The unveiling of the all-new Audi A5 marks a whole new chapter in Audi’s onslaught on the mid-size luxury saloon segment. Among the many changes that we’ve seen, it now features a radically redesigned exterior (by Audi’s rather conservative standards, at least), showcasing Audi’s sporty design language. Plus, embodying Audi’s commitment to electrification, they’ve even restructured their naming scheme, with even numbers reserved for EVs, while their ICE models will use odd numbers for their model names. So, confusingly, this now means that the Audi A4 and sportier S4, at least the ICE variants, will now be known as the A5 and S5.
Speaking of, the new Audi A5 introduces mild-hybrid powertrains, courtesy of a series of new 48-volt starter generators, which aids in reducing tailpipe emissions and improving your fuel economy. Moreover, you could even partially drive in all-electric mode, without touching the engine or even drinking a sip of fuel. Overall, this mild-hybrid (MHEV) adds about 24PS worth of electric power to supplement the engine, and it also has regenerative braking. Otherwise, we’ve also seen a good number of improvements to the engines that’ll work alongside those hybrid systems, including a 3.0-litre V6 in the S5, with a healthy 367PS and quattro AWD.
Sporting And Athletic Elegance
Aside from the top-spec S5 performance model, the regular Audi A5 models can be had with two different engines. There’s the 2.0 TFSI engine with 150PS and 204PS, respectively, which pairs an inline-4 and a dual-clutch gearbox. Although, this model is front-wheel drive only. On the other hand, you could also get a 2.0 TDI engine, with 204PS, and the option to choose all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, depending on which one you want. While these might not sound like impressive amounts of power, particularly the A5 models, Audi has made a lot of changes to the chassis and suspension. As such, it offers neutral and precise handling.
The performant Audi S5 even comes paired with adaptive dampers as standard, which allows you to quickly alter the suspension between comfort or sharper driving. In addition, Audi has re-calibrated the progressive steering system on the A5 and S5, refined to offer you a greater level of precision and athleticism. It’s befitting of the new Audi A5’s more dynamic design and its muscular haunches, from the low and sporty body, long wheelbase, and large wheel sizes. The Saloon variant carries a coupe-like roofline (which also gets a larger rear hatch for better access into the boot), and for all you wagon fans, the Avant models are available, too.
Superbly Luxurious, Inside And Out
Naturally, one of the more appealing parts of owning an Audi is spending time inside it. They often have class-leading interior designs, and the new A5 and S5 take it up a notch. With its minimalistic and clear layout, the interior of the A5 feels a lot more spacious and airy than it seems. Step into the cabin, and you’re greeted with Audi’s new MMI panoramic display, which consists of a huge 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and an accompanying 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Optionally, you could also spec a 10.9-inch display just for the passenger, and you get Audi’s updated heads-up display, creating a haven for tech nerds and geeks alike.
As with any Audi, in addition to all this tech, their lighting signature is a noteworthy highlight of the brand. The new Audi A5 family features really cool LED daytime running lights, and the S5 even comes with a new OLED rear taillight. The latter compromises 60 individual segments, which could enable car-to-x communication to help improve road safety. Of course, we can’t ignore the dynamic lighting that “dances” every time you approach your shiny new A5, which adds another layer of theatre to owning an Audi. For UK customers, the new A5 family will be available to order starting from August 13th, with pricing to be announced at that time.
