Audi A5 - the new brand essence
Audi has announced that the last combustion engines will be the best, and it now intends to keep this promise. The brand's mid-range model will be the first: it will be called the A5, it will come as a saloon or Avant, and it will replace both the current A4 as a saloon and Avant as well as the A5 Sportback. The A5 Coupé and Cabriolet will not have a successor.
The new A5 is based on the PPC platform, an evolution of the modular longitudinal toolkit (MLB) combined with a new electronics architecture. Its model designation serves as a clear classification: in future, Audi's electric models will have even numbers and the combustion models odd numbers. It's nice that Audi has placed the classically motorized models higher up. For example, the electric version of the successor to the current A6 will be called the A6 e-tron, while the combustion model will be called the A7.
Stylistically, the Audi design is making a big splash with the A5. It was designed under the recently replaced chief designer Marc Lichte, the car sits low on the road, the proportions benefit from the classic drive - after all, there is no need to conceal any batteries here. Its lines are calmer and more flowing than those of other Audi models, with the beginnings of a new design language that will characterize several future model series before the new chief designer Massimo Fraschella sets his own accents.
Flat, flush-fitting door handles finally replace the somewhat clumsy-looking bow handles of the predecessor model, while headlights and rear lights stand out in several variants. In the most sophisticated versions, eight different light signatures can be programmed for both the LED headlights and the OLED tail lights. The rear lights can take on special warning functions. Incidentally, the radiator grille is smaller and more elegant than on other Audi models, reversing the trend towards ever larger air intakes. The exhaust tailpipes are made visible again and are fundamentally functional.
There is a choice of two body styles: The sedan with a flat roofline and a notchback that conceals a large tailgate - and the Avant, which is particularly popular in Europe. The drag coefficient is 0.25, for the Avant 0.27. The latter is available with a switchable panoramic roof, which can be tinted in several stages. The wheel sizes are between 17 and 20 inches.
The cockpit has been completely changed compared to its predecessor, although many elements correspond to the Q6 electric SUV. This panoramic screen, which takes some getting used to, will be installed in many Audi models in the future - both on the classically powered PPC platform and on the electric PPE platform. The new electronics architecture works faster and better than before, and it offers flexibility for options such as the passenger screen or a new head-up display. There are innovative lighting effects in the interior; the top-of-the-range stereo system comes from Bang&Olufsen.
At market launch, the A5 is available in four engine variants. The entry-level model is a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW/150 hp or 150 kW/204 hp; the most economical A5 model is the 2.0-litre TDI with twin-dosing emission control and 48-volt hybridization; it also delivers 150 kW/204 hp. The top model is the S5 with a 48-volt hybridized 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and 270 kW/367 hp. It replaces the more economical V6 TDI of the predecessor model, but we assume that Audi will also add a 3.0-liter V6 TDI. All engine variants on offer have a dual-clutch automatic transmission; there is no longer a torque converter automatic transmission, even in the high-engined versions.
The chassis is stiffer than its predecessor and the wheelbase has grown. The entry-level petrol engine and the entry-level diesel are also available with front-wheel drive, all other models have all-wheel drive. In terms of driving dynamics, the A5 certainly wants to improve on the previous models.
Prices start at just 45,200 euros; a reasonable price for this beautifully designed, modern model, which is set for a very long career. That is, if it does indeed mark the end of the combustion series. (aum/jm)
More info for topic: Audi A5 , Audi S5
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