New Audi A5 Debuts Replacing The Old A4

Key Highlights

• The Audi A5 replaces the A4 with a fresh design and advanced features.

• Offers a 2.0-liter turbo petrol with two power levels, a 3.0-liter V6 for the S5, and a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel.

• Includes large digital displays, a new head-up display, and a streamlined cabin.

• Orders start in Germany in July 2024, with other European markets following in November.

• Entry-level petrol sedan priced at around EUR 45,200 (about AED 181,000).

Thirty years after its debut, the Audi A4 has reached the end of its run. The premium automaker from Ingolstadt has introduced the new Audi A5 as a replacement for its best-selling midsize car. Despite the familiar name, the new A5 has no connection to the previous A5 model other than its name.

So, what is the new Audi A5?

Audi is changing the names of its cars. The new A5 is essentially the next-generation A4 Under this new system, Audi’s electric models will have even-numbered names (A2, A4, A6, etc.), while odd-numbered names (A3, A5, A7, etc.) will be for internal combustion cars.

The new Audi A5 is the first model under Audi’s new naming system. It will come in two versions: the A5 Sedan and the A5 Avant. Sportier versions, the S5 Sedan and S5 Avant will also be available. Like the old A4, all versions of the new A5 will initially be made in Neckarsulm.

What makes the new Audi A5 ‘new’?

Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)

The Audi A5 will use Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. This PPC platform is designed for internal combustion engine cars with longitudinal engines and includes space for mild hybrid technology to improve efficiency.

MHEV Plus brings better efficiency

The new Audi A5 is a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) featuring a 48-volt lithium iron phosphate (LiPo) battery and a powertrain generator (PTG). Audi refers to this as "MHEV Plus" technology, but it's not available on the entry-level A5.

The PTG boosts the engine’s output by 18 kW (24 hp) and regenerates up to 25 kW back into the battery during braking. It also allows low-speed maneuvers and parking in full-electric mode through the automatic transmission.

This mild-hybrid system reduces carbon emissions and improves fuel economy. Audi claims CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 10 g/km on the A5 2.0 TDI and up to 17 g/km on the A5 3.0 TFSI, with fuel consumption reduced by 0.38 L/100 km and 0.74 L/100 km, respectively.

Integrated and Blending-capable Brake System (iBRS)

The MHEV versions of the new Audi A5 come with an Integrated and Blending-capable Brake System (iBRS). This system uses both standard friction brakes and regenerative brakes, with the regenerative brakes engaging first during initial braking. The friction brakes activate only when the driver presses the brake pedal harder.

The iRBS disconnects the brake pedal from the hydraulic system that operates the brakes. Despite this complex setup, Audi assures that drivers won't notice any difference in brake operation.

Larger physical footprint

Thanks to its new PPC platform, the Audi A5 is larger than the outgoing A4. The new A5 is 67 mm longer, 13 mm wider, and has a wheelbase that's 68 mm longer. Compared to its slightly smaller predecessor, the new A5 is easy to distinguish.

Distinctly different design

An easy way to distinguish the new Audi A5 from the older A4 is by its design. Both the A5 Sedan and A5 Avant feature Audi's latest 'Singleframe' honeycomb grille, which is now flatter and wider. They also come with sleeker OLED headlights and full-width OLED taillights with signature light displays.

The front bumper of the new Audi A5 features a deeper lower apron and large air scoops, giving it a flat-nosed look. The door handles are flush with the doors and operate electrically, while the flared front and rear fenders are reminiscent of Audi’s Quattro rally car.

The A5 Avant has a heavily sloped roofline due to its station wagon design, while the A5 Sedan has a more gradual slope leading to a rear deck. Despite its name, the new Audi A5 Sedan is actually a liftback, not a traditional sedan. The sporty rear of the A5 includes prominent and genuine exhaust tips, bumper blisters, and a faux air diffuser.

Updated interior brimming with modern gizmos

The new Audi A5 has a striking and high-tech interior with two curved digital displays as the main features. A sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and an angled dashboard emphasize the car's focus on driving.

The new Audi A5 features a 10.9-inch co-driver display, an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, and a 14.5-inch MMI display, all using bright OLED panels for a sleek look. It includes a configurable head-up display for controlling various functions and a toggle switch for the automatic transmission.

Controls for lights, seats, mirrors, and door locks are on a separate panel on the driver’s armrest. The cabin uses new, possibly eco-friendly materials and has a cleaner layout with slim air vents and optional dynamic LED ambient lights.

What are the powertrain options with the new Audi A5?

The new Audi A5 comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering two power options: 148 hp and 201 hp. The base model has front-wheel drive, while the 201 hp version is available with Quattro all-wheel drive.

For more performance, you can choose the S5 with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 362 hp. There's also a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine with 201 hp. Both engines come with the 48-volt MHEV Plus system. The only transmission available is a dual-clutch automatic.

How much will the new Audi A5 cost?

The new Audi A5 can be ordered in Germany starting July 2024, with other European countries getting it from November 2024. The base petrol sedan will start at EUR 45,200 (about AED 181,000) in Germany.

Verdict

The new Audi A5 replaces the A4 and brings significant updates, including a fresh design, advanced tech, and a choice of engines. The range will be available for order in Germany from July 2024 and in other European markets from November 2024, with prices starting around EUR 45,200 (approximately AED 181,000).

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