NAIAS - Audi will launch the updated A5 and S5 Cabriolet models, with a fully auto soft top.

• The all-new 2018 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet models offer sculpted design and a refined interior combined with the pleasure of open-air driving
• Two new engines, a 252 horsepower TFSI® four-cylinder engine in the A5 and a 354 hp TFSI® V6 in the S5 deliver dynamic performance
• New for 2018, all A5 and S5 Cabriolet models come standard equipped with safety belt microphones and a one-touch opening function for the soft top

Completing the new generation of the A5 family, the all-new 2018 Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolet will make their US debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. 

With a fully automatic soft top that opens in 15 seconds and closes in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph and seating for up to four, the A5 and S5 Cabriolet are the perfect combination of design, top-down driving and dynamic performance.

An open-air driving experience

The A5 and S5 Cabriolet feature a fully electronic top that can be lowered using the new one-touch opening function, in just 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph. With the top up, the Cabriolet is designed for a refined driving experience. The soft cloth top complements the car’s design and delivers outstanding acoustics thanks to effective insulation. 

When opened, the top folds into three layers and rests in a tray underneath the luggage compartment thereby offering the largest possible luggage space at all times.

Thanks to a smart mix of materials and lightweight design, the A5 and S5 Cabriolet models are 40 percent more rigid but lighter than their predecessors (55 pounds for the A5 and 99 pounds for the S5) and have increased in length and width. That increase in size translates into over an inch more front passenger shoulder room (26mm) and rear legroom (30mm).

Drivetrain

Similar to the Coupe and Sportback models, the A5 Cabriolet comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission that produces 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and sprints from 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds, an improvement of 0.6 seconds compared to the previous generation.

The S5 Cabriolet is equipped with a re-engineered 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine to produce an impressive 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque between 1370 – 4500 rpm, and sprints from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, half a second faster than its predecessor. The S5 is also newly equipped with an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission that is well suited for the low-end torque of the new 3.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Both variants of the Cabriolet come standard-equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive, offering enhanced agility through a self-locking center differential, with a basic ratio of 40:60 front to rear, and wheel-selective torque control.

A redesigned front five-link suspension with lightweight construction offers greater steering precision and excellent handling through optimized steering-rack placement direct at wheel centers. Suspension tuning enhancements have also improved through the wider track and longer wheelbase. Available dynamic steering (S5 models only) offers a variable steering ratio that adjusts based on vehicle speed and the Audi drive select setting.

Interior & Exterior Design

The 2018 A5 and S5 Cabriolet models mirror the coupe’s breakthrough design language, featuring a wider, flatter Singleframe® grille and longer, lower hood lines that highlight the powerful engines of the new A5 family vehicles. The precise wave-design shoulder line is more pronounced than previous generations and wider wheel arches provide design cues to the vehicle’s quattro® DNA. Three-dimensional LED taillights with dynamic turn signals offer a distinctly powerful look and emphasize vehicle width.

The refined interior of the A5 and S5 Cabriolet, with seating for up to four standard, includes greater attention to detail through functional refinements and additional driver-focused technologies. A three-dimensional decorative inlay trim with climate control integration spans from the door panels across the dashboard and adds breadth and lightness. The available 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 3D sound and two subwoofers offers both an acoustic and visual highlight in the interior.

Infotainment & Driver Assistance

The A5 and S5 Cabriolet offer the same advanced infotainment systems as the A5 Coupe and Sportback models including the available Audi virtual cockpit, MMI® navigation plus, standard Audi smartphone interface and newly available in-car Audi connect® infotainment and security features, supported by 4G LTE connectivity (where available). With natural language voice control and free-text search, A5 and S5 Cabriolet drivers can now control infotainment functions more effortlessly and intuitively. Standard safety belt microphones for the driver and front passenger help improve voice quality commands even with the top down.

A full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including standard Audi pre sense® basic and city and available Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist, help drivers navigate the road and traffic with increased confidence. 

