Timeless elegance

When the original Audi A5 Coupé was launched to the world’s motoring press in Verona in 2007, it was an instant hit. Obviously it was its unique styling that grabbed most of the attention – a completely new car that shared no panels with any other Audi at the time.

Attending that launch for Audi Magazine at the time, noted Australian motoring writer, Michael Taylor, said of the car:

“Audi is back in the grand touring coupe business … territory it once dominated with the original quattro coupe … and it’s back with both power and style.” 

Penned by the great Italian designer, Walter de Silva, Audi’s design supremo at the time, its balance and proportions struck a chord not only with the automotive press but with car enthusiasts the world over. Indeed, de Silva himself said it was the most beautiful car he had ever designed, which was no small claim given his impressive design portfolio included cars of the calibre of the Audi R8.

Fast forward to the present day and the latest iteration of the classic Audi A5 has arrived in Australia, available as a stunning Coupé as well as a five-door Sportback and drop-top Cabriolet model. And while that celebrated original styling is still evident across all three variants, it has evolved over time to give this design-driven model a very contemporary interpretation of the original. Inside and under the skin too, these new A5 models remain faithful to the original vision, with a range of powerful yet efficient engine solutions, state-of-the-art automotive technology and safety systems and a suite of infotainment and connectivity highlights.

Available to order now, customers have the choice of two 2.0-litre TFSI engine variants each with 12V mild-hybrid technology (MHEV). Designated the 40 TFSI and 45 TFSI, these power plants deliver 140kW and 320Nm and 184kW and 370Nm of torque respectively. 

Both engine variants use Audi’s slick seven-speed S tronic transmission with the 40 TFSI putting power down to the front wheels and the 45 TFSI delivering power to all four wheels via quattro drive with ultra technology.

That 45 TFSI, quattro combination sees the A5 Coupé 45 TFSI quattro S line nail the print from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds, while the A5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S line takes 6.0 seconds and the A5 Cabriolet 45 TFSI quattro S line just 0.3 seconds more.

All stunning in their design and execution, each of the models also feature the S line exterior package as standard, giving them an even sportier look and adding to the sharp creases and swooping lines that are inherent to the design.

Items such as the much wider and lower Singleframe grille with honeycomb insert give the A5s a feeling of greater width and presence, while design touches like the ventilation slots that sit beneath the bonnet lip are nods to the great rally models of the 1980s. Indeed the design basis of the huge air inlets are likewise drawn from past Audi motorsport models, adding to the purposeful look of the front end as well as feeding air to the big 19-inch alloy wheels in their prominent wheel arches. 

Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators (which are also standard across the range) provide both unparalleled illumination and provide another design element. The dynamic design of the bonnet remains from the second-generation while the flanks are more chiselled than ever before giving the A5 a lean, muscled look, sweeping down to its taut, rear quarters.

This design has been beautifully adapted to the A5 Sportback to accommodate the rear doors which effectively disappear to give it its unique five-door coupe configuration.

The A5 Cabriolet works brilliantly with the A5 design language giving customers the choice of three very different cars that are clearly cut from the same original cloth.

The range comprises the A5 Sportback and Coupé 40 TSFI S line models from $71,900* and the A5 Sportback and Coupé 45 TFSI quattro S line at $79,900*. The A5 Cabriolet 40 TSFI S line arrives at $85,400 while the A5 Cabriolet 45 TFSI quattro S line is $93,400.

Standard equipment regardless of model variant is impressive, from the technological triumph of the beautiful interiors, to the suite of driver assistance and safety systems. Providing the highest levels of luxury appointment, items such as Audi virtual cockpit plus and a new 10.1-inch high-resolution MMI touch display work beautifully in the slick, spacious interiors. Audi smartphone interface via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto go without saying along with Audi connect plus which opens up a world of connected services from fuel prices and nearby parking availability to service and emergency services. 

Wireless charging for mobile phones (with two simultaneous Bluetooth connections) is standard, as is the 180W Audi sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer as well as Digital radio DAB+. 

The beautifully appointed interiors include the likes of electric seats with four-way lumbar support, electric exterior mirrors, ambient interior lighting, convenience key keyless entry and start and three-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning. 

Those opting for the freedom of open-top motoring in the Cabriolet versions also get front seat and neck heating as well as a wind deflector for maximum comfort when the roof is down.

And speaking of the roof, the automatic acoustic folding roof can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 50km/h with just the touch of a button.

Even with its roof stored, the A5 Cabriolet still boasts 375 litres storage for luggage, while its hard-top siblings boast 450 litre and 465 litres in the Coupé and Sportback respectively, and the Sportback’s additional 24mm in length and five-door configuration also provides accommodation for five passengers and with the rear seats folded down, its luggage capacity swells to 1280 litres. Both the Coupé and Sportback also feature gesture-controlled electric tailgate operation.

Then there are items such as the 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control with stop&go and traffic jam assist, warning, rear cross traffic assist and lane change warning detections – including side assist functionality, that add to the overall driving experience.

The Audi drive select with five option modes gives tremendous control over driving characteristics while systems such as Audi pre sense city (AEB) and Audi pre sense rear notification systems, as well as eight air bags for the A5 Sportback (six airbags for the Coupé and four airbags for the Cabriolet) make for vehicles with the highest levels of occupant safety.

Certainly a design-driven model, in each of its variants, the new Audi A5 also hits the mark with with its technology and luxury appointment, in what is one of the great performance touring cars. This is a model that truly is a perfect balance style and substance.

Visit audi.com.au to learn more about the Audi A5 models

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)