New Audi A5 succeeds A4 with sleeker looks and PHEV option
Audi has stirred up its model range with the arrival of the A5 saloon and estate as an upsized and upmarket replacement to the former A4.
Renamed in line with the brand’s new badging convention, the BMW 3 Series rival lands later this year, some 30 years after the original A4, and also introduces a new platform, design and latest combustion engines.
The shift to the A5 moniker supports Audi’s expansion of its model range into the electric era. Going forwards, only odd numbers are being used for vehicles with combustion engines; even numbers are being set aside for electrically powered models to support Audi’s plans to have a battery electric vehicle in every core segment of its model portfolio by 2027.
The line-up for the new model will include A5 and S5 saloon versions and the A5 and S5 Avant load-luggers. As with the former A5 Sportback, the saloon will actually come with a rear hatch, which the brand says offers a “convincing symbiosis of design and functionality” and renders access to the boot considerably easier. No coupé or cabriolet will be offered.
The A5 is the first model to be launched on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture and is significantly longer and wider, enhancing onboard space. Audi is also upping standard equipment, positioning the new A5 in the upper mid-size segment.
Engine line-up from launch will include conventional and mild-hybrid engines while a plug-in hybrid will arrive later.
Petrol engines include a pair of front-wheel drive 2.0 TFSI turbo units, outputting 150hp and 204hp and married up with a dual-clutch gearbox.
A mild hybrid 2.0 TDI diesel will also be available, delivering 204hp and available with a dual-clutch gearbox and either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive.
The S5 range-topper is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine with 365hp of power and using a mild hybrid set-up to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 14g/km compared to the previous S4 saloon TDI. It also features an electronic differential with torque vectoring and an adjustable all-wheel drive clutch.
A plug-in hybrid is also due to arrive later, although details haven’t been announced yet.
Equipment includes digital daytime running lights with LED technology at the front and second-generation digital OLED rear lights at the rear on the S5.
The interior features the Audi MMI panoramic display with an 11.9-inch driver’s display and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. A 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display is available on designated models, along with a configurable head-up display that comes as standard on the S5 and can be used to control vehicle and infotainment functions.
The Audi A5 and Audi S5 will launch in Germany and various other European countries in November. Sales in the UK start from 13 August, when full pricing and specification will be announced.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
