Overview
So, you wish to purchase a brand new Audi A4 however can’t discover any hint of it…?
That’s as a result of the new A4 is now generally known as the A5; a automobile that’s nearer in dimension to the earlier A6, and one that’s bigger than rivals from BMW (3 Sequence) and Mercedes-Benz (C-Class).
Confused? You’re possible not alone.
Nevertheless, Audi assures us the choice is smart – and is meant to spotlight the distinction between petrol and electrical fashions – whereas on the identical time persevering with to offer Sedan (Liftback) and Avant (Wagon) physique kinds for A4 loyalists.
The B10 collection A5 (the collection designation following numerically from the outgoing A4 vary) is obtainable from launch with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder or turbocharged and gentle hybridised 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. The previous gives front-wheel drive whereas the latter makes use of Audi’s famend quattro all-wheel drive system.
Different variants will fill out the center reaches of the A5 line-up shortly, together with identically priced TFSI quattro 200kW (petrol) and e-hybrid quattro 270kW (PHEV) variants.
As regards to pricing, we discover the A5 vary ranging from $79,900 plus on-road prices – or $8000 greater than the entry-spec A4. It’s a major worth hike, however one that’s tempered by complete upticks in look, connectivity, design, dynamics, effectivity, efficiency, and security.
Constructed upon Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) structure, the launch variants sampled included the A5 Sedan (which can be a Liftback) with its 150kW/340Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving the entrance wheels by way of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the S5 Avant (Wagon) version one powered by a 270kW/550Nm turbocharged V6 petrol operating the same transmission and all-wheel drive.
Importantly, the V6 options 48-volt gentle hybrid help not discovered on the four-cylinder. Audi says that whereas serving to to enhance gasoline economic system, the know-how aids in eliminating turbo lag, leading to a somewhat spectacular 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds – virtually half that of the bottom A5 (9.8s)
As reported beforehand, the 2025 Audi A5 arrives with a beneficiant record of normal tools together with 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights with selectable digital signatures, anodised matt anthracite aluminium element styling parts, electrical aspect mirrors with heating, auto-dimming, reminiscence operate and kerb view operate, and a comfort key system with keyless entry and electrical tailgate that includes gesture management.
Additionally included are options like digital key performance permitting full entry and drive capabilities from a related smartphone.
Contained in the A5 sports activities a completely redesigned cabin with built-in sport seats upholstered in premium leather-based/leatherette, door sill trims with aluminium illuminated inlays, electrical seat changes with reminiscence performance for the driving force, heated entrance seats with four-way lumbar help, a multifunction leather-based steering wheel, and tri-zone local weather management.
The cabin additional gives an all-new human-machine interface with a complicated MMI navigation plus system introduced by way of a high-resolution 14.5-inch OLED panoramic contact show, complemented by an 11.9-inch Audi digital cockpit (digital instrument panel). The system is supported by Audi’s newest E3 1.2 electrical structure (and a complete of 5 computer systems), as lately launched within the new Q6 E-Tron SUV.
Different inside package encompasses color ambient lighting, wi-fi smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), wi-fi charging, USB retailers for charging and connectivity performance within the entrance and rear, Audi join plus for navigation, infotainment, safety and help, and a complicated Audi sound system with digital radio (DAB+) reception.
All variants of the brand new A5 and S5 are geared up with an intensive array of security tools masking ADAS, main and secondary, energetic and passive security methods.
Stepping as much as the S5 we discover a sporty exterior look highlights together with 20-inch alloys, aluminium S exterior styling, purple brake callipers, S sport suspension with adjustable dampers, matrix LED headlights with selectable mild signatures, digital OLED tail lamps, and privateness glass as customary.
Inside highlights embody Nappa leather-based upholstery with diamond stitching, heated, ventilated, and massaging entrance seats, heated rear outer seats, a heated steering wheel, head-up show, and color ambient lighting with a dynamic interplay mild strip that visualises quite a lot of automobile capabilities together with dynamic flip alerts to the cabin occupants.
When it comes to infotainment the S5 advantages from a premium Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System, and a brand new 10.9-inch MMI show for the entrance passenger that enables for an enhanced cabin expertise when paired with the handy connectivity of high-power USB interfaces able to charging laptops and tablets, additional underscoring the S5’s luxurious appointment.
