Bidding farewell to the A4 as it exists today
Thirty years after its debut, the reign of the Audi A4 has reached its culmination point. The Ingolstadt-based premium automaker has introduced a replacement for its best-selling midsize car – the new Audi A5. Do not let this familiar name confuse you as there is no connection between the outgoing A5 and this all-new model aside from the name, of course.
So, what is the new Audi A5?
It appears that Audi is changing the nomenclature of its cars, with the new A5 pretty much being the next-generation A4. Under this rebranding structure, Audi’s electric models will bear even-numbered names (A2, A4, A6, etc.) while the odd-numbered models (A3, A5, A7, etc.) will denote its internal combustion cars.
The new Audi A5 becomes the first model unveiled under Audi’s latest nomenclature. In fact, there will be two distinct variants of this car – Audi A5 Sedan and Audi A5 Avant. Each will be available in its sportier iterations, i.e., the S5 Sedan and S5 Avant. Similar to the erstwhile A4, all variants of the new A5 are to be initially manufactured in Neckarsulm.
What makes the new Audi A5 ‘new’?
Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)
To go with the revised nomenclature, the Audi A5 is also riding on Audi’s latest Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. The new PPC architecture is designed for ICE cars with longitudinally mounted engines while offering space for mild hybrid technology to enhance overall efficiency.
MHEV Plus brings better efficiency
The new Audi A5 is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) that features a 48-volt lithium iron phosphate (LiPo) battery and a powertrain generator (PTG). As for the mild-hybrid part, Audi likes to call it “MHEV plus” technology. However, MHEV Plus is not available on the entry-level A5.
The PTG adds 18 kW (24 hp) to the engine’s output and adds up to 25 kW back into the battery during braking. As part of the A5’s automatic transmission, the PTG allows low-speed maneuvering and parking to be carried out in full-electric mode.
The mild-hybrid system also means a reduction in carbon emissions and better fuel economy for the new Audi A5. Audi claims a reduction in CO2 emissions by up to 10 g/km on the A5 2.0 TDI and up to 17 g/km on the A5 3.0 TFSI. The fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.38 L/100 km and 0.74 L/100km on these two variants, respectively.
Integrated and Blending-capable Brake System (iBRS)
The MHEV variants of the new Audi A5 are equipped with the Integrated and Blending-capable Brake System (iBRS). The system utilizes the standard friction brakes and the vehicle’s regenerative brakes, the latter being used exclusively during the initial phase of braking. It is only when the driver stomps on the brake pedal do the friction brakes activate.
The iRBS works by decoupling the brake pedal from the hydraulics that actually operate the brakes. Despite the complex mechanism of the whole system, Audi says that drivers will notice no change in how the brakes feel to operate.
Larger physical footprint
Courtesy of its new PPC underpinnings, the new Audi A5 has grown in size. Compared to the outgoing A4, the new A5 is 67 mm longer, and 13 mm wider, while its wheelbase is 68 mm longer as well. Parked next to its slightly smaller predecessor, it should be rather easy to identify the Audi A5.
Distinctly different design
One of the other (even easier) ways to tell these two cars apart is by looking at their design. Both the A5 Sedan and A5 Avant come with Audi’s latest iteration of the ‘Singleframe’ honeycomb grille, which is now flatter but also wider. Both get sleeker OLED headlights and full-width OLED taillights with signature light displays.
The front bumper of these cars gets a deeper lower apron and large air scoops along with a flat nose. The door handles are now flush with the doors and are electrically operated, while the flared front and rear haunches are a throwback to Audi’s Quattro rally car.
Where the roofline of the A5 Avant is heavily sloped owing to its station wagon form, that of the A5 Sedan slopes more gradually and leads to a rear deck. Contrary to its name, the new Audi A5 Sedan is actually a liftback, not a true three-box sedan. The sporty rear of the A5 gets prominent & genuine exhaust tips along with blisters in the bumper and a faux air diffuser.
Updated interior brimming with modern gizmos
The new Audi A5 features a bold and technologically marvellous interior with integrated dual digital displays taking centerstage. Their curved design along with a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and an angled dashboard highlights the focus on driving.
There is a 10.9-inch display in front of the co-driver, while the Audi Virtual Cockpit and the MMI display measure 11.9 inches and 14.5 inches respectively. These displays comprise bright and crisp OLED panels, which look stunning and should account for much of the in-cabin experience.
The new A5 gets a configurable head-up display through which several vehicle and infotainment functions can be controlled. The automatic transmission is operated using a toggle switch on the center pedestal, with controls for the lights, seats, mirrors, and door locks located on a separate panel on the driver’s side armrest.
The cabin of the Audi A5 appears to boast new (perhaps eco-friendly) materials and textures, whilst also reducing clutter on the dashboard and center pedestal. The slim design of the air vents adds to the upscale feel, with Audi also offering optional dynamic interaction lights by using ambient LEDs.
What are the powertrain options with the new Audi A5?
The new Audi A5 gets a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in two states of tune – 148 hp and 201 hp. The entry-level variant is front-wheel drive only, while the 201-horsepower model can be had with Quattro all-wheel drive.
Those seeking better performance can upgrade to the S5, which makes 362 horsepower from its 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine. The final engine option is a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with 201 hp. Both these engines get the 48-volt MHEV Plus system. The only gearbox on offer will be a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
How much will the new Audi A5 cost?
The new Audi A5 range will be available for order in Germany beginning in July 2024, with its launch in other European markets starting in November 2024. The entry-level petrol sedan of the new Audi A5 in the German market will cost EUR 45,200 (appx. AED 181,000).