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations. 

Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. Services are subject to change, and Google Earth and Street view services may not be available after December 2017.  Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details.

Google Earth™ and “street view” services may not be available after December 2017.

2018 EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See www.fueleconomy.gov for updated information. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

Audi launches the new A5 Convertible, more powerful, lighter and structurally more rigid than the previous model.

Popular open-air A5 returns to the fold lighter, more rigid, more comfortable and even more elegant

• Elegant design, larger interior, more comfort and convenience
• 40 per cent increase in torsional rigidity – now best in class
• Weight reduced by up to 40kg
• Three engines initially – 2.0 TDI 190PS, 3.0 TDI 218PS, 2.0 TFSI 252PS – 2.0 TFSI 190PS and 3.0 TDI 286PS to follow
• Front-wheel-drive, new quattro with ultra technology or familiar centre differential-based quattro drive depending on version 
• Seat belt microphones and fully automatic acoustic hood with new one-touch operation as standard, Audi Virtual Cockpit optional
• Audi S5 Cabriolet with 354 hp V6 turbocharged engine and quattro drive

The complement is now full once again – the all-new successor to the Audi A5 Cabriolet rejoins the recently launched Coupé and five-door Sportback models this week to bring the range noted for delivering everyday versatility with unalloyed elegance back to full strength. 

And on the subject of strength, the S5 Cabriolet powered by the same, brand new 3.0-litre TFSI engine seen first in the latest S5 Coupé and S5 Sportback also makes its debut simultaneously, bringing 354PS, 500Nm of torque and quattro-enhanced agility to the fore.

Striking shoulder line, classic soft top: the exterior

The designers went with the sleek lines of the Coupé for the styling of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet. The rear window is now flatter and emphasises the rakish stance, as do the short overhangs and the long wraparound bonnet with its power dome. With a length of 4,673 millimetres the new A5 Cabriolet is 47 millimetres longer than its predecessor.

The classic soft top fits perfectly and delivers outstanding aeroacoustics thanks to effective insulation. The new one-touch opening function makes operating the standard acoustic hood much easier: a flick of the switch is all it takes to open the soft top fully automatically in 15 seconds or close it in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph.

The nose is dominated by a three-dimensional Singleframe grille which is much flatter and wider than before. The wave-shaped shoulder line – a hallmark styling feature of the entire A5 family – makes the A5 Cabriolet extremely elegant. The pronounced flaring over the wheel arches accentuates the quattro DNA. Horizontal lines at the rear emphasise the width of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet.

The third brake light is elegantly integrated into the surrounding trim strip of the hood compartment cover. LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators at the front and rear make high-end technology visible even after dark.

Strong package: the chassis

The wide track and the long wheelbase measuring 2,765 millimetres are key features of the carefully balanced suspension tuning. The track width is 1,587 millimetres at the front and 1,568 millimetres at the rear. An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. At the rear, a five-link configuration replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used on the previous model. Adaptive dampers are available as an option. They are incorporated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system and allow the driver to choose between a performance driving bias or a more comfort-oriented profile. The newly developed electromechanical power steering offers good feedback from the road and greater steering precision. As an option, dynamic steering which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle is available.

Lighter and torsionally stiffer: the body

The body of the new Audi A5 Cabriolet is the stiffest in its class and yet is among the lightest in the segment. Thanks to a smart mix of materials and geometric lightweight design, the engineers have increased torsional rigidity by a further 40 percent compared with the previous car, boosting the Cabriolet’s agility further still. The total weight of the new generation model has been reduced by up to 40 kilograms. The front-wheel-drive A5 Cabriolet with the 190 PS 2.0 TDI weighs 1,690 kilograms.

Additional struts in the body compared with the Coupé and reinforced sills make up for the absence of a fixed roof. In the event of a crash and rollover, head-thorax side airbags and automatically extending aluminium profiles ensure the occupants’ safety.

