Audi A5 vs Polestar 2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $62,400. That makes the Polestar 2 the more affordable entry point by $17,500.
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 $68,640 respectively.
The Polestar 2 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi A5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi A5 and Polestar 2 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Audi A5 and 92% for the Polestar 2.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 8 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi A5 and 8 in the Polestar 2. The Audi A5 adds a 360-degree camera that the Polestar 2 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A5 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 2 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A5 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 2 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the Polestar 2.
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 Polestar 2 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 2 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi A5 measures 4,762mm long on a 2,821mm wheelbase, 156mm longer than the Polestar 2 at 4,606mm (2,735mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Audi A5 and 407L in the Polestar 2, giving the Polestar 2 a 7L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A5 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.5m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi A5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 2). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A5 if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 2 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 2 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Polestar 2?
The Polestar 2 is the cheapest at $62,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A5 by $17,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A5 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi A5 and Polestar 2 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Polestar 2 has the largest boot at 407L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 2 makes the most power at 200kW. The Polestar 2 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.4s.
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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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