Audi converts the A4 into an A5

A new middle class
Audi turns the A4 into the A5 – and adds new combustion engine technology

16.07.2024

From sp-x

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The Audi A4 has been in development for years and is due for a replacement – and a name change at the same time. The best seller in the Ingolstadt model mix will now be called the A5. The higher the number after the A, the higher the prices.

Fresh look: The new Audi A5, here the Avant, features a dynamic, elegant design and the latest technology.

(Image: Audi AG)

The tension among those responsible for design, technology and marketing at Audi is palpable. How will the new mid-ranger be found Can it continue the A4’s 30-year success story?

A look at the register of the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) shows how important the model series is: According to this, 20,525 A4s were registered directly in the first half of 2024, much more than the next place A3 (17,087) and R3 (11,615). In any case, the conditions for continuing the leadership role are good. On the one hand, the new addition looks quite stylish, as a sedan and as a station wagon called Avant. And on the other hand, underneath the well-shaped metal sheet is the newest technology from the company’s shelf, such as the PPC combustion engine platform (Premium Combustion Platform) as well as some interesting premieres.

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The design of the A5, produced in Neckarsulm, has yet to evolve, but the appearance is fresh, confident, dynamic and elegant and it cancels out pubescent muscle flexing. According to Audi, the interplay of the proportions of the hood, roof structure and rear section is intended to “make technology visible”, from the wider and sharper single frame to three-dimensionally modeled air curtains to the pipe trims that varies depending on the. engine.

In addition, the sedan, traditionally in Germany in the shadow of the Avant, has a real Audi innovation on board: access to the slightly larger trunk in the A5 is provided with a large hatch similar to hatchback models. The body has also grown. Both versions are 6.7 centimeters longer at 4.83 meters and the wheelbase is 2.9 meters.

This ensures a lot of space on the inside, where the new look continues. Elegant curved lines emphasize the width and frame of the front passengers. Materials that are pleasant to the touch and the look of the “digital stage” already installed in the new Q6 E-Tron meet the curved panoramic display consisting of an 11.9-inch central instrument and a 14.4-inch touch screen. There’s also the 10.9-inch display for the front passenger, which is offered as an option, and a new configurable head-up display is also available on request.

Thanks to the connection to ChatGPT, online information comes into the vehicle. The standard equipment has been extended in detail, for example navigation, the trunk lid opens and closes electrically and the phone holder with inductive charging function. If you want more, you can choose the Basic, Advanced and S-Line exterior versions or choose the S model straight away. In addition to countless customization options, Audi offers the three Tech packages (full LED headlights, 3-zone automatic climate control, Audi MMI plus), Tech plus (matrix LED headlights, passenger display, comfort package plus) or Tech pro (digital ). OLED rear lights, steering wheel heating, front and rear seat heating, adaptive damping control). There are also wheels in sizes from 17 to 20 inches.

Lighting at a new level

Audi has significantly expanded the lighting and especially the OLED technology for the A5. If desired, the digital light signatures for the three-dimensional headlights and the colors can be changed by simply touching the display. In one of eight configurations, a new image is assembled on the back from the 364 segments several times per second, creating an unusual kaleidoscope effect – those behind it will be amazed.

Following the approach that was already possible, the rear lighting, which stretches across the entire width of the car, also has new safety functions. For example, it is possible to warn of dangerous situations in following traffic by using well-defined warning triangles.

The range of aid systems has been extended. For example, the rear parking assist, the lane departure warning system and the attention and drowsiness assistant are installed as standard. Optionally, there is the adaptive driving assistant plus, which uses, among other things, swarm data from other vehicles calculated in the cloud, the active front assistant, which includes the front emergency braking assistant, the evasion and turning assistant as well as the front. cross traffic assistant, or the traffic signal based cruise control.

Plug-in only in the second stage

Audi makes no secret that the A5 will also be available with plug-in drive in the second stage. But at the beginning there are only two new mild hybrids as well as a conventional two-liter TFSI engine with either 110 kW/150 HP or 150 kW/204 HP. First, the 150 kW/205 hp two-liter TDI with 48-volt electrical system and drive train generator (TSG). The latter adds up to 18 kW/24 hp to the drive and fills the battery in the back with an output of up to 25 kW when decelerating. Audi promises significantly reduced reaction times when starting off and fuel savings of up to 0.74 l/100 km. The diesel consumption values ​​according to the WLTP standard: 4.7 to 5.6 l/100 km. The more powerful two-litre petrol engine and the TDI are available with optional all-wheel drive.

From April 15, 2021

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The third in the group, the three-litre V6 TFSI from the S5, can’t keep up with the consumption figures due to its design, but the new MHEV technology should lead to much more reserved drinking habits. In numbers: As standard, the unit with an output of 270 kW/367 hp consumes 7.4 – 7.9 l/100 km. Like the other drives, power is now sent to all four wheels via a dual-clutch transmission. A Quattro sport differential with torque vectoring and adjustable all-wheel clutch is fitted as standard, ensuring, according to the manufacturer, “lateral dynamics at the highest level”.

How much will the fun cost? Audi still can’t fully understand the cards. In any case, the start of orders is imminent, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin in November. The starting price for the sedan (TFSI 110 kW/150 HP) is 45,200 euros; previously it started at 41,800 euros. The fact that the series now bears the name of the previous coupé version is related to Audi’s internal restructuring. In the future, electric vehicles will be identified by average numbers and combustion engines by odd numbers. The terms such as 35, 40 or 45, which are confusing to many customers, will be deleted. Which version of the A5 family is it that is no longer shown at the back, but at the B-pillar.

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