Audi unveils the A5, replaces the A4 globally

Audi unveils the new A5 family of cars, and the big news is that the A5 sedan is here to replace the A4. The A5 model line debuts Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture that pairs a combustion engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system that also offers an all-electric driving in certain situations. The lineup also includes the S5 sedan, which may come to India and the Avant bodystyle which will only be available in the international markets.

Audi A5 design

The Audi A5 replaces the A4 globally and is 67mm longer and 13mm wider than the outgoing model. The front gets a singleframe with a honeycomb structure and aligns with Audi’s new design language. The LED headlight and tail lamps get up to 60 signature animations that relay information depending on the situation. Carried over from the A5 Sportback, the A5 sedan gets a hatch at the rear – eases the loading and unloading of luggage into the boot. 

Audi A5 interior

The Audi A5’s cabin is in line with Audi’s new interior architecture which was first showcased on the Q6 e-tron. The steering wheel design is new, as is the entire dashboard layout. In front of the driver sits a new 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. The dashboard is dominated by a massive 14.5-inch infotainment display, and also on offer is a 10.9-inch passenger display. The gear stick is gone and in its place is a toggle gear selector, which frees up space on the centre console for storage and cupholders. AC controls, however, have been moved into the touchscreen display. 

Audi A5 powertrain

The Audi A5 gets a number of powertrains, most relevant to us probably being the  2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 201bhp. This model gets a VGT – variable geometry  turbocharger – allowing it to push out better outputs without too much lag. Also available is a 2-litre TFSI in a lower spec, making 148bhp. The former is available with both FWD and quattro AWD, through it is likely that it will come to India as FWD. There is no mild hybrid system on this drivetrain.

The A5 also gets a 2-litre TDI engine putting out 201bhp and 400Nm, and this engine comes mated to the new MHEV plus mild hybrid system. The MHEV plus uses a motor generator to produce 24bhp of power as torque fill, improving performance and reducing emissions in the process. It is also used to regenerate power and feed it back into the battery at 25kW. This regen system allows some of the braking duties to also be taken over by the MHEV system, with initial deceleration being done through regen and the mechanical brakes only taking over when more braking force is applied. The mild hybrid system allows the AC and other electricals to be powered off the battery instead of the engine. It also allows low speed maneuverability only on electric power.

Audi S5 

The Audi S5 will also be available as the performance version of the A5 and will likely be available in India. It gets slightly different styling with different design wheels, rear-diffuser and a lip spoiler.
The big change is the 3-litre V6 engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system that pushes out a combined 386bhp. Again, the MHEV plus system works as it does with the TDI – adding power and improving efficiency, while also allowing low speed electric driving. Additionally, the S5 gets an improved DCT that can handle more torque, while also reducing weight on the front axle to improve handling. The S5 also gets a sport differential as standard, while the all-wheel drive clutch has been optimised for sportier driving. 

You can expect the Audi A5 to launch in India, as this class of luxury sedan is an important segment to Audi India. It is possible that the Audi S5 also makes it here soon after, though Audi could choose to bring a (likely in the works) Sportback model as its performance model instead. The A5 Avant will likely not make it to Indian shores considering the Indian market’s lack of interest in wagons.That said, Audi has also said that the even numbers of its range (4 / 6 / 8) will be reserved for electric cars going ahead while odd numbers (3 / 5 / 7) will be for ICE cars. Could this mean we’ve got an electric A4 on the horizon?