It’s called the new Audi A5 range, but those familiar with the brand will immediately notice a completely new approach to this tremendously popular and successful segment. In keeping with the brand’s model expansion and the ongoing introduction of all-electric models, the model designation A5 now essentially combines the A4 and A5 model lines into one, introducing Sedans that have an unmistakable Sportback style and sporty Avants with a more chiselled, muscular dynamic.

The new A5 family represent a completely new model range and is the first to be built on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). They are larger and more roomy than any A4 or A5 before them and with a range of powerful but supremely efficient combustion engine solutions, they represent the first combustion-engine versions to enable partially electric driving thanks to drivetrains with MHEV plus technology.

The new naming designation will ultimately see all even numbers reserved for Audi’s electrified offerings while the odd numbers – in this case the A5 and S5 – reserved for vehicles with combustion power plants. In this new range those power plants will be available in both TDI and TFSI guise, with outputs ranging from 110kW at entry level right through to 270kW in S5 guise.

It’s an exciting development in a segment that has long been one of the most competitive in the market but successful for Audi. 

“In tandem with the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines,” says Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

“The Audi A5 family with its athletic design, completely new interior and future-proof electronics architecture will be the first. The advanced MHEV plus technology enables partially electric driving and therefore even more efficient driving.”

The A5 range comprises four models – and A5 and S5 Sedan and A5 and S5 Avant. All variants feature the longer wheelbase afforded by the PPC and their low stance, large wheels and sweeping design gives an undeniably sporty dynamic. Design elements of the original A5 Sportback are obvious in the new A5 and S5 Sedans which meld Sedan and Sportback elements in a vehicle with a coupe-like profile and a rear hatch as opposed to a traditional boot. The effect is both dynamic and sophisticated, the sharp, aggressive front end sporting new, slim headlights that accentuate the wider, lower Singleframe grille design. Indeed the A5 range again demonstrates Audi’s mastery of automotive lighting, with LED technology employed on the front and second-generation OLED lighting used on the rear.

The increasing sophistication of this technology gives it tremendous versatility and enables car-to-x communication as well as offering optional digital light signatures for even greater lighting flexibility than ever before.

But it’s not only the exteriors which have been completely reimagined, with the stunning interiors also combining a new design aesthetic and the very latest technology. A new operating system – the E electronic architecture – provides a seamless integration with the customer’s own digital ecosystem for a new level of personal connectivity. A free-standing MMI panoramic display has a curved design and uses OLED technology and is made up of an 11.9-inch screen and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. There is also an optional 10.9-inch MMI display for front passengers, while a new head-up display has also been refined and improved and allows drivers to control vehicle and infotainment functions through the system.

Under the skin a new MHEV plus system delivers even greater efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions than ever before, while the new powertrain generator (PTG) enables partially electric driving that contribute even further to a reduction in fuel consumption. Indeed the new MHEV plus system, based on a 48-volt on-board electrical system not only supports the combustion engine and reduces CO2 emissions but also significantly increases performance. 

The PTG can also add up to 18kW of electric power to the output of the combustion engine. When decelerating, the PTG feeds energy back into the battery at up to 25kW, making purely electric manoeuvring and parking possible to a limited extent. In addition, the use of an electric air conditioning compressor means that the air conditioning system can also be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off.

The new A5 models also offer an integrated and blending-capable brake control system (iBRS), in which the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled. This means that in models with the MHEV plus, friction brakes are not employed to slow the vehicle, rather deceleration is initially achieved solely by recuperation. The’ traditional’ friction brakes are only employed when the brake pedal is pressed harder, but the brake feel remains unaffected regardless.

At launch the A5 models will be offered with a mix of TDI and TFSI power plants with front-wheel and quattro all-wheel drive. The entry-level engine is a 2.0 TFSI with either 110kW or 150kW that employs a turbo with variable turbine geometry (VTG) for improved efficiency and power delivery. 

This engine will be available with front-wheel drive in the 110kW version or a choice of front-wheel drive or quattro with ultra all-wheel drive in the more powerful 150kW option.

A 2.0 TDI with 150kW is also available using MHEV plus technology and is also available with a dual-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive or with quattro ultra. The engine is partially electrified using the new 48-volt MHEV plus system, further reducing CO2 emissions thanks to high recuperation performance.

Topping the range is the S5 in both Sedan and Avant with a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine producing 270kW. It features the VTG technology as well as MHEV plus technology for the first time. Its revised S tronic dual-clutch transmission is designed for more torque and also reduces the weight on the front axle for improved agility. 

Partial electrification by the new 48-volt MHEV plus system reduces CO2 emissions via electrified driving components and high recuperation performance.

The S5 also features quattro sport differential with torque vectoring as standard equipment, which, in combination with an adjustable all-wheel drive clutch is tuned for lateral dynamics at the highest level.

The new A5 models pair these power plants with refined suspension setups including optional suspension with adaptive dampers, while the Audi progressive steering which is standard across the range, has been further improved for even greater handling and feel.

Across the board the A5 models represent a completely new chapter for Audi and a new approach to a segment it has long dominated. These all-new models represent combustion engine technology at its most efficient while still delivering the performance and driver engagement for which the brand is known. Cutting-edge design and luxurious appointment too remain at the heart of these new models, with the integration of the latest technology focusing on the comfort, enjoyment and safety of drivers and passengers alike.

The new Audi A5 range will be rolled out in Europe towards the end of the year, with timing and specification for its Australian introduction yet to be confirmed.