Audi A5 vs Volvo ES90
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 Volvo ES90 opens at $88,880. That makes the Audi A5 the more affordable entry point by $8,980.
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 $97,768 respectively.
The Volvo ES90 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 Volvo ES90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A5 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volvo ES90.
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 9 in the Volvo ES90.
Feature Showdown
The Audi A5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo ES90 gets a 14.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Volvo ES90. The Volvo ES90 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi A5 gets leather upholstery while the Volvo ES90 offers nordico fabric. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi A5 and 4-zone in the Volvo ES90.
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 Volvo ES90 responds with a Electric making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Volvo ES90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo ES90 is 0.9s 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, 238mm shorter than the Volvo ES90 at 5,000mm (3,102mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 400L in the Audi A5 and 424L in the Volvo ES90, giving the Volvo ES90 a 24L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo ES90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 600kg 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 11.8m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 (Volvo ES90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi A5 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo ES90 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo ES90 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. 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 Volvo ES90?
The Audi A5 is the cheapest at $79,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo ES90 by $8,980.
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 Volvo ES90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo ES90 has the largest boot at 424L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo ES90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo ES90 makes the most power at 245kW. The Volvo ES90 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
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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