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Audi A5 Sportback vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (639 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (40,200 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A5 Sportback or VW Passat?

Audi A5 Sportback vs VW Passat: Key differences

Audi A5 Sportback

  • significantly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Passat

5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • slightly cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • somewhat more electric range
  • a bit lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

A5 Sportback

A Clash of Innovation: Audi A5 Sportback vs VW Passat

The automotive landscape is continually evolving, and two significant players in this game are the Audi A5 Sportback and the VW Passat. Both embody a blend of performance, aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology, yet serve distinct audiences. In this comparison, we delve into the technical aspects, innovations, and emotional appeal of these two popular models.

Passat

Design and Dimensions

The Audi A5 Sportback is a striking hatchback that offers a sleek silhouette designed to turn heads. It stretches 4,829 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and stands 1,444 mm tall. With a trunk capacity of 417 liters, it combines sporty aesthetics with practicality, catering especially to individuals seeking style without sacrificing utility.

Conversely, the VW Passat, a versatile wagon, excels at offering space and comfort. At 4,917 mm in length, it provides a broader cabin experience, accommodating up to five passengers comfortably. With a trunk capacity peaking at 690 liters, the Passat stands out for those who prioritize cargo space in their daily routines.

A5 Sportback

Engine Options and Performance

When it comes to performance, both vehicles present a range of engine options aimed at different preferences. The Audi A5 Sportback is available with a variety of powertrains, offering everything from a 150 HP petrol engine to a formidable 470 HP hybrid variant, promising thrilling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in as little as 3.7 seconds. Complete with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, it strikes a balance between power and handling.

In contrast, the VW Passat also provides a compelling selection of engines, from a 122 HP petrol to a 272 HP plug-in hybrid. The Passat achieves 0-100 km/h in as little as 5.8 seconds, combining efficiency with performance for a versatile driving experience. Additionally, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, the Passat adapts well to various driving conditions.

Passat

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for modern drivers, and both models deliver impressive figures. The Audi A5 Sportback boasts a range of consumption figures from 4.7 to 9.6 L/100km, depending on the chosen engine variant. This variance allows users to select a balance between performance and economy that best fits their lifestyle.

On the other hand, the VW Passat demonstrates exceptional efficiency, particularly in its hybrid configurations, with emissions as low as 8 g/km, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious consumers. With a remarkable electric range of up to 126 km, it positions itself as a frontrunner in sustainable automotive technology.

A5 Sportback

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Audi A5 Sportback radiates luxury with a driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, and the latest MMI infotainment system featuring touchscreen controls, voice recognition, and smartphone integration. Its spacious layout, despite being a four-seater, emphasizes comfort and refinement.

The VW Passat, while more utilitarian in design, does not compromise on technology. Its cabin showcases high-quality materials and an intuitive infotainment system that includes digital displays, compatibility with mobile applications, and a spacious layout that accommodates all five passengers comfortably. The emphasis here is on functionality and ease of use.

Passat

Final Thoughts: Which One Reigns Supreme?

Choosing between the Audi A5 Sportback and the VW Passat ultimately boils down to personal preferences and priorities. If you crave sporty handling, sleek design, and a range of powerful engines, the A5 Sportback is your ticket to sheer driving pleasure. However, if practicality, spaciousness, and eco-friendliness top your list, the VW Passat offers an impressive suite of features to meet those needs.

Both cars represent exceptional engineering, blending aesthetics with performance and innovation. As the automotive world continues to advance, the Audi A5 Sportback and VW Passat remain strong contenders, appealing to diverse drivers and their unique demands.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A5 Sportback

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Passat is slightly cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the Audi A5 Sportback costs 40,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,738 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Audi A5 Sportback with 2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 25 km more than the Audi A5 Sportback.

Passat

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Audi A5 Sportback offers significantly more power – delivering 639 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 367 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi A5 Sportback is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.7 s, while the VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi A5 Sportback delivers significantly more torque with 825 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 425 Nm more.

A5 Sportback

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Passat is a bit lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,770 kg. The difference is around 197 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers significantly more boot space – 690 L compared to 331 L. That’s a difference of about 359 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Passat carries only slightly more – 577 kg compared to 530 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi A5 Sportback is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £40,200
A5 Sportback

Audi A5 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 639 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 84 - 110 km
Audi A5 Sportback
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Audi A5 Sportback

The Audi A5 Sportback dresses up sleek coupe proportions with the everyday sense of a practical hatchback, so you get striking looks without the compromises. Behind the wheel it balances poise and comfort with premium trimmings that make daily driving feel a little bit special — ideal for buyers who want style and substance in equal measure.

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VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

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Audi A5 Sportback
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption

Price
40,200 - 91,000 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
2 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
84 - 110 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
45 - 172 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,770 - 2,430 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
331 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,860 - 1,952 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 530 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol, Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 639 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.7 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
280 - 825 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 470 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,968 - 2,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Audi
Brand
VW
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.