The B10 is the first Audi built on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), replacing the B9 A5 from late 2024. The 35 TFSI uses a detuned EA888 Gen4 evo 2.0-litre turbo producing 150 hp and 280 Nm, paired with a 7-speed S-tronic wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission. It debuts Audi's second-generation MHEV plus mild-hybrid system, combining a belt starter generator with a powertrain generator on the transmission output shaft, enabling short bursts of electric-only driving at low speeds.· more· less
Refined EA888 Gen4 evo engineMHEV plus enables electric coasting
Immature software and ADAS glitchesUnproven MHEV plus long-term
Buy if: You want a modern premium sedan or avant with a proven engine family and can accept that early-production software is still being refined through dealer updates.
Avoid if: You rely heavily on driver-assistance features or prefer a car with an established reliability track record.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€39,000
median asking price, typically 15,000 km
Typical range€35,600 – €42,900
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€750 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €600 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€39,000
Typically €35,600 – €42,900, at around 15,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€750 – €1,450per year
€500 – €850
service, tyres, brakes
€250 – €600
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€51,000
median asking price, typically 10,000 km
Typical range€45,500 – €52,000
Maintenance cost
€750 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €600 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Driver-assistance systems produce intermittent errors and false alerts, particularly on early-build B10 cars · more· less
Early B10 owners widely report the ADAS suite randomly disabling itself with messages like 'Audi active front assist unavailable' or 'distance warning unavailable'. This can occur in mild weather conditions such as light mist. The forward collision warning is reported as overly sensitive even on the least sensitive setting. Side Assist (blind spot monitoring) occasionally detects phantom vehicles; Audi issued a TSB involving reflective tape near the radar module, but several owners report the fix did not fully resolve the problem. Audi is pushing software fixes through TAC (Technical Assistance Center) cases rather than public recalls. Under warranty, these updates are free. Out of warranty, sensor recalibration runs €200-400, and if a sensor module requires hardware replacement due to internal defect, costs can reach €800-1,500 including mandatory ODIS calibration. Owners of 2025 models should be aware that certain software improvements are hardware-locked to 2026 model year units.
MMI infotainment and connectivity glitches
up to €8002 of 6
The E3 1.2 software platform shows teething problems with screen freezes and connectivity drops · more· less
The B10 runs on the E3 1.2 software platform co-developed with Volkswagen subsidiary CARIAD. Early owners report screen freezes, CarPlay and Android Auto disconnections, navigation lag, and occasional complete MMI reboots. Some dealers have had to reinstall software entirely, only for the same problems to recur within a week. Audi has released multiple TSBs and over-the-air updates to address these issues progressively. Under warranty, software reinstallation and module updates are covered at no cost. Out of warranty, a software reflash typically costs €100-200 at a dealer, but if a control module needs physical replacement due to a hardware fault, costs can reach €500-800. These issues tend to improve over time as updates roll out.
48V MHEV plus component failure
up to €2,5003 of 6
The new dual-generator MHEV plus system is unproven, and previous Audi 48V systems had documented failure patterns · more· less
The B10 introduces a second-generation 48V mild-hybrid system with two generators: a belt starter generator (BSG) and a powertrain generator (PTG) integrated into the transmission output shaft. Previous Audi 48V systems (used in A6 C8, A7, Q7, Q8) experienced documented BSG failures caused by heat-degraded HEXFET transistors in the integrated inverter, sometimes leading to complete electrical system failure while driving. Audi issued service campaigns (e.g. 27BQ from April 2024) and extended warranties for earlier 48V units. The MHEV plus system is redesigned with improved liquid cooling for the PTG power electronics, but no long-term track record exists. If the BSG fails, the combustion engine cannot start. Dealer replacement of earlier 48V units ran approximately €1,200-1,800. The PTG is a new component with no independent repair ecosystem yet, so dealer repair is likely the only option initially.
Water pump / thermostat housing leak
up to €1,2004 of 6
Integrated electric water pump and thermostat housing develops coolant leaks, a known EA888 weak point across generations · more· less
The EA888 engine family has a well-documented tendency for the integrated water pump and thermostat housing to develop coolant leaks. On Gen3 and Gen4 engines, this typically manifests as a slow coolant level drop, a sweet smell after parking, or dried pink/white residue near the housing before any visible puddle appears. Failures on previous generations typically occurred between 80,000 and 130,000 km. The entire module (pump plus housing) needs replacing as a unit because resealing is unreliable. Parts cost approximately €300-500 for the complete assembly, with labor at 4-6 hours. Gen4 evo engines use revised materials but share the fundamental integrated design.
