Audi A5 vs Lexus ES
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $14,360.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $72,094 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $2,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A5 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES counters with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus ES offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the Lexus ES.
Drivetrain
The Audi A5 uses a 4-cylinder petrol with direct fuel injection, turbocharging producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A5 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A5 measures 4,829mm long on a 2,892mm wheelbase, 146mm shorter than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 445L in the Audi A5 and 454L in the Lexus ES, giving the Lexus ES a 9L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Audi A5 and $1,368/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $599 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Audi A5) vs $1,368 (Lexus ES). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $599 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The Audi A5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A5 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus ES takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $599 a year in fuel. The Audi A5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi A5 and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A5 by $14,360.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 4.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi A5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 454L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Audi A5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus ES makes the most power at 160kW. The Audi A5 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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