Is this new Audi A5 as good as the A4 and can it beat its BMW and Mercedes rivals?
Exterior – Front
So, starting with the design at the front and as you can tell it has a different look to the previous version with this one having a pointier front end to it. This is helped by a much slimmer grill which houses the new Audi badge. We also get a new set of headlights with a changeable LED Daytime Running Light Graphic like other Audi’s in the range. Moving lower down and we get a big central air vent for Audi and some very big side vents which makes the car look wider, modern and more aggressive than before. We also get a different bonnet style too. Basically, the shut line for the bonnet isn’t up to the grill anymore and I suppose this means that it is cheaper to make and repair as you have more bumper than bonnet.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get a silhouette like what you would find on the old Audi A5 Sportback. This makes the car look much sleeker and sportier than before. Audi say that this is a new design language for the next generation saloon so expect to see this on other Audi saloons soon for example the new A7. The glass has also been stretched to the edge as far as possible to let as much light in as possible which is nice. The creases have been kept to a minimum and we also get some flush door handles which look very modern. We also get some good-looking door mirrors and some cool looking wheels too.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and this is where the design changes for Audi. To start with we get these sleek looking taillights which have a light bar connecting them. The taillights also have a changeable graphic too just like the LED Daytime Running Lights. We also get the new Audi lettering and logo as well as a decent looking bumper with some real exhausts. Again, you will see more of these on Audi in the future. Talking of exhausts lets have a look and see what engine options you can have on the new Audi A5.
Car and engine specs and price
So, as usual there are plenty of engines to choose from in the new Audi A5. Let’s start with the base model first. This is a 2-litre petrol engine, and this has 148 bhp. This does 0-62 in 9.8 seconds and power is sent through a 7 speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox and the power is sent though the front wheels. The next engine is also a 2-litre turbo unit, but the power has increased to 198 bhp. This reduces the 0-62 time down to 7.8 seconds and power is sent though the same 7 speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox. The next engines are all diesel engines. Let’s start with the base model. This is a 2-litre turbo unit with 202 bhp. This can do 0-62 within 7.7 seconds and power is sent through a 7 Speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox and power is sent through to the front wheels. The next engine is the same engine as the other diesel unit but this time rather than it being front wheel drive it has the Quattro 4-wheel drive system. This reduces the 0-62 time down to 6.9 seconds. The price of the new Audi A5 Starts at £42,675 which isn’t that bad for pricing. There is also going to be an S5 variant as well as an RS5 variant in the future too so look out for those models. Right, lets have a look and see what the interior is like in the new Audi A5.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new Audi A5 and we get a very different setup to what we are used to. To start with we get the same design layout as what the new Audi Q6 E-Tron has. With this you get a 3-screen setup. To start with we get a digital instrument cluster with new and improved graphics which look very modern and sleek. Next to this we get a new 14.5-inch infotainment system running Android Automotive and it works very well and is easy to use. The only disappointing item is though that the climate controls are on the screen. Finally, the last screen is the optional passenger screen. This is becoming more common, and I would recommend specing this option as you are left with a blank panel, and it would look like there is an item missing. Going back to the driver area you get on the door your light and mirror controls on a touch sensitive panel and your window switches lower down. You also get a new steering wheel too which is modern and good looking but sadly it does have touch sensitive buttons which is a shame. In the centre console we get a lot of piano black material as well as some buttons and your gear selector toggle. Finally, we get some new seats which are sporty and comfortable on the model we tested but other models have more conventional seats which look more upmarket than before. . Overall then it is a nice place to be and is a definite improvement over the previous generation model. Let’s have a look and see what the rear seats are like.
Practicality
So, getting into the back of the new Audi A5 and you get a bit more legroom than before and headroom isn’t that bad either. The materials that are used in the back are also decent and you also get your own heated seats, USB C ports as well as climate control. You also get your own arm rest too as well as a decent amount of storage in the back. Sitting 3 in the back though will be tight because of the hump in the floor but 2 will be able to sit in comfort easily. Lets have a look and see what the boot space is like as this is holding a new party trick.
Boot Size
Opening the boot to the new Audi A5 saloon and you will notice that its not actually a saloon at all. The new Audi A5 has a hatchback style opening like what the previous Audi A5 Sportback had. So, opening the boot to the new Audi A5 and you are welcomed with 450 litres with the normal models and 417 litres if you go for the MHEV or Quattro versions. Folding the seats down and you are welcomed with 1,396 litres. Getting items into the boot though is much easier because of the opening which makes it the most practical in its segment which is a very good thing.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new Audi A5. Well, comparing it to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, the new Audi A5 is much more practical than those because of its hatchback style opening boot. Technology is also leaps ahead of those cars too and it is very easy to use. Style is also very Audi looking and I can say that this is easily the best car out of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. The question will be though if it will be when the new BMW 3 Series comes out next year. At the moment though this is the best commuter car.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 15/15
Model | Audi A5 S-Line |
Engine | 2.0l Turbo, 198bhp, 0-62 = 7.8 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 7 Speed S-Tronic Automatic |
Price | £44,930 |
On Sale | Now |
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