Wide lineup: engines and drivetrain

There is initially a choice of three engines for the new Audi A5 Cabriolet – a 2.0 TFSI with 252PS, a 2.0 TDI with 190PS and a 3.0 TDI with 218PS. A 2.0 TFSI with 190PS and a 3.0 TDI with 286PS will join the line-up soon afterwards. Compared with the previous model, the engines offer up to 17 percent more power while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel. All the engines combine high efficiency with excellent response and smooth running – especially the two 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines.

Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – tailor-made drivetrain technology is available for every engine version. The drive is provided as standard via the front wheels; quattro drive with ultra technology and permanent all-wheel drive are available as options. The latter will be a standard feature of the 3.0 TDI with 286PS.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is moving into a whole new league with its newly developed 3.0 TFSI. From its 2,995 cc of displacement, the boosted six-cylinder engine produces 354PS of power – 21PS more than the engine in the previous model. The top model accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. It features quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the eight-speed tiptronic transmission as standard.

Spacious and functional: the interior

The increased dimensions, the wheelbase extended by 14 millimetres and more compact seats increase the space for the driver and passengers. The shoulder room in the front row of seats has been increased by 26 millimetres and the kneeroom in the rear by 18 millimetres.

The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel and the continuous air vent strip create a generous sense of space. High-grade materials, different colours and excellent workmanship ensure a very special feel-good atmosphere and underscore the premium character. As an option the ambient lighting with 30 adjustable colours creates a fitting mood for the interior.

With the hood closed the luggage compartment has a capacity of 380 litres. The

soft top compartment in the luggage compartment automatically moves down when opening the soft top and up again when the soft top is closed,  thus providing the largest possible luggage space at all times. The rear seat has a 50:50 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. As standard the tailgate on the A5 Cabriolet now opens automatically – using the remote control key or the button in the driver’s door. Gesture control is also available for the tailgate as an option: A proximity sensor in the bumper responds to a kicking movement with the foot – the tailgate opens automatically once the optional convenience key is detected.

Seat belt microphones as standard: operation made easy

Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept including natural language voice control and free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. Standard seat belt microphones for driver and front passenger improve voice quality even with the hood open. As an alternative to the analogue instrument dials, there is the Audi virtual cockpit with various display options. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor measuring 12.3 inches presents richly detailed graphics. The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windshield in the driver’s direct field of vision as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

Top-class connectivity: infotainment and Audi connect

MMI navigation plus with MMI touch tops the infotainment range. Its 8.3-inch monitor has a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. In addition to a DVD drive and a 10 GB flash memory, the high-end system also features two card readers, an AUX-IN connection and a USB connection with charging function.

As part of the Technology Pack, an LTE module provides access to Audi connect online services – free of charge for three years. The first five map updates for the navigation system are also free of charge. The media hub also comes with a Wi-Fi hotspot which connects passengers’ mobile devices to the World Wide Web.

The Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android mobile phones in an environment specially developed for them in the MMI. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the on-board antenna to provide superior reception quality. It also charges the smartphone inductively, without any wires, using the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System features innovative 3D sound and further improved bass thanks to a second woofer. It opens up the spatial dimension of height and gives the driver the sense of sitting in a concert hall. Its amplifier supplies 755 watts of power in total to 19 loudspeakers.

Abundant support: the driver assistance systems

With up to 30 driver assistance systems, the new Audi A5 Cabriolet offers a broad range of support. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving.

Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to speeds of 40mph by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering on better roads. The predictive efficiency assistant evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings and helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.

Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second. The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, rear cross traffic assist, exit warning, camera-based recognition of traffic signs, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.

Pampering programme: the equipment

The specification structure for UK A5 Cabriolet models will follow the same SE, Sport and S line pattern used by the Coupé, bringing features such as alloy wheels in 17 or 18-inch diameters, xenon or LED headlamps, the Audi Smartphone Interface, leather upholstery, front seat heating, acoustic parking and three-zone climate control.

