New Audi A5: Prices, Options, and Specifications
Audi’s new mild-hybrid system puts out 24bhp and 170lb ft of torque
The new Audi A5 is now available for purchase in the UK, starting at £41,950. Customers have the option to choose between a saloon or estate bodystyle and can select from petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The A5, which replaces the A4, is currently available to order in both standard and S5 versions. The A4 will be relaunched as an electric vehicle next year. This marks the first time in thirty years that Audi has not offered a model badged A4. The previous-generation A5 has also been retired.
Trim Options and Pricing
The A5 range starts with the entry-level Sport trim, priced at £41,950. This trim includes 18-inch alloy wheels, Comfort suspension, LED lights with dynamic indicators, a wireless charger, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree parking camera.
The mid-range S Line trim starts at £44,100 and adds larger 19-inch wheels, Sports suspension, privacy glass, a more advanced multi-function steering wheel, aluminium interior trim, and various bespoke styling cues.
The limited-run Edition 1 trim, priced from £49,100, features 20-inch two-tone wheels, red brake calipers, contrasting black trim, Matrix LED headlights, dark chrome exhaust tips, microfibre upholstery, and a front passenger touchscreen. These features are also available as options in other A5 models.
The range-topping S5 Avant, equipped with a 3.0-litre petrol V6, is exclusively available in Edition 1 guise for now, starting at £68,700.
Prices mentioned above are for the A5 saloon, with the Avant estate adding approximately £1900 to the list price across the lineup.
New Audi A5: Engines, Performance, and Specs
The A5 is part of Audi’s new branding strategy, with ICE cars taking odd numbers and EVs taking even numbers. It features Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which replaces the previous MLB architecture and is more accommodating of electrified powertrains.
The A5 offers a range of pure-ICE and mild-hybrid powertrains. The mild-hybrid powertrains use Audi’s new MHEV Plus system, which utilizes two motor-generators for improved efficiencies and regenerative braking.
The range starts with two versions of the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 turbo petrol four, producing either 148bhp or 201bhp. Both variants are paired with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and Quattro four-wheel drive is available as an option on the more powerful version.
Diesel options are also available, with the A5 featuring a modified version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre turbo four. The diesel engine, equipped with the MHEV Plus system, produces 201bhp and reduces CO2 emissions by 10g/km.
The range-topping S5 model is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, which incorporates the MHEV Plus system. It delivers 362bhp and emits 14g/km less CO2 compared to the previous S4’s diesel V6.
A plug-in hybrid powertrain with an electric-only range of 62 miles will be introduced next year. However, Audi currently has no plans to offer a range-extender EV powertrain in the A5.
The new platform has allowed the A5 saloon to grow in size, with increased length, width, and wheelbase. This prioritizes interior space and provides a more spacious cabin.
Design and Interior Features
The A5 features a smooth-edged design that is an evolution of the A4. It incorporates flared wheel arches, referred to as “Quattro muscle,” and takes design cues from the A6 E-tron saloon EV concept.
The A5 offers optional OLED front and rear lights, which can display eight patterns each and have a Dynamic mode that continuously changes the displayed patterns.
The false exhaust tips from the A4 have been removed based on customer feedback.
The interior of the A5 is inspired by the Q6 E-tron and features a large curved display on the dashboard. The display is split into an 11.9-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. An additional 10.9-inch touchscreen can be added for the front passenger’s entertainment.
Audi’s MHEV Plus System
Audi’s new MHEV Plus system sets itself apart from other mild-hybrid systems by incorporating two generators: an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and a centrally mounted powertrain generator (PTG).
This system significantly improves the power of the regenerative braking system, allowing it to recuperate up to 25kW and produce 18kW (24bhp) and 170lb ft of torque. It also enables quicker battery charging and reduces the use of friction brakes.
The MHEV Plus system is designed to discharge and recharge the battery rapidly, with the intention of shutting off the engine as much as possible. It provides torque fill at low engine revs and powers the car’s electrical and air-conditioning systems.
Overall, the new Audi A5 offers a range of options, advanced technology, and improved performance, making it an attractive choice for customers in the UK market.
