The New Audi A5 range – UK pricing and specification confirmed

Audi is consolidating its perennially strong position in the premium mid-size segment with an advanced new A5 range that replaces existing A4 and A5 model lines from today in the UK. Powered by a new generation of ultra-efficient combustion engines, digitised using sophisticated new E ³ 1.2 electronics architecture, and styled with Audi’s latest design language, the new A5 and S5 Saloon and Avant models are the embodiment of Vorsprung durch Technik.  

Priced from £41,950 (OTR) and £43,850 (OTR) respectively, the latest A5 Saloon and Avant ranges are now available to order, with the first examples due to reach UK customers in November. Both now adopt the A5/S5 designation to align with the new Audi naming convention, in which even numbers denote electrically powered models and odd numbers are assigned to vehicles with combustion engines. More generously proportioned and comprehensively equipped than their predecessors, they are the first Audi models to be built on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), and are positioned in the upper midsize segment.

In the UK, all A5 variants will initially be available with a choice of Sport, S line and Edition 1 specification, while the S5 Saloon and Avant will be offered exclusively in Edition 1 form.

Their more dynamic design is characterised by a low, sporty silhouette, short overhangs, slim greenhouses and Audi Ur quattro-style blisters framing large wheels. It lends both variants a more athletic appearance and, helped by the modified proportions, even greater presence and premium character.

Inside, the approach is equally fresh, thanks to new Material Driven Design. As well as maximising the sense of generous space and the feeling of premium class comfort, this new approach prioritises connectivity, visual clarity and ease of use even more highly. At its heart is the Digital Stage, a curved, free-standing OLED panoramic MMI display integrating an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch screen.  

Fully equipped specifications
The extensive equipment list for entry-level Sport versions establishes impressive foundations, with an array of new upgrades that enhance its appeal compared with outgoing equivalents, particularly where technology and connectivity are concerned. To complement the new digital stage, additional features include an app store within the Audi smartphone interface giving access to a wide range of popular third-party apps, and the Audi Assistant, a deeply integrated, self-learning and AI-supported digital voice assistant. The Audi Assistant can be used to vocally control numerous vehicle functions and is capable of recognising more than 800 voice commands.

The impressively versatile driver assistance package has also been bolstered by an upgrade to adaptive cruise control and the introduction of the parking assistant plus, which aids parallel and perpendicular parking by taking care of steering, accelerating and braking during manoeuvres.

S line versions are marked out externally by new rear-mounted red rhombus badging, and make an even more powerful impression with their striking S line exterior styling details, privacy glass and an upgrade from the Sport model’s 18-inch wheels to a 19-inch 5-twin-V-spoke design. Inside, a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel flattened at the top and bottom accentuates the sporting theme, and complements more familiar S line hallmarks including ‘S’-embossed sport seats, stainless steel pedals, matt brushed aluminium inlays, illuminated aluminium ‘S’ door sill inserts and a black headlining.

Reflecting its position as the top specification option in the A5 range, Edition 1 takes all the S line exterior characteristics and enhances them further with features such as 20-inch 5-arm fold Audi Sport alloy wheels, red brake calipers and a black styling pack, including black door handles, mirrors and, in Avant versions, roof rails. Matrix LED headlights, with eight different light signature options, also offer even more precisely controlled illumination than the standard high-performance LED units in Sport and S line variants.

Technology gains are also prominent in the Edition 1 cabin, where an additional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display is neatly integrated into the dashboard design to complement the Digital Stage. It enables front seat occupants to stream content and use infotainment and navigation features completely independently, and features a Dynamic Privacy Mode which ensures that it doesn’t distract the driver.

Driver assistance and technology features
Several additional driver assistance features also provide a further boost to safety and convenience. On Edition 1 models, they include a top-view camera, proactive occupant protection for the front, side and rear, a lane-change assistant capable of carrying out lane changes on multi-lane carriageways and aids for reversing out of perpendicular parking spaces and protecting the rear of the vehicle during turning.

Everyday usability is also enhanced by features such as the Audi convenience key and keyless go and, on Edition 1 specification, the addition of electric adjustment for the diamond-stitched sport seats, which are upholstered using a combination of artificial leather and Dinamica. This sustainable microfibre material incorporates a high proportion of recycled polyester, and also covers other interior elements.

