New A5 and S5 arrive in Australia

In a world where we’re often told that ‘looks’ aren’t everything, it’s tricky to start a piece on the new Audi A5 Coupé without going straight to its looks. But you simply have to because it’s a stunner. Building on the award-winning design of the first generation model – penned by none other than Audi’s then chief of design, Walter de Silva – it captures that same simple elegance that first grabs the attention and then the imagination. Car fancier or casual passerby, people can’t help but look at the A5 – and for all the right reasons. 

The images go some way to conveying the message, but in the metal, the new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé have an even greater presence. The same svelte design language from the first generation is obvious, but it’s become ‘more organic’, more rounded and flowing, yet accentuated in all the right places – the sharp tornado line leading the eye along the muscular flanks – a veritable ‘eye magnet’. 

With a new wider Singleframe grille and a bonnet that has a sculpted, three dimensional feel, the effect is one of a purposeful, yet elegant car, boasting the most aerodynamic design in class with a cd of .27.

A finely tuned athlete perhaps, in an elegant suit that strains just enough in just the right places to let you know of the potential underneath. An eye-catcher, certainly, but not one that screams ‘look at me’. Although people will look anyway.

There’s no doubting that, as was the case with the first generation A5 (and its siblings), it is the styling of the Audi A5 Coupé that will first attract buyers. But the performance, handling and technology present across the A5 range more than lives up to the visual promise. On the road, the new A5 and its even sportier S5 sibling, more than deliver on the visual promise.

With new TFSI and TDI powerplants presented at launch, owners have their pick of what engine will best suit their needs, but the common factors are performance and efficiency across the range. It’s just a matter of how much performance you want.

In keeping with the brand’s philosophy of better, faster and more efficient with each successive model and generation, the new A5 and S5 are indeed quicker and yet more efficient than the previous model. These new models boast up to nine percent more power and 15 percent greater efficiency, and yet the car has more interior room, with greater head, shoulder and leg room front and rear – but is up to 15kg lighter than before.

The use of high strength steel where required, and lighter aluminium to reduce the weight throughout result in a car that lacks nothing in terms of structural rigidity or safety and yet has less weight to propel. The new multi-link front and rear suspension, for example, shedding as much as six kilograms, yet providing a sublime ride regardless of conditions.

The range starts with a front-wheel drive 2.0 TFSI S tronic that produces 140kW and 320Nm, hitting 100km/h in 7.3 seconds, yet still achieving 5.5L/100km/h. This is joined by a 2.0 TDI quattro model with 140kW and 400Nm, for a 7.2 second 0-100km/h time, but an even more surefooted feel and a creditable 4.6L/100km/h.

A 2.0 TFSI quattro version, producing 185kW and 370Nm rounds out the A5 Coupe offering, boasting a 5.8 second 0-100km/h time, yet consuming just 6.5L/100km/h – but for those hungry for even more performance, the new S5 will satisfy the most demanding performance enthusiast, with its 3.0-litre V6 mill producing 260kW and 500Nm. Even more impressive is the fact that the torque is available from as low as 1370rpm right through to 4500rpm, which sees the Audi S5 hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.7 seconds – accompanied by the most stirring exhaust note.

The S5 employs an eight-speed tiptronic transmission as opposed to the seven-speed S tronic versions on the other models and despite the power on tap, still manages to achieve 7.5L/100km/h.

Inside the A5 and S5 Coupe is a particularly comfortable place to be. Whether you’re taking care of the driving duties or relaxing as a passenger, the aforementioned room and trademark Audi finish are both luxurious and functional, while continuing the powerful external design quality of the A5 and S5.

Audi’s stunning Virtual Cockpit is standard across the A5 range, allowing the driver to tailor the instrument cluster and displayed information to suit their needs at any given time. The S5 uses its own software with the Virtual Cockpit adding such functions as a lap timer – this is a car that deserves some track time – and the ability to centre a large tacho, to make the most of the aforementioned track time, or just really immerse yourself in a spirited drive in the mountains for the example.

Incredible attention to detail has resulted in sound deadening in the cabins that all but completely eliminates road noise, although the engine note still provides the perfect soundtrack when these cars are driven hard – particularly the S5.

A raft of different finishes, impressive standard equipment lists, variable ambient lighting (with no less than 30 different colours to choose from), provide tremendous flexibility within the spacious cabin, and while this 2+2 is obviously not aimed as the family car option, it still boasts ‘best in class’ storage, with 465 litres available – 10 litres more than its predecessor.

Seamlessly integrated into the stunning interior is the redesigned MMI system with MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, including 8.3-inch MMI monitor. This includes the intuitive free text system, where the most unintelligible scribble on the touchpad is interpreted by the vehicle’s systems and acted upon. Voice control is outstanding, as in the multifunction wheel and the optional head-up display, so the driver’s eyes need never leave the road. Driving and getting the most from this car are paramount. It demands to be enjoyed.

Needless to say, the equipment – both standard and optional – is impressive.

Audi connect, LTE data transmission, Wi-Fi hotspot and of course smartphone interface for integrating Apple and Android phones into the Audi MMI colour display are all cutting edge. Audi phone box with inductive charging available keeps devices primed and ready, and the sound systems, right up to the Bang & Olufsen system with 3D sound, turn the cabin into the most exquisite concert hall – but with better seating.

Those looking for specific enhancements to their chosen model can also select from four additional equipment packages – S line style package, S line Sport package, Technik package, Assistance package tour – to perfectly tailor their vehicle.

Driver assistance too is comprehensive. Adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function and the ground-breaking traffic jam assist go a long way to maintaining the inner calm when the city grind turns motoring into commuting. Predictive efficiency helps to save fuel and reduce emissions by scanning the route ahead through the navigation system, while Audi active lane assist, side assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning, turn assist, collision avoidance assist, Audi pre sense city, basic and rear, multicollision brake assist system give the driver the best possible chance of surviving the multitude of city driving situations unscathed.

It’s not enough to say that the new A5 and S5 Coupés are as impressive to drive as they are to behold, but that’s a fair statement. Drive any one of the range hard and you’ll be rewarded. Drive any one of the range sedately and you’ll likewise be rewarded. The new A5 again hits that illusive mark of being an exciting, yet practical conveyance, and one that also manages to connect in an emotive sense. The looks the ability and the intelligence.