Sport models and above add appropriate upgrades such as front sport seats with electric adjustment (Sport and S line) and sports suspension (S line only – optional for Sport), plus extra comforts including SD card-based MMI Navigation and all the features delivered by Audi Connect on an extendable three-month trial basis.

The S5 Cabriolet takes on board its own exclusive specification including 19-inch alloy wheels, S specific styling, front Super Sports seats in Fine Nappa leather and chassis settings and hard disc-based MMI Navigation Plus including a three-year subscription to Audi Connect.

Audi is utilising the 2016 Paris Motor Show to officially unveil the new A5 and range topping S5 V6 quattro.

Elegance and cutting edge intelligence of the coupé combine with five-door practicality and space in accommodating new Sportback variant

• Sharp new look, greater efficiency and an even more spacious interior
• Latest Audi technology including virtual cockpit, Audi Smartphone Interface and Audi connect
• Advanced assistance systems including traffic jam assist and active lane assist available
• Power increase of up to 17 per cent and fuel consumption down by as much as 22 per cent
• Intelligent multi-material body is the lightest in its class
• Forward-thinking quattro with ultra technology available for all four-cylinder TFSI and TDI engines
• Flagship Audi S5 Sportback features V6 TFSI with 354PS and 500Nm and is 85kg lighter than its predecessor 
• A5 Sportback range expected to open for UK order in mid-October

Blending elegant and emotive coupé design with impressive family car functionality and comfort has long been the forté of the sleek Audi A5 Sportback. 

Seven years and more than 340,000 units later, the 2016 Paris Motor Show will play host to the world premiere of the all-new second generation model, which further refines the ‘best of both worlds’ concept with even more tightly wrought lines, a completely new platform, the very latest engine, transmission and quattro drive developments and a host of contemporary driver assistance and infotainment systems.

Sharing the stage at Paris will be the flagship Audi S5 Sportback, which draws upon a new V6 turbocharged TFSI powerplant to deliver a hefty 354PS and 500Nm of torque from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. From rest, it will blast past 62mph in only 4.7 seconds and can reach a limited top speed of 155mph.

Audi designers have brought together dramatic shapes and taut surfaces to update the new A5 Sportback, creating a familiar yet completely contemporary silhouette for the five-door coupé design that retains the original’s unmistakable road presence.  

The stretched wheelbase, short overhangs and long, wraparound bonnet featuring a power dome emphasise the dynamism of the five-door coupé silhouette. The three-dimensional Singleframe grille is significantly flatter and wider than on the previous model.

The wave-pattern shoulder line is a key contributor to the A5 Sportback’s elegant stance. It is even more strongly accentuated than on the previous model and traces all three dimensions, creating an interplay of light and shadow. 

The pronounced bulges over the wheel arches underscore the quattro DNA. The rear end exhibits horizontal, equally highly precise styling. The stretched luggage compartment lid terminates with a characteristic spoiler edge.

The appearance of the new S5 Sportback follows the form of Audi S models and is subtle yet appropriately brawny. The bumper, air inlets and side sills feature distinctive contours. 

Many of the S-specific styling additions are painted in graduated tones of matt grey. Aluminium inlays accentuate the design inside, while the exterior mirror housings shine in an aluminium look. 

The rear bumper integrates a black honeycomb grille, aluminium diffuser trim and the signature four tailpipes. A spoiler lip in body colour adorns the separating edge of the luggage compartment lid.

Interior

The new Audi A5 and S5 Sportback have grown significantly inside. The interior length has gained 17mm, the shoulder room for driver and front passenger up to 11mm and the rear knee room 24mm. The sophisticated materials and colour schemes and outstanding build integrity in the interior are typical of Audi. 

The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel creates a sense of spaciousness. The optional ambient lighting with 30 colours to choose from always evokes a fitting interior mood.

With 480 litres of luggage capacity, the A5 Sportback rates among the best in its class. Audi also offers the option of sensor control for opening and closing the standard-fit electric luggage compartment lid.

