Audi, like everyone else, is going electric, but petrol and diesel engines are still important. Today, we’re in Munich to see a completely new reinvention of a model that’s been in Audi’s lineup for 30 years. This is the new Audi A5, and it actually replaces the Audi A4. In this video, we’re explaining what it is.
What’s in A Name?
First, let’s explain the name. What is it? We already had an Audi A4 and Audi A5, and essentially, you had three different body styles available with each of those names. With the A4, you had the A4 Saloon, the A4 Avant (estate), and the A4 Allroad, which was the off-road version of that estate car. With the A5, there was a Sportback, a Coupe, and a Cabriolet. Now, Audi has replaced all of those six body styles with just two, and instead of using the A4 name, it’s using the A5 name. So, there’s going to be an A5 Saloon, even though it’s actually a hatchback in the UK and an A5 Avant.
The reason it’s the A5 name and not A4 is that Audi is reorganizing its naming structure. Everything with an odd number is going to be powered by fuel, and everything with an even number will be fully electric. So, it’s likely that in the future, there might be an A4 again, but it will be an A4 e that’s fully electric. This A5, however, is available with petrol and diesel engines.
Engines and Performance
What about those engines? There will be two petrol options, both front-wheel drive in the UK, and a diesel option with four-wheel drive. There’s also going to be a more performance-focused S5, which will have a 3.0L V6. In the future, we expect to see two plug-in hybrid versions in the lineup, with a maximum official range of up to 62 miles. We’ve already got confirmation of an S5, and, likely, we’ll also see an RS5 with a V6 plug-in hybrid setup.
New Platform
The new A5 is built on an entirely new platform, the first car to market on the PPC platform (Premium Platform Combustion). There’s also going to be a PPE (Premium Platform Electric) for electric versions like the Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan. This A5, however, is on the PPC platform, and compared to the previous A4, it’s bigger in almost every dimension. It has a new front end and OLED headlights. At the back, there are eight different light signatures to choose from, and the one we’ve got here creates an interesting pattern. Although the lights seem to pulsate randomly, they’re designed to continuously maintain the same brightness. They also have a safety function—if something approaches from behind, they stop pulsating and go solid as a warning. Higher trims may even display a hazard symbol in the lights.
Boot Space
While all dimensions are bigger than the previous A4, one smaller thing is the boot. Both the Saloon and the Avant have smaller boots than the previous A4, which is a shame. This won’t be the most practical boot in its class, but it’s still decent. There’s underfloor storage if no spare wheel is fitted, and the rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split for extra versatility. The Saloon is actually a hatchback but is still called the Saloon, and while it doesn’t have the estate’s extended roofline, it’s fairly practical.
Rear Seat Space
In the rear seats, the wheelbase has increased, so there’s more legroom compared to the A4. The estate version is spacious, with decent headroom thanks to the sunroof. The windows let in a good amount of light, creating a comfortable space for adults. In the A5 Saloon, the legroom is identical, but headroom is noticeably less due to the sloping roofline. It’s still fine for most adults, though taller people might notice the difference.
Interior Features
Whether you choose the Avant or the Saloon, the A5’s interior up front is the same. It features a three-screen layout: an 11.9-inch digital driver display, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. The passenger screen has a mode that keeps the driver from seeing it, preventing distractions. The infotainment system, similar to the one in the Q6 e-tron, is responsive with a logical layout, though physical controls would have been a welcome addition. The interior materials are mostly good, but they don’t feel as premium as the previous A4. There’s also a digital sunroof with customizable patterns, but it’s likely to be an expensive extra.
Pricing
As for pricing, the A5 Saloon is expected to start at £42,000 in the UK, with the Avant costing an extra £1,900. This is a significant increase over the previous A4, but it’s comparable to competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. Audi would point to the updated interior and new engine lineup as reasons for the price hike. The new engines, including the S5’s V6, feature Audi’s latest mild-hybrid setup, which can power the A5 on electric power alone for short distances at low speeds. We’ll need to test the engines on the road to gauge their real-world impact on fuel economy. An RS5 with a V6 plug-in hybrid setup is expected further down the line.