In the transition to the flagship S5 Saloon and S5 Avant models, the Edition 1 specification adopts even more features that have recently enriched the Audi technology portfolio. An external highlight is the upgrade from LED rear lights pro including dynamic rear indicators and illuminated light strip to Digital OLED tail lights, which offer eight active, driver-selectable digital light signature options and feature a new communication light displaying integrated warning symbols to alert other road users to hazards.

Inside, extras include a configurable head-up display; an innovative new panoramic glass roof featuring smart glass that becomes opaque at the touch of a button; and a new dynamic interaction light within the interior light package. This light strip containing 84 LEDs spans the entire width of the dashboard at eye level and dynamically communicates vehicle status information using various light sequences.

S5 Edition 1 variants also feature an array of further enhancements to driving enjoyment. Their sport seats are upholstered in diamond-stitched Pearl Nappa leather and feature additional integrated front seat headrest speakers that form part of the audio upgrade to a Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system. The front seats also offer a ventilation and massage function, while the front and outer rear seats and the steering wheel are heated. The steering wheel is also electrically adjustable.

A5 Saloon and Avant drivers have the opportunity to enjoy some of the S5 models’ additional features by selecting the optional Sound and Vision Pack (£2,495). Available for Sport, S line and Edition 1 variants, it includes the configurable head-up display, the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with headrest speakers and the ambient lighting package pro with dynamic interaction light.

Highly-efficient powertrain options
At launch in the UK, the new A5 range will be powered by three state-of-the-art TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines – two 2.0-litre TFSI units with 150PS and 204PS and a 2.0-litre TDI with 204PS. In the new S5 Saloon and S5 Avant, a newly-developed 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine with optimised combustion technology and 367PS replaced the previous 3.0-litre TDI unit.

The 2.0-litre TDI and 3.0-litre V6 TFSI are notable as the first combustion engines to be partially electrified using the new 48-volt MHEV plus system, setting new standards for efficiency and response. The system’s electrified drivetrain components reduce CO2 emissions thanks to high recuperation performance, and incorporate a 48-volt starter generator that ensures engine starts are smoother and reactions to throttle inputs are faster, a benefit which is felt particularly keenly in the S5. In the TDI models the MHEV plus system helps to further reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10 g/km, while in the S5 totals decrease by up to 17 g/km, based on WLTP cycle tests.

In A5 models, the two TFSI units drive the front wheels, while the TDI is available with either front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. All transmit their power via a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. S5 models feature a revised S tronic unit that has been designed to handle higher torque outputs, and also reduces the weight on the front axle to improve agility. Naturally, their power is channelled via quattro all-wheel-drive, which here is optimised by the quattro sport differential with torque vectoring.

Extensive fine-tuning of the advanced chassis that has underpinned the midsize Audi range to date has ensured the new A5 and S5 models feel even more precise, controlled and composed in all driving situations. Variable ratio progressive steering appears in new and improved form as a standard feature across the range, and S5 Edition 1 models feature S sports suspension with damper control which can be configured to favour comfort or an optimal cornering attitude.

Audi A5 Saloon and S5 Saloon UK Pricing (OTR)

• A5 Saloon TFSI (150PS)
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 150PS Sport: £41,950
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 150PS S line: £44,100
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 150PS Edition 1: £49,100
• A5 Saloon TFSI (204PS)
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS Sport: £44,290
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS S line: £46,440
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS Edition 1: £51,440
• A5 Saloon TDI (204PS)
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS Sport: £46,950
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS S line: £49,100
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS Edition 1: £54,100
• A5 Saloon TDI quattro (204PS)
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS Sport: £48,475
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS S line: £50,625
  • A5 Saloon TFSI 204PS Edition 1: £55,625
• S5 Saloon
  • S5 Saloon Edition 1: £68,700

Audi A5 Avant and S5 Avant UK Pricing (OTR)

• A5 Avant TFSI (150PS)
  • A5 Avant TFSI 150PS Sport: £43,850
  • A5 Avant TFSI 150PS S line: £46,000
  • A5 Avant TFSI 150PS Edition 1: £51,000
• A5 Avant TFSI (204PS)
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS Sport: £46,190
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS S line: £48,340
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS Edition 1: £53,340
• A5 Avant TDI (204PS)
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS Sport: £48,850
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS S line: £51,000
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS Edition 1: £56,050
• A5 Avant TDI quattro (204PS)
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS Sport: £50,375
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS S line: £52,525
  • A5 Avant TFSI 204PS Edition 1: £57,525
• S5 Avant
  • S5 Avant Edition 1: £70,600

*CO₂ and fuel economy figures will be confirmed at market introduction in November