
In contrast, the A5 is a much more manageable size. It’s 4,673mm long, which makes it only marginally longer than the A4 saloon on which it’s based. It’s 2,029mm wide and 1,371mm tall.
The same is true of the convertible model, but the A5 Sportback is slightly longer at 4,733mm long. Still, it’s a fair bit shorter than the A6, so you shouldn’t have any trouble navigating tight areas.
Audi A7 vs. Audi A5: which should you buy?
Unless you’re specifically looking to turn heads with a large, sporty-looking but practical car, then we think you’re better off spending your money on a well-specced A5.
There are plenty of coupé, Sportback and convertible models to pick from, and you’ll find an endless range of configurations, so the A5 range makes more sense to more people.
Take a look at our Audi A5 review and Audi A7 review to learn more about each model.