A new dynamic for the free middle class,

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Audi A5: New dynamics for the middle class

16.07.2024

Von Rudolf Huber/sp-x

4 minutes Reading time

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Audi has presented the new A5. It replaces the A4. A lot has changed, especially on the inside – and the model will be available as a plug-in hybrid.

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

(Image: Audi)

The tension among those responsible for design, technology and marketing at Audi is palpable. How will the new middle class arrive? Can it continue the A4’s 30-year success story? A look at the register of the Federal Motor Transport Authority 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 Q3 (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 sheet metal is the fresh technology from the company’s shelves, such as the new PPC combustion engine platform, “Premium Combustion Platform”, as well as some interesting premieres.

The design of the A5 produced in Neckarsulm was recognizable, but evolutionary. The performance looks fresh, confident, dynamic and elegant and leaves no pubescent muscle flexing. According to Audi, the interplay of the proportions of the hood, the structure of the roof and the rear section is intended to “make the technology visible”. These include the wider and flatter single frame, the three-dimensional shaped air curtains and different exhaust pipe trims 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.

A new look on the inside

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 is also the 10.9-inch display for the front passenger, which is offered as an option, and, if desired, a new configurable head-up display.

Thanks to the GPT Chat connection, online information enters 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 between the Basic, Advanced and S exterior versions or – choose the S model.

In addition to countless customization options, Audi offers three packages: “Tech” with full LED headlights, 3-zone automatic climate control and Audi MMI plus, “Tech plus” with LED matrix headlights, passenger display and comfort package plus or “Tech pro”. There are also wheels in sizes from 17 to 20 inches.

Lighting technology for fun people

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 backwards from the 364 segments several times per second. This creates an unusual kaleidoscope effect – those behind it will be amazed.

The rear lighting, which stretches across the entire width of the car, has new safety functions. Proximity detection is already possible. This means that it is possible to warn of dangerous situations in following traffic by using well-designed warning triangles.

Numerous assistance systems

The range of aid systems has been extended. The rear parking assist, the lane departure warning system and the attention and drowsiness assistant are installed as standard. The adaptive driving assistant plus is available as an option. This uses swarm data from other vehicles, which is calculated in the cloud. Other options include the active front assist, including the front emergency brake assist, the avoidance and turn assist and the cross traffic assist. The driving assistant also uses cruise control based on traffic signals.

From April 15, 2021

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Audi makes no secret that the A5 will also be available with plug-in drive in the second stage. In addition to the standard two-liter TFSI engine with either 110 kW/150 hp or 150 kW/204 hp, there are two new mild hybrids to start with. First, the two-liter TDI 150 kW/205 hp with 48-volt electrical system and drive train generator.

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 – 5.6 l/100 km. The more powerful two-litre petrol engine and the TDI are available with optional all-wheel drive.

A mild hybrid, dual clutch and torque vectoring

The third in the group, the three-liter V6 TFSI from the S5, cannot keep up with the consumption values ​​due to its design. However, 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 sports differential with torque vectoring and an adjustable all-wheel clutch are fitted as standard. According to the manufacturer, this should ensure “lateral dynamics at the highest level”.

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How much will the fun cost? Audi still can’t fully understand the cards. In any case, the beginning of the orders is imminent. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in November. The starting price of the sedan for the TFSI 110 kW/150 HP is 45,200 euros. So far 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 cars will have even numbers and combustion engines will have odd numbers. The terms such as 35, 40 or 45, which confuse many customers, are no longer applicable. Which version of the A5 family is no longer mentioned on the back, but on the B-pillar. (thg)

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