A new style

It’s always exciting driving a completely new model for the first time. Having first seen design drawings and then initial photography, actually seeing the car and indeed driving it for the first time always feels like something of a milestone – and the arrival of the A5 and S5 models in Australia is certainly that.

Although the model designation – A5 and S5 – is not new, everything else about the range is. This new A5 and S5 range of vehicles represent the amalgamation of the A4 and previous A5 models, effectively combining the greatest strengths of each to arrive at this exciting new range in the mid-sized luxury class.

Touching down in Australia with essentially five variants initially, the all-new A5 models have a great deal to live up to, giving the tremendous success of their forebears. But from the styling to the appointment and the performance, the A5 models well and truly hit the mark.

The range comprises the 150kW A5 Sedan ($79,900*), along with the S5 in Sedan and Avant configuration for $114,900* and $117,900* respectively. To mark the launch of this completely new model, Audi Australia is also offering a special first edition, aptly named the S5 Sedan and S5 Avant edition one from $99,900* and $102,900* respectively.

These models will be joined later in the year by additional variants, with Audi Australia confirming both an A5 Sedan and Avant TFSI quattro with 200kW from $89,900* and $92,900* joining the 150kW A5 Sedan, as well as A5 Sedan and Avant plug-in hybrid models with 270kW also from $89,900* and $92,900* respectively. For now though, let’s concentrate on the models recently unveiled to the Australian motoring press and heralding in a completely new look and specification for this traditionally hard-fought segment of the luxury market.

The design of the all-new A5 was unveiled this time last year, but frankly even these beautiful images don’t do them justice. This is a model range with a strong visual presence in both Sedan and Avant configuration, exuding tremendous presence and a more athletic stance than ever before. The A5 and S5 are physically larger and significantly more muscular than either of their forebears, but without losing any of the style and sophistication you would expect from Audi.

The bonnet in particular commands attention on both variants, appearing a much more aggressive and slightly domed with the subtle channels on ether side. The wide and low Singleframe grille adds to the feeling of width which is further accentuated by the sleek headlights and daytime lights as well as the massive air intakes.

Styling highlights and trim differentiate between the models, but even the entry-level A5 Sedan features the brand’s S line exterior package as standard equipment, meaning that the entire range has an undeniably sporty feel. 

The A5 and S5 Sedan draw heavily on the former A5 model in terms of styling despite the fact that it is now a sedan as opposed to a coupe or Sportback, yet that coupe-like profile remains in the five-door, notch-back Sedan configuration, and is further accentuated by the sporty bonnet treatment.

The S5 Avant draws more on the former S4 Avant, but again has its own very distinctive look. Both are larger and sport longer wheelbases than the models they replace, for greater interior accommodation and luggage storage. Which most appeals or best suits your lifestyle and daily needs is obviously a very personal choice, but as a former A4 Sedan and A4 Avant owner, the S5 Avant struck a particular chord on the national launch.

Of course it’s not just the exterior and greater dimensions that are a departure, with Audi’s new interior design and technology offering giving the all-new A5 model range a completely new feel and functionality.

The new digital stage which spans the sumptuous cabin of each model accentuates the width of the A5/S5 and adds to the feeling of space. Clean, uncluttered and elegant is the name of the game, yet with no compromise in finish and execution. Functionality too and a driver focus are obvious, with the large virtual cockpit and MMI screens seemingly fused together and oriented to allow the drive take in all vehicle functions at a glance.

Touch controls on the multi-function wheel, which features a flat top and bottom, allow the driver to update numerous functions without taking their hands from the wheel, while voice control can also be activated to take care of numerous others.

An additional screen up front can also be optioned (standard on the S5 models), for the front passenger. First seen in Australia with the A6 e-tron models, it adds to the multimedia experience of the front passenger, yet without distracting the driver while the vehicle is underway. Although the interior design is completely new – as with the exterior – the overwhelming impression is one of quality, with Audi’s trademark attention to detail and finish very much on display right throughout the range.

That range starts with the A5 TFSI 150kW S line Sedan, powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TFSI powerplant delivering 150kW and 340Nm of torque through the front wheels. That sees the Sedan comfortably hit 100km/h from stop in 7.8 seconds, while still returning 6.9L/100km. The A5 Sedan rides on 19-inch alloy rims and the sleek exterior also features the aforementioned S line package as standard equipment. Indeed its list of standard inclusions are impressive, with Matrix LED headlights that feature customisable light signatures, electric tailgate opening and projection light in the exterior mirrors.

The interior is classic Audi, with one-piece front sports seats that are heated and electrically operated, with memory function for the driver. These are covered in a combination of leather and leatherette upholstery and feature four-way lumbar support, while the likes of colour ambient lighting and three-zone climate control allow the tailoring of temperature and ‘mood’ at the touch of a screen. And screens, as we’ve mentioned, are integral to the new interior design, the driver served by the combination of an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit plus and 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus touch screen that form part of a shape resembling the front grille and angled subtly towards the driver for greater ease of use. 

