Audi A5 vs Polestar 2

The Audi A5 starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $66,400. That makes the Polestar 2 the more affordable entry point by $13,500.

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 $73,040 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.

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. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Polestar 2, against 8 on the Audi A5.

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.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

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, ventilated seats and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 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 Polestar 2 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 2-zone in the Polestar 2.

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 220kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 220kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 2 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi A5 measures 4,829mm long on a 2,892mm wheelbase, 223mm 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 445L in the Audi A5 and 407L in the Polestar 2, giving the Audi A5 a 38L 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.

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.