First drive Audi A5/S5
New Audi A5/S5 replaces previous A5 and A4 models and impresses with its efficiency and keener drive.
Martyn Collins
Audi’s biggest news 30 years ago was the renaming of the previous ‘80’ range, to ‘A4.’ Now it’s happening again, as the A4/S4 becomes the A5/S5, with the new A5/S5 also replacing the previous A5 Coupe and Sportback ranges. Audi’s rationale for this is that all ICE models will now have odd numbers (A1, A3, A5, A7), with the evens reserved for EVs (Q4 E-Tron and Q6 E-Tron). Audi has also got rid of its confusing badge number nomenclature (35, 45), with A5 models identified by their engine – for example TFSI for petrol. Outside, A5/S5 Saloon and Avant estate models look more of an evolution. Although the flared arches, flatter single-frame grille, unusual flush door handles, and front and rear lights with changeable signatures give it a subtly different look. The A5 Saloon, confusingly, is a hatchback, like previous Sportback versions. Underneath, the A5/S5 is the first model to use Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. As a result, the new A5/S5 is 67mm longer, 13mm wider, and 24mm taller – moving it closer to the bigger A6.
Following the Q6 E-Tron, the new A5/S5 is the second example of Audi’s new interior design. The highlight again is the dashboard, with its slim, curved panoramic display, incorporating an 11.9in Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5in MMI touchscreen. Plus, all models we drove were fitted with an additional 10.9in passenger touchscreen, although again we’re not convinced its usefulness is worth the extra cash!
Quality is impressive, as you’d expect of an Audi, and space in the front and the driving position are good. Things are more compromised in the back,
Audi A5 Saloon 2.0 TFSI 150 S Line
P11D £44,100 On Sale Now Residual value: TBC Depreciation: TBC Fuel: TBC Service, maintenance and repair: £2,972 Cost per mile: TBC Fuel consumption: TBC CO2 (BiK%): 154g/km (5%) BIK 20/40% a month: £257£514 Luggage capacity: 445 litres Engine size/power: 1,964cc/150hp
especially if you go for the Saloon. Rear legroom, at best, is average, and the Saloon’s curvier roofline eats into headroom, meaning the tallest will be brushing the roof.
Compared with the previous A4 Saloon and Avant, oddly despite the new platform, boot space is down on the old model. In Saloon front-drive versions, the A5 has 445 litres, versus 460 for the last A4. While the boot space in the more practical A5 Avant estate equals 476 litres in the front- wheel-drive version of the new car, versus 495 litres in the old A4 Avant. The new A5/S5 range is powered by three petrol and one TDI diesel engine. There are two 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engines, with 150hp and 204hp, and the 367hp 3.0-litre V6 TFSI in the S5. Plus, a 204PS, 2.0-litre TDI diesel. All the petrol models benefit from 48V mild- hybrid technology. Choose the diesel, and it’s partially electrified – being able to run short distances on electric power alone, thanks to the MHEV Plus system.
The first A5 Saloon is powered by what is expected to be the most popular engine in the UK, the 150hp, 2.0-litre petrol. This TFSI version has 207lb ft of torque, and accelerates to 62mph in 9.8 seconds, making it an adequate performer, remaining reasonably refined, unless worked hard where it gets noticeably louder and harsher. We then tried the 204hp, 295lb ft, 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with standard Quattro four-wheel drive, which was
Standard equipment: Twin leather trim front sports seats, three-zone climate control, 14.5 OLED touchscreen
Engine: Petrol: 150hp 2.0, 204hp 2.0, 367hp 3.0 Diesel: 204hp 2.0
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line, Edition 1
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
impressively smooth and willing, plus best matched to S-Tronic, seven-speed automatic transmission – standard across the range. Finally, we had a go in the capable performance range-topper, the 367hp, 406lb ft S5. This impresses with its particularly composed ride – considering it’s the sportiest A5. At the other end of the scale, the 150PS 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, with the smallest 19in rims and adaptive suspension, had a supple ride, but didn’t drive as well and produced more road noise. Audi is making great claims for the A5’s steering, and while it’s a big improvement on the outgoing A4 and A5 ranges, it isn’t quite at BMW 3 Series levels of involvement. Incoming plug-in hybrid versions of the Audi A5, are likely to pique fleet interest, with their lower emissions. However, as it is, the A5/S5 should be given careful consideration against established premium fleet rivals.
Positive
Keener drive than the A4, mild hybrid effi ciency on diesel and S5 models, attractive interior design
Negative Expensive, average rear
legroom, Saloon’s compromised rear headroom, less boot space than the old A4/A4 Avant
www.businesscar.co.uk | November/December 2024 | 45
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