What's all this about?
The Audi A5 has finally been pensioned off, after nine years of service. And this is its replacement.
What on Earth has happened to its face?!
We're not sure. Kudos to Audi for not just knocking out the same old 'handsome-but-safe' design as before, and thus actually giving the car a distinctive conk, but... wow. It doesn't look pretty in these initial images; the front end all looks stretched and taut, and not in a good way. Maybe it'll grow on us in time. Or be one of those cars that looks 'better in the metal', as they say.
Can I presume the interior is another winner?
It is, but before we leave the bodywork behind, it's worth pointing out that the new A5 is up to 60kg trimmer than its predecessor. And it should slice through the air in a remarkably efficient fashion, given its co-efficient of drag is just 0.25.
Right, right, very good - but what about the cabin?
You can bet it'll be another Audi winner, polished to a high sheen and crammed with goodies. The Volkswagen Group's full-width dash strip of air vents (as seen on the Audi A4, Q7 and Passat) is ported over into the A5, while boot space swells 10 litres to 465 litres in total. The rear seats also split 40:20:40. A full range of driver assist systems, as well as sound and connectivity upgrades, should all ensure the A5 can be specced up to high heaven, while the Virtual Cockpit TFT instrument cluster will be offered for the first time on an A5.
Shall we talk about the motive power?
Yes, let's. From launch, there will be a mix of four- and six-cylinder TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines. The A5 will be front-wheel drive on lower-powered models and quattro all-wheel drive on the bigger variants (either as an option or standard-fit on the most potent cars) - while the fuel-saving 'quattro ultra' technology can be fitted to any four-cylinder TFSI or TDI model that has a manual gearbox. On which note, there's a six-speed manual, a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and, on the top two dogs only, an eight-speed Tiptronic auto.
What are those top two dogs of which you speak?
Well, for the A5 models power goes from 190- to 286hp, that latter figure churned out by a monster 3.0-litre V6 TDI unit. But if that torque-champ isn't enough for you, then the S5 performance variant will be available from launch. This 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine sees power up 21hp on its predecessor to stand at a maximum 354hp, leading to a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. Punchy.
And how much will all this stretched-face A5 goodness cost?
Not sure as yet, as the A5 and S5 will go on sale towards the end of this year. Expect a modest price rise for UK models as standard equipment has been ramped up to include: Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lamps; LED interior lights; Audi MMI Radio plus with a seven-inch MMI colour display; Bluetooth and USB charging function; the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel (with paddle shifts on the auto models); and more.
Matt Robinson - 3 Jun 2016