Included as standard is the Audi sound system, Audi connect plus and smartphone interface, as well as digital radio DAB+ and Audi phone box light box with USB outlets with charging and connectivity functions in both the front and rear. Of course the all-new A5 Sedan and indeed the entire range also feature a comprehensive array of the very latest driver assistance and safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, exit warning and side assist to name just a handful. There are also functions like tyre pressure monitoring, 360 degree camera and traffic sign detection and even rear occupant detection.

Over and above the standard inclusions, A5 Sedan customers can also select from two additional options packages, with the Style package adding 20-inch wheels, black styling package and privacy glass for ($3,900*). The Premium package ($4,900*), adds a head-up display and USB interfaces capable of charging larger items (like laptops), as well as a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and the colour ambient lighting pro system which includes a dynamic interaction light strip across the front of the dash display.

The ’S’ variants, available in both Sedan and Avant body styles take things up a notch – several notches in fact. The 3.0-litre V6 engine is superb, with its mild-hybrid, MHEV plus technology giving it the perfect balance of power and efficiency. Delivering 270kW and 550Nm of torque, it lacks nothing in terms of urge, with a 0 to 100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds. Audi’s MHEV plus technology incorporates a 48-volt battery and belt alternator to allow for electric only power at low speeds and in stuttering traffic, as well as the ability to recover power under braking. This is responsible in no small part for the S5’s ability to return 7.1L/100km (7.2L/100 in the Avant), as well as allowing lower emissions of up to 17g/km.

Driving dynamics too are impressive, with power down to all four wheels through the quattro system as well as brake torque vectoring, progressive steering and S sports suspension.

Available to celebrate the now models’ launch, the S5 Sedan and Avant in edition one trim also ride on 19-inch wheels housing red brake calipers as standard and feature S exterior styling, as well as a black exterior styling treatment which includes the wing mirror caps and the roof rails on the Avant version.

Inside, the cabin gets a more premium feel and features extensive use of Dynamic microfibre across various surfaces and as part of the upholstery in concert with leather and of course the seats feature the rhombus pattered stitching and S embossing. 

The door sill trims are finished in aluminium and also feature illuminated S insignia, while stainless steel pedals and a three-spoke leather steering wheel with flat top and bottom add to the undeniably sporty feel.

The S5 edition one models can also be further enhanced with the addition of an MMI pro package ($6000*) which includes the higher capacity USB interfaces, head-up display and B&O 3D premium sound system.

Headlining the range at launch are the S5 Sedan and Avant which see a further step up in terms of standard equipment and specification. Utilising the same V6 power plant but with S sport suspension that features damper control, the S5 Sedan and Avant ride on 20-inch allow wheels and feature S exterior aluminium styling which includes the roof rails on the Avant. Rear taillights are digital OLED units and privacy glass is standard.

Inside, the fine Nappa leather covers the sports seats which feature illuminated S logos, while the front seats are ventilated, heated and include massage function. Even the outside rear seats are heated, as is the multi-function steering wheel which mounts to electronically-adjusted steering column.

Head-up display is standard in the s models, as is the colour ambient lighting pro with its interactive light strip. The MMI front passenger screen which can be optioned on the other models is also standard here along with the B&O premium sound system and the higher capacity USB interfaces.

These launch models will be followed  in the fourth quarter of the year by two additional A5 models (Sedan and Avant) with quattro all-wheel drive and 200kW, as well as plug-in hybrid models delivering 270kW, also in both body shapes and with quattro. That Audi has achieved price parity between these more powerful petrol A5 models and their PHEV siblings is significant and will give customers even greater choice across the mid-sized luxury market when they arrive.

In addition to the increased performance and quattro drive, the 200kW A5 models will also feature S line interior treatment, while the PHEV models will feature 20-inch alloy rims, sport suspension and black exterior styling as part of their offering.

It’s an extensive lineup and one that caters to all needs and tastes in this highly competitive segment of the luxury market.

That this all-new A5 offering replaces two very accomplished and successful models means it has big shoes to fill, but fill them it does. The styling is eye-catching yet elegant and represents the perfect synthesis of the A4 and previous A5 models, combined with their state-of-the-art interiors and technology offering.

Fast and smooth best describes the driving experience in the A5 and S5 models, with an unshakeable feel on the road regardless of the surface and the conditions. That Melbourne turned on some of its least hospitable weather for the national launch was both a curse and a blessing from an organisational perspective, playing havoc with the needs of those press needing to film pieces to camera, while highlighting the handling attributes of the vehicles.

Falling snow on the way up Mount Macedon provided a spectacular backdrop as well as showcasing the unflappable nature of of Audi’s quattro system, although the front-drive of the A5 TFSI Sedan was completely unfazed by the trying conditions.

Fans of the Audi A4, of which I am one, will be impressed with the new A5 and S5 as a successor to the popular and hugely successful model. The all-new A5/S5 represents an evolution in many ways but more of a revolution overall, with its own distinct look and feel.

With the pending arrival of the more powerful, all paw versions of the A5, along with the PHEV options, customers will be spoiled for choice, and well served regardless of which A5 or S5 variants best suits their lifestyle.

The new Audi S5 Sedan and S5 models are available now through the Audi national dealer network.