Audi A5

With the expansion of its model range, AUDI AG has restructured the naming of its vehicles since 2024. The numbers in the names of electric and combustion-engine models are the differentiators. Going forward, even numbers stand for electrically powered models, odd numbers for vehicles with combustion engines. With the debut of the latest generation, the Audi A4, a long-standing bestseller, will be called the Audi A5 and will be produced in Neckarsulm. It is offered in four new variants: as the A5 and S5 Saloon and as the A5 and S5 Avant. These are the first models to be launched on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).

The new models are growing in length and width. Audi is also expanding the amount of standard equipment, positioning the new Audi A5 in the upper mid-size segment. The new user experience based on the 1.2 version of the E³ electronic architecture matches this aspiration.

Dynamic exterior design

In the Saloon the greenhouse stretches to the rear in a sweeping arc, flows seamlessly into the shallow rear window in a coupé-like manner, and ends at the visually short tailgate with a striking spoiler lip.

The front is dominated by the wide and significantly flatter proportioned Singleframe with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure. Together with the precisely drawn headlights, it shapes the face of the vehicle and gives it a focused expression. Thanks to the "soft nose" integrated into the bumper, the hood is flush with the front end. The blisters protruding powerfully from the shoulder area at the front and rear wheels are reminiscent of the Audi Ur quattro and a core element of the Audi design DNA.

Digital light

The Audi A5 family offers digital daytime running lights with LED technology at the front and second-generation digital OLED rear lights at the rear (S5 only in UK). With around 60 segments per digital OLED panel, they are increasingly becoming a display at the rear of the vehicle on the S5. This enables car-to-x communication and increases safety on the road; for example with the new communication light. The dynamic lighting effects when unlocking and leaving the vehicle reflect the aesthetics of movement as part of the Audi light DNA. The active digital light signature does so too, conveying a new sense of liveliness. The headlights are three dimensional in look and offer digital light signatures on Edition 1 and S5 models in the UK, while the rear light digital sigatures are available on the S5 only.

New interior

The design of the interior of the new Audi A5 is based on four characteristic features. Firstly, the interior has a human-centric design, i.e., it is consistently geared towards the needs of its users. The second special feature is the Digital Stage that establishes itself in clear view of the driver and front passenger in the form of the Audi MMI displays. With its Material Driven Design, the Audi A5 meets the requirement for a generous sense of space with a high level of comfort. The clear layout and easy operation of the interior provide an overview in all situations to form the fourth feature: Visual Clarity. Added to this is the optional dynamic interaction light (standard on S5) to support the car's interaction with the occupants.

Audi MMI panoramic display and head-up display

The new operating concept of the Audi A5 family increases interaction with the vehicle thanks to the E³ electronic architecture. The new Audi A5 integrates into our customers' digital ecosystem and offers a personal connectivity experience. The free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and uses OLED technology. It consists of the Audi virtual cockpit with a 11.9-inch visible screen diagonal and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. Audi complements the digital stage for the front passengers with the 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display (available on Edition 1 spec), which is perfectly integrated into the dashboard design. The new A5 has an optional, configurable head-up display that has been further developed compared to its predecessor (standard on S5). For the first time, drivers now have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display

Advanced hybrid system MHEV plus

The new MHEV plus system based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system supports the combustion engine and reduces CO2 emissions while increasing performance. The powertrain generator (PTG) enables electric driving components that contribute to a reduction in fuel consumption.

The new MHEV plus system enables advantages in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in the Audi A5 model series compared to an MHEV system. These total up to 10 g/km CO2 in the 2.0 TDI (204PS, front-wheel drive/quattro) and up to 17 g/km CO2 in the V6 3.0 TFSI (367PS, quattro) in the WLTP driving cycle.

The PTG can also add up to 24PS of electric power to the output of the combustion engine. When decelerating, the PTG feeds energy back into the battery (recuperation) at up to 25 kW. As a result, purely electric manoeuvring and parking are possible to a limited extent. Thanks to the option of using an electric air conditioning compressor, the air conditioning system can also be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off. With the integrated and blending-capable brake control system (iBRS), the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled. In models with the MHEV plus system, for example, it achieves the necessary deceleration without using the friction brakes thanks to regenerative braking. This means that deceleration is initially achieved solely by recuperation. The friction brakes only kick in when the brake pedal is pressed harder. The brake feel remains unaffected by this.

Engines at market launch

The entry-level engine is a 2.0 TFSI with 150PS. Sitting above this, the same engine is available with an output of 204 PS. The turbo four-cylinder is available with a dual-clutch gearbox and both power outputs are front-wheel drive only in the UK.

This TFSI engine is equipped with a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and works with a modified combustion process that is particularly fuel-efficient under partial load. VTG technology enables a consistent and agile build-up of torque even at low engine speeds in petrol engines.

The 2.0 TDI with 204PS from the EA288 evo generation inherits the optimized combustion from its predecessor thanks to the cylinder pressure sensor, TwinDosing for exhaust emission control and two balance shafts for smooth engine operation. It delivers 400Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The 2.0 TDI is available with a dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive or with quattro ultra. To increase efficiency and comfort, the engine is partially electrified using the new 48-volt MHEV plus system. The electrified drivetrain components reduce CO2 emissions thanks to high recuperation performance. In addition, the comfort of the TDI is further enhanced by a 48-volt starter generator for a smooth engine start. The reaction time when starting off is reduced and the car is noticeably more agile.

The S5 is a car powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine with an optimized combustion process. It has a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and MHEV plus technology for the first time. The revised S-tronic dual-clutch transmission in the Audi S5, designed for more torque, also reduces the weight on the front axle and improves agility. Partial electrification by means of the new 48-volt MHEV plus system leads to reduced CO2 emissions via electrified driving components and high recuperation performance. Compared to an S4 Saloon TDI (predecessor model), the S5 Saloon TFSI reduces CO2 emissions by up to 14 g/km. Its fast, dynamic torque build-up underlines the sportiness of the S5.