The best Audi A5 alternatives in 2024

The Audi A4 has just been replaced by the new Audi A5. It’s sporting an all-new design, an overhauled interior and a raft of new tech which will leave cars like the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series quaking in their tyres. You can find out more about the new Audi A5 in Carwow’s news story

But what if you just can’t wait for this car to go on sale? Well here are 10 alternatives to the new Audi A5 to consider if you’re looking to get behind the wheel of your new premium car as soon as possible.

The 10 best Audi A5 alternatives are:

1. BMW 3 Series
2. Mercedes C-Class
3. Volkswagen Passat
4. Audi A4
5. Tesla Model 3
6. Volvo V60
7. Peugeot 508
8. Lexus NX
9. BMW i4
10. Audi Q4 e-tron

1. BMW 3 Series

If you’re in the market for a posh saloon car, the BMW 3 Series is almost certainly on your radar. It’s beautifully built, packed with cutting-edge tech and it’s a really comfortable cruiser, too.

A Lot of that tech is optional, which is a shame on a car at this price, but you may be willing to look past this because it’s so good to drive. Few saloons can match the 3 Series on a twisty road.

2. Mercedes C-Class

Another car which is likely to have crossed your mind is the Mercedes C-Class, and for good reason. It’s one of the most high-tech executive saloons out there, and it also has one of the nicest-looking interiors.

The cabin quality may not be quite as good as the 3-Series, and you get some fiddly touch sensitive controls, but the C-Class is a very relaxing car to drive over long distances and there’s a great range of engines on offer.

3. Volkswagen Passat

If you’re after maximum interior space for your money, the Volkswagen Passat is a great place to start. This estate car has an enormous boot and palatial rear legroom, all while offering a high-quality and well-appointed interior.

It’s a shame that the new Passat isn’t available with a diesel engine, and it’s a bit dull to drive, but it is at least very comfortable on the motorway and the plug-in hybrid engine can do an impressive 80 miles on electric power alone.

4. Audi A4

If you can’t wait for the new Audi A5, but you still want a posh saloon with four rings on the bonnet, why not grab the outgoing Audi A4 while you still can? There are still plenty in stock, and there are some good deals to be had as well.

The A4 still has a lot going for it. You get a well-made interior, loads of tech and it’s comfortable to drive and there’s plenty of interior space. Just don’t expect it to be as fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series.

5. Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is a great choice if you’re taking your first steps into EV ownership. This is mostly because you get full access to the excellent Supercharger network, making long-distance journeys a lot easier to manage.

The button-free interior will take some getting used to, but once you’ve got the hang of it then the Model 3 is easy to drive and there’s loads of tech on board to take the strain out of daily driving duties.

6. Volvo V60

The Volvo V60 has returned to showrooms after the Swedish brand pulled the plug on this posh estate last year. It’s good to see it return because the V60 is comfortable, practical and packed with safety kit.

The infotainment system isn’t as good as its German alternatives, but it’s easy to look past this because the Volvo is so stylish, both inside and out, and it has a massive boot.

7. Peugeot 508

Perhaps you’re after something a bit left-field? Well The Peugeot 508 is packed with Parisian flair and has one of the most modern-looking interiors on the market – and it’s fully loaded with all the latest tech as well.

It does have pretty cramped rear seats, and the quirky driving position won’t work for everyone, but the 508 is really comfortable to drive and there’s a great range of efficient engines on offer as well.

8. Lexus NX

Lexus makes some great luxury cars, but the ES saloon is starting to feel a little dated. If you still fancy something from the quirky Japanese brand for Audi A5 money, you should check out the NX SUV.

It looks great, comes with an efficient hybrid engine and has some of the most comfortable seats in the business. You also get loads of tech as standard, although it’s a shame there’s no wireless Android Auto.

9. BMW i4

Let’s say you’re ready to make the switch to an EV, but still want a posh German badge on the bonnet. Well you should check out the BMW i4. The beauty with this car is that it doesn’t stand out as an EV, it just looks like a normal 4 Series Gran Coupe.

It may not be as fun to drive as that car thanks to the heavy batteries, but it is very refined on the motorway and you get one of the best infotainment systems on the market. There’s also a blisteringly fast M50 model for the speed demons out there.

10. Audi Q4 e-tron

You’ll have to wait a while for the new A4 e-tron if you want an electric Audi saloon, but if you don’t have the patience to wait then the Q4 e-tron electric SUV is another great option. It’s spacious and comfortable to drive, and the interior is a lovely place to spend time.

It may not have the best driving range in its class, and the touch-sensitive interior controls are a faff, but you can’t argue with the amount of tech packed into this EV. There’s also a Sportback version if you want coupe-esque swoopy styling.

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