Audi A5/S5
Audi’s latest D-segment model
A5 Avant TDI Quattro. This time, I felt almost no difference in driving between the sedan and the Avant. In fact, the difference in vehicle weight between the sedan and the Avant is only about 15 kg.
I was able to test drive the new Audi A5 and S5, which were announced in their home country in July, in Nice, France. The new A5/S5 has been given the code name “B10,” indicating that it is in the lineage of the A4. In fact, the lineup consists of a sedan (a five-door hatchback to be exact) and an avant, with no coupe or convertible.
The new model also uses a newly developed platform for ICE-powered models called PPC (Premium Platform Combustion). The body size of both the sedan and the Avant is 4829mm in length, 1860mm in width, and 1410-1444mm in height, slightly larger than the previous A4 (B9). The wheelbase of 2892mm has been extended by 72mm.
The exterior design is influenced by the A4, and while the A5’s distinctive character has been diluted, it is still instantly recognizable as Audi’s latest D-segment model. The Avant in particular is very stylish, with a sporty hatchback-like appearance.
Ride comfort that is definitely close to the A6
The luggage compartment is 445L for the sedan and 476-1424L for the Avant. Both are smaller than the previous model, but this is because practical usability and design have been prioritized over absolute capacity.
The interior, which is said to be designed with humans in mind, features a curved OLED MMI panoramic display that connects the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI touch display, as well as a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display that stands out. The overall impression is very advanced, and the quality is very high. It feels like a class above the previous model.
This time, we first test drove the A5 Sedan 2.0TFSI 110kW. It is a FWD model equipped with a 2.0-liter engine that produces 150PS/280Nm. The test drive route was along the winding road towards Trang Road, which was made famous in the movie “GoldenEye.”
The first thing I noticed when I got on was how light and nimble it was. With the assistance of the starter/generator, the power performance was more than adequate. Above all, the handling was agile and precise. The ride was smooth and high-quality. It’s a car that leaves you feeling very satisfied.
The 4WD “2.0TFSI Quattro 150kW” is equipped with a 204PS/340Nm engine, and is clearly powerful and smooth from start to high speed. The handling is not as agile as the FWD, but it is very precise and has excellent stability. The sense of security when cornering is unique to Quattro.
It’s also worth noting that both models offer a more than satisfactory ride quality, not only in comfort mode but also in dynamic mode. While it’s not quite on par with the previous A6, it’s certainly close.
An exceptionally high-performance 4WD
[1]
[2]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[1] The S5’s 3.0-liter V6 turbo. The turbo is a variable turbine geometry (VTG) type. In Europe, the S4/S5 have had a dedicated 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel since 2019, but the new model returns to gasoline. [2] The S5’s headrest-integrated front seats have built-in speakers that provide navigation instructions and other information to the driver. The longer wheelbase significantly expands rear seat space. [3] The S5’s instrument panel comes with a design package using microfiber material. The curved MMI panoramic display and flat steering wheel add a fresh touch. [4] The new S5 is a 48V mild hybrid equipped with a newly developed 3.0-liter V6 gasoline turbo that produces 367 PS and 550 Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The S5 is a high-performance 4WD equipped with a 367 PS/550 Nm 3.0-liter V6 turbo and MEHV plus, so its dynamic performance is second to none. Step on the accelerator pedal and the large body instantly accelerates with force. The 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.5 seconds is a satisfying speed. Although it is equipped with brake-controlled torque vectoring, the S5 is the only model in the Quattro Ultra lineup that does not have a coupling to free the left and right rear wheels, so the handling tends to understeer a little. However, considering the S5’s performance, I felt that this was just right.
It’s also incredibly comfortable. The engine noise is moderately loud, but the quietness is perhaps the best in the lineup. The high rigidity of the body and the well-moving suspension provide a high-quality ride even on rough roads.
My personal favorite is the S5, which has an overwhelmingly relaxed ride, but the FWD 2.0TFSI 150kW is also hard to beat. By the way, I tried driving the sedan and the Avant in various ways this time, and there was almost no difference in the ride quality.
Deliveries to the Japanese market are scheduled to begin next spring, and the car’s quality is in no way inferior to its German rivals. It also looks good, so there’s every chance it will prove popular.
REPORT/Toshimi TAKEHANA
PHOTO/AUDI AG
MAGAZINE/ GENROQ December 2024 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Audi A5 Avant TFSI 110kW
Body size: Length 4829, Width 1860, Height 1424mm
Wheelbase: 2897mm
Vehicle weight: 1710kg
Engine: Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Total displacement: 1984cc
Maximum power: 110kW (150PS) / 3900-6000rpm
Maximum torque: 280Nm (28.6kgm) / 1400-3600rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Drive system: FWD
Suspension type: Front and rear 5-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs
Tire size: Front and rear 205/60R17
Top speed: 214km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 9.8 seconds
Audi S5
Body size: Length 4829, Width 1860, Height 1410mm
Wheelbase: 2897mm
Vehicle weight: 1950kg
Engine: V6 DOHC
Total displacement: 2995cc
Maximum output: 270kW (367PS) / 5500-6300rpm
Maximum torque: 550Nm (56.1kgm) / 1700-4000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Drive system: AWD
Suspension type: Front and rear 5-link
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated disc
Tire size: Front and rear 245/40R19
Top speed: 250km/h
0-100km/h acceleration: 4.5 seconds
[Inquiries]
Audi Communication Center
TEL 0120-598-106
https://www.audi.co.jp/