The S5 version one (from $99,900 + ORC) can be obtainable at launch “providing clients the prospect to step right into a high-performance S5 with enticing tools and distinct black styling for a really aggressive price ticket”.
Paint colors throughout the line-up prolong to eight with new hues together with Horizon Blue, Grenadine Pink, and Ascari Blue.
The place cargo capability is anxious, we discover 445 litres within the Sedan (down 35 litres from the outgoing A4) and 476 litres within the Avant (down 19 litres) in five-seat format, increasing to 1299 litres (up from 965 litres) and 1495 litres (down from 1424 litres) respectively with the seats folded flat.
As with all Audi automobiles, the A5 vary is backed by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee with included roadside help.
Driving Impressions
The variations between the A4 and A5 (and S5 right here for the sake of brevity) ought to now be somewhat apparent.
It’s a much bigger automotive, constructed on a brand new platform that gives extra cabin area, the most recent connectivity and security tech, drastically improved consolation and dynamism, and revised but acquainted engines that present every variant with its personal persona and efficiency ranges.
And whereas that each one stands true and proper, it says little in regards to the character enhancements that assist in enhancing the automobile: it’s means to deal with garbage Australian nation roads and antagonistic climate situations, its surefootedness on the open highway, and its cossetting, high-grade inside.
Excuse the complicated identify change and also you’ll discover a mid-sized premium European entrant that though dearer, gives higher worth than its nearest rivals. It’s quiet, polished, and a pleasure to drive – one thing we will now not say of sure phase entrants that had been as soon as the final in that regard…
Merely, the A5 is a stunning automobile to pilot from the get-go. It feels impressively composed, fantastically balanced, and innately responsive.
The modifications to entrance suspension geometry, damping, and rear subframe, together with the broadened footprint, present a way of readability to the driving force, permitting every wheel motion to be acknowledged, however disallowing any antagonistic impression on the automobile’s posture – or its buy on the highway under.
In a few of the worst climate situations Victoria’s Central Highlands may throw at us, the A5 remained a reliable and targeted companion: its steering constant and its braking resolute. Mix these qualities with the ebullient torque of the S5’s V6 engine and also you very almost have the best household automotive.
That’s to not say the A5’s 2.0-litre engine is a slouch. Had been we to not drive it back-to-back towards a mannequin with near double the horsepower we’d possible have been fairly impressed. However in sampling the entry unit alongside the irrepressible enthusiasm the S5 gives reveals a marked distinction in intent.
The A5 is a serene and cozy possibility. The driveline and surrounds fade into the background when cruising velocity is reached, permitting time to benefit from the snug seating, diligent local weather management, and plentiful tech choices. It’s the form of automobile you possibly can cowl a variety of floor in with out feeling worse for put on – and whereas consuming little or no gasoline.
Contemplating the mannequin is with none type of electrical help, the 6.7 litres per 100km of indicated gasoline consumption is completely acceptable, particularly given the winding roads, inclement climate, and undulating terrain encountered on take a look at.
In contrast, the S5 is one thing of a mum missile. In addition to accelerating with a critical shove within the again, it gives ample reserves for speedy overtaking manoeuvres when required. The engine cooperates brilliantly with the dual-clutch transmission, not solely shifting rapidly, however virtually seamlessly in all however its most aggressive driving mode.
Once more, and in tackling some actually questionable climate situations (the sort that might have many motorists pulling over and ready for the ‘worst of it’ to go), the S5 felt actually planted. The degrees of grip, mixed with clearly telegraphed suggestions from every nook, reveals some great benefits of Audi’s many years of quattro fine-tuning. We are able to solely think about how properly the automobile may carry out within the dry…
Whereas the situations and velocity limits meant we had been unable to correctly open the faucets, there’s a way the S5 has rather a lot to supply the efficiency fanatic. It’s actually brisk, however nonetheless properly composed, and just like the A5 is a rewarding automobile by which to spend time, virtually as if a highway journey beckons every time you hop behind the ‘wheel.
And while you’re spending the form of cash the A5 and S5 command, it’s that feeling that we really feel ought to be a given…
In our opinion, a premium automotive should ship that je ne sais quoi a mainstream mannequin can’t – whereas on the identical time instilling a way that the cash you’ve laid down is justified by top-notch engineering from bonnet besides lid.
Pleasingly, that feeling could be very a lot alive and properly within the all-new Audi A5 vary – and we will’t wait to take one other drive.
