Audi’s new A5 is the first internal combustion model to follow the company’s revised naming scheme, where odd numbers represent internal combustion cars and even numbers represent electric vehicles. Although the badge on the back says A5 (the brand for the coupe and the current A4-derived Sportback), the new generation model is a direct successor to the current A4 sedan and station wagon (Avant in Audi lingo).
The platform starts with the new A5. Audi says the new sedan is the first model with an internal combustion engine based on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). The new scalable platform will also be used for the upcoming new-generation Q5, due to debut later this year, as well as a range of future internal combustion Audi products.
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In terms of appearance, the new A5 has a sharper design compared to the outgoing A4 but maintains a clean and understated look. The typical Audi radiator grille is wider and shorter than the previous model and is flanked by new angular LED headlights with digital daytime running light signature.
Below the grille is a wide central air intake, while distinctive side vents contribute to the sedan’s sporty look. In profile, the A5 has a more coupe-like profile compared to the current three-box sedan, with a more flowing roofline that flows into the short rear. The rear side windows are now positioned on the C-pillars rather than on the doors and the window line of the A4 it replaces is retained.
The flared wheel arches and the distinctive shoulder line that runs from the front fenders to the taillights give the car a more powerful look. The rear of the new A5 features a full-width light bar with OLED taillights. Audi says the light signature is configurable. A diffuser element with dual exhausts at the base of the bumper completes the sporty look.
Open the door and you’re greeted by a new-generation Audi cabin, similar to that of the new Q6 e-tron. The passenger also has a dedicated 10.9-inch display as an option.
Sleek air conditioning vents are located below the central touchscreen and the center console is also relatively uncluttered with few switches. The gear selector for the automatic transmission is now an electronic toggle switch rather than a physical lever. The feature that catches the user’s attention is the switch on the driver’s door.
In addition to the basic power window controls, the doors appear to have several other controls, including lights, fog lights, and seat memory functions. In terms of the powertrain, the new A5 features Audi’s new MHEV Plus technology, a derivative of their 48V mild-hybrid system.
Audi claims that the MHEV Plus system uses a traction generator to boost engine power by an additional 18kW, while all-electric steering and parking options are limited. The MHEV Plus system uses an electric motor to recover energy when braking. The braking system in MHEV Plus vehicles first recovers energy using engine friction as the main braking source, before applying physical brakes.
As for the engines themselves, Audi says the A5 will be available with two 2.0-liter TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, both of which will be fitted as standard with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The entry-level 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine develops 148 horsepower and is only available with front-wheel drive, while the higher price range will offer a more powerful version with 201 horsepower and optional Quattro all-wheel drive.
The diesel A5 will be powered by a 2.0-liter EA288 EVO TDI turbo diesel engine paired with the new MHEV Plus technology. Audi says the unit will develop 201 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque and will be offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The sportier S5 has a larger 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol engine under the bonnet that develops 362 horsepower and is equipped with MHEV Plus technology.
Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is a sport differential with torque vectoring. A dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard. According to Audi, the new A5 will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2024 and is likely to be launched in other markets thereafter. For the Indian market, we expect the new A5 to be launched sometime next year.
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