Compared: 2022 Audi A5 vs. 2022 Audi A6

The compact A5 comes in several body styles, but the A6 brings the muscle.

Mark Hacking | 

Jan 4, 2023 | 3 min read

Audi

Shoppers may struggle when deciding between the 2022 Audi A5 and Audi A6, as they’re rather similar. They ride on the same platform and share several mechanical components, not to mention interior parts. The A6 is, of course, one size larger than the A5 and offers more features and power, but that comes at a price, both in dollars and fuel economy. If you’re trying to pick one over the other, this comparison should tell you what you need to know to make a decision. (Please note that this piece excludes the performance-oriented S and RS models).

Audi A5 vs. Audi A6: Price

The A5 line includes a coupe, a two-door cabriolet, and a four-door Sportback model. The swoopy Sportback is the cheapest of the lot, starting at around $45,000. It undercuts the others because it offers two versions of Audi’s turbocharged, 2.0L four-cylinder—one making 201 hp and the other, 261 hp. The about $47,100 coupe and $53,300 convertible are available exclusively with the latter. When equipped with the more powerful engine, the Sportback has the same starting price as the coupe.

The A6 range consists of a sedan and a wagon. The former opens at about $57,000 and uses essentially the same 261 hp engine as the A5, only this one employs a mild-hybrid system to boost efficiency. For those who want more power (and have at least $60,900 to spend), Audi offers a 335 hp V6 in the sedan. That’s the sole engine choice for the wagon, which Audi calls the A6 Allroad. That model opens at about $68,000.

Audi | A5

Audi A5 vs. Audi A6: Interior

Whether you prefer the sensuous exterior design of the A5 or the stately presence of the A6, you are guaranteed an authentic luxury car experience inside. The A5 coupe and cabriolet can carry four occupants, while the A5 Sportback and A6 have room for five. As for cargo capacity, the Allroad is the winner by far, providing 30 cu.-ft. of space behind the rear seats. The A5 Sportback edges out the A6 sedan, at roughly 22 cu.-ft. to 14 cu.-ft. And as for the A5 coupe and cabriolet, you’re looking at about 11 cu.-ft. and 9 cu.-ft. of trunk space, respectively.

Both models come with leather-trimmed seats with heating for the front row, three-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a panoramic sunroof, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision mitigation. The A6 outdoes the A5 in the tech department, though. The smaller Audi has a 7-inch display in the instrument panel and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen, while the A6 boasts a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a two-screen center-stack setup (a 10.1-inch screen on top and an 8.6-inch climate-control display on bottom). The A6 also has a better base audio system, and its safety suite includes standard parking sensors, front and back.

Audi | A6

Audi A5 vs. Audi A6: Fuel Economy

In the A5 lineup, the 201 hp Sportback performs the best in fuel economy, achieving 29 mpg on the EPA’s combined test cycle. The 261 hp version comes in at 27 mpg, as does the coupe. The cabriolet lags behind the other body styles, managing 26 mpg. Incidentally, that’s the top score for the larger A6—the 261 hp sedan version of the A6, at least. Those with the six-cylinder are thirstier, with the sedan seeing 24 mpg combined, and the Allroad wagon at 23 mpg. Each of these models requires premium fuel and comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Mark Hacking

Mark Hacking is an award-winning writer with more than 20 years experience covering the automotive scene for some of the world's most popular publications. Mark holds an FIA International Race license and has his sights set on competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in the future. He was the first automotive journalist to race in the Ferrari Challenge series (in 2013) and the Jaguar I-PACE eTrophy series (in 2019).