The German car manufacturer Audi has been a little quiet of late but they have been harbouring a secret; until now. The prestige brand is introducing not just one model but a whole series of cars under the A5 label. The new Audi A5 is offered with striking design proportions. Both body styles, Saloon and Avant (Estate / Station Wagon), perfectly embody that essential sporty essence of Audi’s design philosophy. In tandem with the expansion of the company’s all-electric portfolio, they are also launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines, suggesting that the good old internal combustion engine still has some long life in it. Other manufacturers are following suit, incidentally, which hopefully will offer buyers the best of both worlds, depending upon preference.
A new interior layout creates a feeling of space and places the displays on a digital stage, being a new operating concept which increases interaction with the vehicle. Efficient, partially electrified combustion engines and, topping off the list, thrilling S models in both body styles round off the range.
On The Outside
Even at first glance, the completely redesigned A5 family has a powerful design with crisp, clean lines. The modified proportions with a long wheelbase, large wheels and a low, sporty body embody progressive dynamism and the premium standards for which this brand is renowned. In the Saloon, the sporty, compact-looking cabin stretches to the rear in a sweeping arc, flowing seamlessly into the shallow rear window in a coupé-like manner, and ends at the visually short tailgate with a striking spoiler lip.
The rear hatch, which is new in this vehicle segment, offers a convincing symbiosis of design and functionality. It opens with the rear window and its size makes access to the luggage compartment considerably easier. This results in a completely new Saloon concept for Audi. Meanwhile, in the Avant, the dynamic, taut roofline merges into a seamlessly integrated roof spoiler that spans the sporty, flat rear window. The D-pillars, which are steeply raked, emphasize the dynamic side view of this estate variant.
The front is dominated by the wide and significantly flatter proportioned ‘Singleframe’ grille with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure. Together with the slim and precisely drawn headlights, it shapes the face of the vehicle and gives it a striking and focused expression. Thanks to the “soft nose” integrated into the bumper, the bonnet (hood) is flush with the front end. The wheel blisters protruding powerfully from the shoulder area at the front and rear wheels and are reminiscent of the legendary Audi Ur quattro of long ago yet still a core element of the Audi design DNA.
The striking, distinctive rear combines sporty design and intelligent technology. The three dimensional, offset light strip gives the rear of the new Audi A5 presence and visual dynamism. Further highlights of the rear view in the base models are the clear, modern design of the bumper with a dark diffuser and the high-quality rectangular exhaust tips.
On The Inside
The design of the interior of the new Audi A5 is based on four characteristic features. Firstly, the interior has a human-centric design, in that it is consistently geared towards the needs of its users. The second special feature is the ‘Digital Stage’ that establishes itself in clear view of the driver and front passenger in the form of the Audi MMI (multi-media interface) displays. With its ‘Material Driven Design’, the new Audi A5 meets the requirement for a generous sense of space with a high level of comfort.
The clear layout and easy operation of the interior provide an overview in all situations to form the fourth feature: ‘Visual Clarity’. Added to this is the optional dynamic interaction light (standard on the rapid S5) to support the car's interaction with the occupants.
The new operating concept of the Audi A5 family increases interaction with the vehicle thanks to the ‘E³ electronic architecture’. The new Audi A5 integrates seamlessly into customers’ digital ecosystem and offers a personal connectivity experience. The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and uses OLED technology. It consists of the Audi virtual cockpit with an 11.9 inch visible screen diagonal and the 14.5 inch MMI touch display. Audi complements the digital stage for the front passengers with a 10.9 inch MMI front passenger display, which is perfectly integrated into the dashboard design. The new A5 has an optional, configurable head-up display that has been further developed compared to its predecessor (standard on the sporting S5 variant). For the first time, drivers now have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display. Needless to say, there’s the usual plethora of safety, infotainment and connectivity features on board.
The furnishings are typically Audi with a high quality of fit and finish and the usual mix or options of leather or made-made materials. As you can see in our images, the standard seats are great but the sports seats in the S5 version are superb, providing total body-hugging grip. Whatever use any of these models are put to; as a sporting drive or a family wagon, it is hard to beat the design and ergonomics of an Audi.
The Power
The efficient engines in the Audi A5 family cover a wide range, from the conventionally powered entry-level model to the comfortable long-distance runner and the dynamic sports car. The packages of engines, transmissions, the degree of electrification and type of drivetrain are geared towards the customer requirements.
The entry-level engine is a 2.0 petrol TFSI with 148 bhp (150PS). Sitting above this, the same engine is available with an output of 201bhp (204PS). The turbo four-cylinder is available with a dual-clutch gearbox and both power outputs are front-wheel drive only in the UK and some other markets. This TFSI engine is equipped with a turbo-charger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and works with a modified combustion process that is particularly fuel-efficient under partial load. VTG technology enables a consistent and agile build-up of torque even at low engine speeds in petrol engines.
There’s still a diesel option too: It’s a 2.0 TDI with 201bhp (204PS) that sets new standards in the A5 thanks to its MHEV (Hybrid. See below) plus technology. This two-litre engine inherits the optimized combustion from its predecessor thanks to the cylinder pressure sensor, ‘TwinDosing’ for exhaust emission control and two balance shafts for smooth engine operation. It delivers 400Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The 2.0 TDI is available with a dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive or with 4x4 quattro ultra. To increase efficiency and comfort, the engine is partially electrified using the new 48-volt MHEV plus system. The electrified drivetrain components reduce CO² emissions thanks to high recuperation performance. In addition, the comfort of the TDI is further enhanced by a 48-volt starter generator for a smooth engine start. The reaction time when starting off is reduced and the car is noticeably more agile as a result of these changes.
Growling quietly at the top of the range, the S5 is a real sports car in practical guise, powered by a 3.0 litre V6 TFSI engine with an optimized combustion process. It has a turbo-charger, again with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and MHEV plus technology for the first time. The revised S tronic dual-clutch transmission in the Audi S5, designed for more torque, also reduces the weight on the front axle and improves agility. Partial electrification by means of the new 48-volt MHEV plus system leads to reduced CO² emissions via electrified driving components and high energy recuperation performance.
Fast, dynamic torque build-up underlines the sportiness of the S5. The standard use of a quattro sport differential with torque vectoring in combination with an adjustable all-wheel drive clutch is tuned for lateral dynamics at the highest level.
MHEV
The new MHEV plus system is based on a 48 volt on-board electrical system that supports the combustion engine and reduces emissions while at the same time increasing performance. The power-train generator (PTG) enables electric driving components that contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption. The PTG can also add up to 23bhp (24PS) of electric power to the output of the combustion engine. When decelerating, the PTG feeds energy back into the battery for energy recuperation at up to 25 kW. As a result, purely electric manoeuvring and parking are possible to a limited extent.
Audi & MHH International
Audi offer a very wide variety of premium quality vehicles in most of the body style categories. Potential customers can choose between internal combustion, fully electric or a mix of both via hybrid systems. If current Audi models fit in with your lifestyle or business needs then please contact us here at MHH International and find out how we export cars (possibly VAT free) from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland or other global destinations. Check out our website and get in touch for further details. We can help you source you next Audi.
