New Audi A5: Saloon and Estate Models Now Available in the UK
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. The A5 is offered in both saloon and estate bodystyles, with a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid power options.
This new model replaces the A4, which will be relaunched as an electric vehicle next year. The A5 is currently available for order, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in November.
This marks the first time in thirty years that Audi has not offered a model badged as the A4. Additionally, the previous-generation A5, a large coupé with two or four doors, has been retired.
Trim Options and Pricing
The A5 range starts with Sport trim, priced at £41,950. This trim includes standard features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, Comfort suspension, LED lights with dynamic indicators, a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree parking camera.
S Line trim is available for £44,100 and adds larger 19-inch wheels, Sports suspension, privacy glass, a more advanced multifunction steering wheel, aluminium interior trim, and sporty styling cues.
For those looking for a limited-run edition, the Edition 1 trim is priced from £49,100. It includes 20-inch two-tone wheels, red brake callipers, contrasting black trim, matrix LED headlights, dark chrome exhaust tips, microfibre upholstery, and a front passenger touchscreen.
The range-topping S5 Avant, powered by a 3.0-litre petrol V6, is exclusively available in Edition 1 guise for £68,700.
Prices mentioned above are for the A5 saloon. The A5 Avant estate adds approximately £1900 to the list price across the lineup.
Engines, Performance, and Specs
The A5 is part of Audi’s new branding strategy, with ICE cars receiving odd numbers and EVs receiving even numbers. It utilizes Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which replaces the older MLB architecture and is more accommodating of electrified powertrains.
The A5 offers a range of pure-ICE and mild-hybrid powertrains. The range starts with two versions of the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 turbo petrol four, with outputs of 148bhp and 201bhp. Both are paired with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and Quattro four-wheel drive is available for the more powerful variant.
Diesel options are also available, with a modified version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre turbo four fitted with the MHEV Plus system. This boosts the output to 201bhp and reduces CO2 emissions by 10g/km.
The range-topping S5 features a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger and 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 for 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 Features
Visually, the A5 is an evolution of the A4, featuring a smooth-edged design with flared wheel arches. The optional OLED front and rear lights can display eight patterns each and have a Dynamic mode that continually changes the display.
The interior of the A5 is inspired by the Q6 E-tron, featuring a large curved display on the dashboard. This 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 offerings by incorporating two generators: a centrally mounted powertrain generator (PTG) and an integrated starter-generator (ISG). This system significantly improves the power of the regenerative braking system, allowing it to recuperate up to 25kW and provide 18kW (24bhp) and 170lb ft of torque.
The MHEV Plus system also charges the battery more quickly and reduces the use of the friction brakes. Audi claims that the regeneration provides sufficient deceleration for most scenarios and aims to shut the engine off as much as possible, allowing the car to maneuver at low speeds and use electric power at A-road speeds.
The mild hybrid system also powers the car’s electrical and air-conditioning systems.
