2019 Audi A5 Sportback Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

If you are in the market for a new four-door hatchback this year, then the 2019 Audi A5 Sportback has most likely already come up during your research. This version of A5 is a popular one, with many citing it as an exciting and reliable daily driver. With last model year's total overhaul came a lot of thrilling changes, most of which have been kept on the 2019 line-up. The only differences you will see with this year's model are the standard LED headlights, the complete omission of the manual transmission, a wireless charger that has a signal booster, and a few re-configured tech features.

On the downside, the A5 Sportback still does not have as much interior storage as we would like. Trying to find areas where you can securely store your electronic devices (like tablets) is not exactly easy, so you will have to get creative with how you use the space that is given to you.

Still, there are a lot of things to love about the Sportback. Its performance is rock solid, its interior reeks of luxury, and its list of standard and optional infotainment features is impressively long, even on the base trim.

Now, let's talk trim levels. The A5 Sportback comes in three different trim levels: the base Premium, the mid-level Premium Plus, and the line-topping Prestige. All three of these trim levels receive their power from the same standard 2.0-L 4-cylinder engine, which is now matched solely with a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain has no problem generating 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the power gets sent to each wheel and used by the all-wheel drive system.

You are probably wondering what the real differences are between these three trim levels. Which one presents the best overall deal? Is there one that has the most of what you need? Read on through to the end of this comparison review to find out which 2019 Audi A5 Sportback might be the right trim to purchase.

Compare the 2019 Audi A5 Sportback Premium vs Premium Plus Trims. What is the difference?

The 2019 Audi A5 Sportback's base trim is known as the Premium. With the turbocharged 2.0-L engine and dual-clutch 7-speed transmission equipped, the Premium is able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top track speed of 130 mph. It has a fuel economy of 27 combined mpg (with 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway). Take note: This vehicle does require the use of premium fuel. The Premium Plus also gets the same fuel economy and shares quite a few other mechanical specs with the Premium. These shared specs include a 14-volt alternator, a 12-volt battery, ventilated front and rear disc brakes, and an electromechanical parking brake. Also, both trims have 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 35.0 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

On the outside, the Premium trim level features 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, heated side mirrors that are power-adjustable, LED taillights that are accompanied by dynamic turn signals, a car jack, and aluminum trim that lines the outsides of all the windows. The Premium Plus has all of these features, but, of course, it adds a few more standard luxury features. The heated side mirrors have a memory function built into them, and they also gain power folding and automatic dimming capabilities.

In the Premium trim level's interior, you will find quite a few attractive standard features. These features include gorgeous dark brown walnut wood inlays, a tri-zone automatic climate control system, aluminum door sill inlays, a storage package, the LED interior lighting package, a rear view mirror that has a built-in digital compass and is automatically dimming, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, and a fron center arm rest. There are also standard seats that allow for a total of five occupants. The interior of the Premium Plus is essentially the same with only a few very minor changes in the details.

As far as standard infotainment and safety features go, the Premium trim level is considerably well-equipped. ISOFIX child seat mounting comes standard, and there are top tether anchorage points for both outboard rear seat positions. Other standard features include a rear view camera, the HomeLink universal garage door opener, a power tailgate, the Audi advanced key system with a trunk lid release that is controlled by sensors, Audi drive select, Audi Connect CARE assistance and security services, the Connectivity package, cruise control (which includes accelerate, coast, and resume functions), Audi pre sense city, and Audi pre sense basic. Additionally, you get smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Premium Plus trim level adds quite a bit more, which makes it worth its heftier price tag. Standard infotainment and safety features on the Premium Plus include the Audi phone box (which is Audi's wireless charging with a built-in signal booster), Audi pre sense rear (with vehicle exit assist and rear cross traffic assist), Audi side assist, the Audi virtual cockpit, and Audi's MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch infotainment system. On top of all that, you get the Audi advanced key, which gives you keyless entry, stop, and start as well as a hands-free trunk/tailgate release feature. Handy, right? We think so. Of course, if you want even more standard safety and infotainment features, you will have to upgrade to the Prestige trim level.

Compare the 2019 A5 Sportback Premium Plus vs Prestige Trims. What is the difference?

Speaking of the 2019 Audi A5 Sportback's line-topping trim level, the Prestige really does live up to its name. While it has the same mechanics as the two lower trim levels, the Prestige does get some significant upgrades to the exterior body and inside of the cabin.

On the outside, the Prestige trim has upgraded 18-inch 10-spoke dynamic design wheels that come equipped with all-season tires, full LED headlights (which are automatic) and taillights, and a Singleframe grille mounted onto the front fascia. The Prestige also has dual exhaust outlets with shiny chrome tips, an anti-theft alarm system, and windshield washer nozzles that are heated.

There are even more upgrades to the Prestige's interior. The standard seats from the Premium and Premium Plus get swapped out for leather, and the driver seat is 8-way power-adjustable with built-in lumbar support. The driver seat also has memory settings, and both of the front seats are heated and come with comfort head restraints. The rear seats are 40/20/40 split-folding. There is a trunk storage package that adds four cargo tie-downs, hooks for groceries, and side nets. You also get a three-spoke steering wheel with multiple controls mounted onto it, a manually adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering column, shift paddles, comfort arm rests, a panoramic sunroof, a black cloth headliner, aluminum trimaran inlays, one-touch up/down power windows, and extendable sun visors for the driver and front seat passenger. Oh, we cannot neglect to mention the addition of leatherette coverings on the door arm rests and center console.

The list of standard infotainment features becomes even longer on the Prestige trim level. This trim gets the additional benefit of having MMI touch with handwriting recognition features, a six-month trial subscription to Audi connect PRIME and Audi connect PLUS online services, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 755 watts and a 16-channel amplifier. An 8.3-inch MMI infotainment and navigation display comes standard, as does a 90-day trial subscription to SiriusXM Satellite Radio. You also get HD Radio, INRIX XD Traffic, dual SDXC card slots with 64 GB in operating capacity, two charging and data USB ports, Bluetooth compatibility, a top view camera with the parking system plus, and a head-up display that shows you data on the vehicle's assistance systems and navigation.

There are also more standard safety features to be found on the Prestige trim level. In addition to all of the extra driver aids, you still get safety features that come on the lower trim levels, such as a tire pressure monitoring system, a power central locking system, and electronic stability control with traction control and secondary collision braking assist.

Final Thoughts

Trying to choose between the three 2019 Audi A5 Sportback trim levels is easier said than done. In the end, you will likely base your decision off of how much you can afford to spend. While the Prestige is a very inclusive and, therefore, attractive option, the mid-level Premium Plus presents you with the best deal of them all.

The Premium Plus allows you to remain within a reasonable price range (well, as far as luxury vehicles go, it is reasonable) without feeling like the vehicle is lacking in features. Since the driving performance is exactly the same as it is on the line-topping Prestige, you will not have to worry about paying a ton of extra money for features that you might never even use.