Audi A5: The last mid-range combustion engines

The new A5 is built on the PPC platform, the "Premium Platform Combustion," essentially an evolution of the Modular Longitudinal Matrix (MLB) combined with a new electronics architecture. In the future, Audi's internal combustion cars will be designated by odd numbers, while electric models will get even numbers. Hence, the successor to the current A6 in its electric variant will be called A6 e-tron, whereas the combustion engine model will become the A7. It is also likely that the current A7 Sportback will be discontinued.

Two body styles are available: a sedan with a low roofline and a notchback, which, like the Skoda Octavia, cleverly hides a large practical tailgate that the A5 Sportback also had – and the Avant. The drag coefficient is 0.25 for the sedan, and 0.27 for the Avant. Wheel sizes range between 17 and 20 inches.

The engines: Starting with a modest 110 kW 2.0-liter gasoline engine

At launch, the A5 will be available with four engines. The entry-level model is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 110 kW/150 hp or 150 kW/204 hp; there is also a 2.0-liter TDI with twin dosing exhaust cleaning and 48-volt hybridization, also delivering 150 kW/204 hp. The top model for now is the S5 with a 48-volt hybridized 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine generating 270 kW/367 hp. This model replaces the more economical V6 TDI of the predecessor model. However, both an RS5 and a 3.0-liter V6 TDI might follow, with a base diesel potentially available for fleets. All offered engine variants feature dual-clutch transmission.

The design: Innovation through light

Stylistically, the A5 is one of the last designs by chief designer Marc Lichte, who, with his team, made a huge leap towards quality but refrained from a revolution. With thick Quattro fenders, it crouches angular and geometrically low to the ground. Flat, flush door handles add elegance, and headlights and rear lights can be configured in multiple variants, at least in the expensive versions: Here, eight different light signatures can be programmed, and the rear lights can take on special warning functions, thus communicating with the environment. Interesting: The grille is shrinking again for better aerodynamics, and the exhaust pipes are once more clearly visible.

Significant interior upgrades

The cockpit has been completely redesigned but visually shares many elements with the electric SUV Q6 – including a panoramic screen. The new electronics architecture is intended to deliver faster and better performance than before and offers flexibility for additional options. These include a passenger display or a new head-up display. There are also new lighting effects; in its top version, the sound system is provided by Bang & Olufsen.

The chassis is stiffer than its predecessor, and the wheelbase has grown. The entry-level gasoline and diesel models come with front-wheel drive, while all other models feature Quattro all-wheel drive. In terms of driving dynamics, the A5 aims to surpass the performance of previous models once again.