All-new Audi A5 Coupe and Sportback models in shape for UK debut

Sharpened Coupé and Sportback models deploy an all-new platform and cutting edge infotainment to mix business with pleasure perfectly

• SE, Sport and S line specification available on both models
• Three TDI and two TFSI engines join the A5 Coupé range
• Five-door Sportback configurable with one TFSI and two TDI engines from launch
• Flagship S5 available in both body styles with 354PS and 500Nm
• Audi Drive Select, three-zone electric climate control, Twin leather upholstery, heated front seats, power-operated tailgate, Audi Smartphone interface and Audi connect Safety and Service comprise standard specification
• Wide range of technology available such as Matrix LEDs, Audi Phone Box, Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, Audi virtual cockpit
• Pricing starts from £30,700 OTR for the Coupé in 2.0 TFSI form and from £38,005 OTR for the A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI quattro Sport (SE pricing will be announced at a later date)
• 4.7-second S5 Coupé and Sportback both priced from £47,000 OTR

Less than a month after its European debut at Paris, the successor to the five-door Audi acclaimed for wrapping high functionality in a captivating coupé-like silhouette is ready to order in the UK. Sporting a host of technological advancements that encapsulate Vorsprung durch Technik under its sharpened and toned skin, the A5 Sportback joins the equally attractive new Coupé which has been available since late September. It will touch down here a couple of months after its two-door relative in February 2017.

Heading up the highly intelligent new range, and available to order at the same time in both Coupé and Sportback form is an even faster, more powerful and more efficient S5 quattro, now featuring a turbocharged V6 TFSI. Power has ramped up to 354PS, propelling both three-door and five-door versions to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds.

Broad portfolio of powertrains

A choice of three TDI and two TFSI power units are available in the new A5 Coupé and Sportback. The four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI both produce 190PS and can be configured with either a six-speed manual or 7-speed S tronic transmission. An ultra version of the TDI in the Coupé offers the same power, torque (400Nm between 1,750 and 3,000rpm) and 0-62mph performance (7.7 seconds), but combines this with the potential for even greater economy returns of up to 70.6mpg combined and 105g/km compared to the already impressive peak of 67.3mpg combined and 111g/km for the 'standard' 2.0 TDI.

A 2.0 TFSI producing 252PS and 370Nm of torque is mated exclusively to quattro all-wheel drive. In the Coupé, 0-62mph takes a mere 5.8 seconds (6.0 for the Sportback) and both top out at 155mph. The combined 47.9mpg potential and 136g/km is unchanged regardless of the silhoutte.

At the top end of the scale, a V6 TDI with 218PS is offered in conjunction with quattro drive and S tronic transmission in the Coupé, and appears in 286PS* form exclusively linked to an eight-speed tiptronic in the Sportback. The former boasts a 6.2-second 62mph sprint time and 155mph top speed despite CO2 of as little as 119g/km and up to 58.9mpg combined.

Drawing on a turbocharged V6 TFSI powerplant that delivers 354PS and 500Nm between 1,370 and 4,500rpm, the S5 Coupé and Sportback share 4.7-second zero to 62mph capability, and both can reach a limited top speed of 155mph. An integrated exhaust manifold, new combustion technology and a freewheeling function embedded in the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission all contribute to lower consumption than that of the predecessor, resulting in 38.2mpg combined for the Coupé (37.7mpg for the Sportback) and a shared CO2 value of 170g/km.

SE, Sport and S line specification

In keeping with the rest of the Audi range, the hierarchy for A5 Coupé and Sportback consists of SE, Sport and S line specification levels. The lead-in SE option now features more equipment than ever, including a host of infotainment and driver assistance systems.

These range from the Audi Smartphone Interface connection hosting Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and the front and rear Audi Parking System Plus to the Audi pre-sense City which warns the driver of a imminent collision and can initiate emergency braking and the multi-collision brake assist, capable of reducing further impacts through full braking. Also new to the A5 range is the Audi connect Safety and Service package. Fitted as standard, an embedded SIM card enables occupants to dial an emergency or assistance call service with a one-touch button function inside the car.

All SE models are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, and come equipped with xenon headlights aided by LED daytime running lights. Further highlights include Audi Drive Select, a deluxe three-zone electronic climate control system and a power-operated tailgate for Sportback models (coupé models come fitted with an electric boot lid release mechanism).

Sport models build on this further by incorporating an LED interior lighting pack, electrically adjustable sports seats with 4-way lumbar support upholstered in Twin leather, SD card-based MMI navigation and a three-month free trial of Audi connect.

Standout features on the sharper S line in addition to the customary visual enhancements are 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, LED front and rear lights with dynamic rear indicators and front sports seats upholstered in leather/Alcantara.

S5 Coupé and Sportback set the pace

On the top rung, the S5 quattro models are of course marked out by S specific upgrades that subtly convey their performance potential. In addition to the customary quad oval tailpipes and aluminium-effect door mirror housings, S5 logos adorn the grille, front wings and rear. Partly polished 19-inch alloy wheels conceal S sport suspension and specially tuned brakes, while a matt aluminium finish extends to the rear diffuser, inlays surrounding the air inlets and radiator grille. The vibrant Misano red and Navarra blue paintwork are also exclusively available for this model.

Inside, Fine Nappa leather extends to the front S super sports seats, combining lumbar support, pneumatic adjustment and a massage function. MMI navigation plus and a three-year subscription to the Audi connect suite round out the interior upgrades.

Separately on S5 models, a sport differential can complement the quattro drivetrain for more targeted torque distribution to the rear wheels, improving stability and agility in fast corners.

Progressive technology

Naturally, the most forward-thinking technological advancements can now supplement the already extensive standard equipment list, from the Audi virtual cockpit and Matrix LED lights to a head-up display and Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. In terms of driver assistance, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go incorporates a traffic jam assist function capable of taking over braking, acceleration and steering inputs at speeds of up to 37mph to take the strain off stop-start traffic. A similarly innovative feature is the predictive efficiency assistant, which uses route data to calculate when free-wheeling or engine braking can be automatically applied to boost overall mpg.

Article source: www.audi.co.uk