S-tronic mechatronic or clutch wear
up to €3,5005 of 6
7-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission can develop mechatronic or clutch issues at higher mileages · more· less
The B10 35 TFSI uses a 7-speed S-tronic with wet clutches. While more reliable than the dry-clutch DQ200 used in smaller VW Group cars, long-term issues are documented on wet-clutch S-tronic units in previous A5 generations: mechatronic unit faults, clutch pack wear, and occasional low-speed juddering. These typically appear beyond 100,000 km and are accelerated by neglected fluid changes. Despite VW Group marketing the fluid as a lifetime fill, specialists recommend changing S-tronic fluid every 60,000 km. Regular fluid changes significantly extend the unit's life. Mechatronic repair at a specialist runs €1,500-2,500, while a full rebuild can reach €3,500.
GPF (gasoline particulate filter) clogging
up to €1,8006 of 6
Short-trip driving can lead to GPF soot accumulation and failed regeneration · more· less
Like all modern direct-injection petrol engines sold in Europe, the B10 35 TFSI is equipped with a gasoline particulate filter. If the car is used predominantly for short trips under 15 km where the exhaust never reaches full operating temperature, the GPF cannot complete its regeneration cycle. Over time, soot accumulates and can trigger warning lights, limp mode, or failed regeneration attempts. A forced regeneration at a dealer costs approximately €200-400. If the filter is severely clogged and cannot be regenerated, replacement costs €1,200-1,800. Regular longer drives of 30 minutes or more at highway speeds prevent this issue.
Proven engine on an unproven platform
The EA888 Gen4 evo powertrain is a mature, well-understood engine family with documented improvements over earlier generations, including resolved oil consumption and timing chain issues. However, the B10 introduces significant new complexity: the PPC platform, the MHEV plus dual-generator hybrid system, and the CARIAD E3 1.2 software are all first-generation implementations. Early-build cars (2024-2025) show software and ADAS teething problems that Audi is actively addressing through dealer updates. Mechanical reliability should be solid based on the engine's track record, but the electronic and hybrid systems carry uncertainty that only time will resolve.
Service history
Complete Audi dealer records essential. Verify S-tronic fluid has been changed if over 60,000 km.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Standard size is 235/45 R18.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds and watch for any warning lights during startup.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. Monitor the dashboard for ADAS warning messages throughout.
Specific for this vehicle
Monitor dashboard for ADAS error messages
Drive for at least 20 minutes and watch for 'front assist unavailable', 'distance warning unavailable', or similar warnings. Test Side Assist on a multi-lane road if possible.
Check MMI infotainment responsiveness
Navigate through menus, connect a phone via CarPlay or Android Auto, test navigation. Watch for screen freezes, input lag, or disconnections.
Verify all software updates are current
Ask the dealer to confirm the latest software version is installed. Early B10 cars have received multiple critical updates addressing ADAS and MMI issues.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Check coolant level and water pump area
Look for low coolant or pink/white residue near the thermostat housing area. This is a known EA888 weak point across generations.
Test 48V MHEV plus system operation
During driving, the MHEV plus system should enable engine-off coasting at moderate speeds. If start-stop or coasting never engages, the 48V system may have a fault.
Verify all recalls have been completed
Multiple seatbelt recalls affect early B10 production. Contact Audi with the VIN to confirm all recall work is done.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front seat belt torsion bar damaged during production (2025 models)Verify completed
Rear seat belt automatic locking retractor may not secure child seats properly (2025 models)Verify completed
Additional front seat belt buckle restraint defect (2025 models)Verify completed
The 2025 Audi A5 has had multiple seatbelt-related recalls affecting both front and rear seats. Contact Audi with the VIN to verify all recall work has been completed. As a new model on a new platform, additional recalls may be issued over the coming months.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)May still apply on 2024-2025 models depending on delivery date
48V MHEV system coverageCovered under factory warranty; check for extended campaigns
Rust perforation warranty12 years
Extended warrantyAudi Extended Warranty available through dealers
Given the B10's new platform and MHEV plus technology, purchasing extended warranty coverage is worth considering. Earlier Audi 48V systems received service campaigns with extended coverage (e.g. campaign 27BQ). Check with an Audi dealer whether similar campaigns apply to the MHEV plus system.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
