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 singleframe grille, unusual flush door handles, and front and rear lights with changeable signatures give 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.
Interior
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, 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 heads 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 front-wheel drive version of the new car, versus 495 litres in the old A4 Avant.
Performance and drive
The new A5/S5 range is powered by three petrol and one TDI diesel engines. 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 benefitting 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 280Nm of torque, and acceleration to 62mph in 9.8 seconds, making an adequate performer, remaining reasonably refined, unless worked hard where it gets noticeably louder and harsher.
We then tried the 204hp, 400Nm, 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with standard Quattro four-wheel drive, which was impressively smooth and willing, plus best matched to S-Tronic, seven-speed automatic transmission – standard across the range. Finally, we got a go in the capable performance range-topper, the 367hp, 550Nm S5. The S5 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 whilst 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 efficiency on diesel and S5 models, attractive interior design.
Negative: Expensive, average rear legroom, Saloon’s compromised rear head room, less boot space than the old A4/A4 Avant.
Standard equipment: Twin leather trim, front sports seats, three-zone climate control, 14.5 OLED touchscreen.
Engines: Petrol: 150hp, 204hp, 367hp; Diesel: 204hp
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line, Edition 1
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
| Model | Audi A5 Saloon 2.0 TFSI 150 S Line |
| P11D | £44,100 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,972 |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | TBC |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 154g/km (35%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £257/£514 |
| Luggage capacity | 445 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,964cc/150hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
