New Audi A5 & A5 Avant unveiled

German luxury automaker Audi has pulled the wraps off the new A5 and A5 estate, which is the new generation A4 that will now be called the A5. The brand has also announced a significant restructuring of its vehicle naming conventions. This change comes as part of Audi's broader strategy to differentiate between its electric and combustion-engine models. Starting in 2024, even numbers will designate electrically powered models, while odd numbers will indicate vehicles with combustion engines.

Audi A5: Design

With the new A5, Audi has debuted the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). The models are larger in both length and width as Audi intents to position them in the upper mid-size segment.

Moreover, the design of the new A5 family is not only minimalist but also has a touch of a familiarity. The front is dominated by a wide and flat grille with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure. The bonnet is integrated "seamlessly" with the front end, thanks to a "soft nose" design, says Audi. Additionally, the blisters over the shoulder area of the front and rear wheels, takes inspiration from the Audi Urquattro. The sedan gets a coupe-style sloping roofline and ends at a short tailgate with a striking spoiler lip. Whereas, the Avant model features a slightly slanting roofline that merges into a roof spoiler. It also has a flat rear window.

At the back, the A5 gets a continuous three-dimensionally offset light strip. The base models feature a clean bumper design with a dark diffuser and rectangular exhaust tips. While the digital daytime running lights with LED technology are standard at the front, the second-generation digital OLED rear lights are given at the rear.

Audi has improved the suspension and steering of the A5, claiming to offer precise and effortless handling. Optional adaptive dampers allow for considerable differentiation between comfort and sportiness.

Audi A5: Interior

The carmaker says that the interior design focuses on user-centric features, including the Audi MMI displays, which form the Digital Stage. The free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display uses OLED technology and includes the Audi virtual cockpit with an 11.9-inch driver display and a 14.5-inch MMI central information display. There is an optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display integrated into the dashboard. On the flip side, a heads-up display allows drivers to control vehicle and infotainment functions.

Audi A5: Powertrain

Audi has debuted a new MHEV plus system, based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system, that supports the combustion engine, claiming to reduce CO2 emissions and increasing performance. According to the brand, the powertrain generator enables partially electric driving, reducing fuel consumption. The system supports purely electric manoeuvring and parking and allows the air conditioning to operate when the vehicle is stopped.

The integrated brake control system (iBRS) decouples the brake pedal from the brake hydraulics, achieving necessary deceleration through regenerative braking. This system ensures that deceleration is primarily achieved by recuperation, with friction brakes engaging only under harder pedal pressure.

In terms of engine options, the A5 family offers a range of choices. The entry-level 2.0-litre petrol engine is available in 150PS and 204PS variants, features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG). Then, the 2.0-litre diesel unit with 204PS includes MHEV plus technology, twin dosing for exhaust emission control, and balance shafts for smooth operation. The top-of-the-line S5 models come powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 367PS, and also incorporate MHEV plus technology.

Audi A5: Market launch

At first, the new A5 will go on sale in Germany and other European countries starting in November 2024, with pre-orders beginning in July. Notably, the base A5 sedan will start at 45,200 euros, including standard features, such as navigation, an electrically powered rear hatch, and a wireless charging pad.

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