Audi A5 Replaces The A4 With Sleeker Looks And More Efficient Powertrains

The new model is available in five-door Sedan and Avant flavors, both for the regular A5 and the performance-focused S5

Audi introduced a new family of A5 and S5 models, featuring a range of mildly electrified powertrains. Unlike the outgoing two-door Coupe and Cabriolet with the same name, the new A5 / S5 is the successor of the A4 / S4, offered in Sedan and Avant bodystyles.

The confusing move is part of Audi’s restructured naming strategy, reserving odd numbers for ICE-powered models and even numbers for EVs. Besides the A4 Sedan and Avant, the new model also replaces the A5 Sportback, as the new A5 Sedan has five doors, including a practical tailgate.

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The adoption of the A5 moniker brought sexier styling, with sharper details and improved proportions. The discontinued A4 has been widely criticized for its bland looks compared to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, prompting Audi designers to try a bit harder. Highlights include the sharper LED headlights and OLED taillights, the wider fenders, the slimmer grille, and the larger bumper intakes, all reminiscent of high-end Audi Sport offerings.

The new Audi A5 is the first production model to ride on the new PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, an updated version of the MLB Evo (Modular Longitudinal Matrix) platform. The model is longer and wider compared to its predecessor, with an extra 68 mm (2.7 inches) between the axles resulting in a 2,900 mm (114.2 inches) wheelbase.

Audi S5 Sedan

Audi S5 Avant

The interior has been overhauled, with a modern design and more standard features helping the A5 move deeper into the premium segment. The curved panoramic display comprises an 11.9-inch instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen display for the Audi MMI infotainment, combined with an enhanced head-up display and an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. The company claims that the cabin is more spacious than before, offering high levels of comfort.

A New Mild Hybrid System

The powertrain lineup of the A5 starts with a non-electrified 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder gasoline engine, featuring a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and a modified combustion process for improved efficiency. The engine is available in two power outputs: 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) in the front-wheel-drive version, or 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) in the quattro.

The second option is an updated 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel, featuring the new 48-Volt MHEV plus system. The diesel is good for 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, while the electric motor/generator produces up to 24 hp (18 kW / 24 PS), contributing to lower emissions. The mild-hybrid TDI is mated to a dual-clutch automatic, sending power to the front or all four wheels (quattro).

The more potent Audi S5 Sedan and Avant come fitted with an updated turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI unit, which has also been enhanced with the same MHEV plus technology. The mill produces 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS), 13 hp (10 kW / 14 PS) more compared to the V6 found in the previous S4 and S5. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, aided by a quattro sport differential with torque vectoring.

Audi claims the reworked suspension and steering setup result in “more precise” and “largely neutral handling”. For those who want more, the optional adaptive suspension is said to offer a wider spectrum between comfort and sportiness.

The new Audi A5 and S5 family will be available to order in Europe later this month, ahead of the first deliveries in November. In Germany, the Audi A5 Sedan will be priced from €45,200 ($49,279). US pricing and availability will be announced later.

Audi A5 Sedan

Audi A5 Avant

Audi A5 / S5 family