The rear seat back splits 40:20:40 as standard. The load-area width measures exactly one metre. The rectangular-shaped layout of the 480-litre luggage compartment makes it outstanding in terms of practical use. With the rear seats folded down, it can even accommodate 1,300 litres.

Display and controls

Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept, including free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. 

As an alternative to the standard-fit analogue instrument dials, the Audi virtual cockpit with its various display options brings the driver added convenience. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor (12.3 inches) presents richly detailed graphics.

The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windscreen as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.

Infotainment and Audi connect

Audi’s flagship infotainment version is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. It includes such features as 10 GB of flash storage, a DVD drive, Audi connect services free of charge for three years, up to five free navigation updates and an 8.3-inch monitor with a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. 

Audi MMI navigation plus works in close cooperation with many of the assistance and safety systems.

The Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android phones in an environment specially developed for them in the MMI. 

The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the on-board antenna to provide superior reception quality. It also charges the smartphone inductively, without any wires, using the Qi standard. 

The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound opens up the spatial dimension of height and gives the driver the sense of sitting in a concert hall. Its amplifier supplies 755 watts of power to 19 loudspeakers.

Driver assistance systems

The driver assistance systems cover a wide range of functions in the new Audi A5 Sportback. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving.

Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to a driving speed of 40mph by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering it on better roads.

The predictive efficiency assistant, which evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings, helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.

Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second.

The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning, camera-based traffic sign recognition, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.

Suspension

The wide track and comparatively long wheelbase provide excellent foundations for composed, agile handling in the new A5 Sportback. The track width is 1,587mm at the front and 1,568mm at the rear. The wheelbase measures 2,824mm.

The front axle features redesigned five-link suspension, while a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link rear suspension used previously. Specially tuned S sport suspension is fitted to the Audi S5 Sportback.

The adaptive dampers available as an option are integrated into the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system. They make for a driving experience that is both dynamic and comfortable. 

The new electromechanical power steering provides better road feedback and steering precision. Also available as an option is dynamic steering, which varies its gear ratio depending on the speed and steering angle.

As standard, the A5 Sportback is fitted with 17-inch forged lightweight wheels, with a wide range of options available up to 19 inches in size. All tyres have been optimised for rolling resistance, which reduces CO₂emissions by an average of 2.8 grams per km.

Engines and drivetrain

Customers can choose between two TFSI and three TDI engine versions for the new Audi A5 Sportback. They produce between 190PS and 286PS of power. Compared with the previous model, Audi has reduced their fuel consumption by as much as 22 percent while increasing power output by up to 17 percent.

The top version of the 2.0 TFSI produces 252PS. 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque is available between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 62mph in six seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Up to 47.8mpg combined is achievable, which corresponds to 136 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.

The second version of the 2.0 TFSI has an output of 190PS and 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft) of torque available from 1,450 to 4,200 rpm. The power unit is responsive, flexible and thoroughly economical. 

These characteristics are the result of a new strategy: the continued development by Audi of successful engine downsizing into rightsizing. The trailblazing efficiency of the 2.0 TFSI with 190PS is the result of an innovative combustion principle. 

The comparatively high displacement is no handicap here – in fact, it is essential. Customers of the new Audi A5 Sportback enjoy the advantages of a small-displacement engine when driving at moderate speeds, without having to compromise when it comes to faster driving.  

The four-cylinder TDI in the new Audi A5 Sportback develops 190PS and peak torque of 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft)between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. With quattro all-wheel drive and the seven-speed S tronic, 62mph from rest takes 7.4 seconds.

Top speed is 146mph. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic and front-wheel drive, the 2.0 TDI returns 67.3mpg combined according to the NEDC standard, a CO₂ equivalent of 109 grams per km.

High and low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation and sophisticated exhaust gas treatment including an SCR system (SCR: selective catalytic reduction) work in favour of low emissions.

Audi also offers the 2.0 TDI in an ultra version which is distinguishable externally by way of a rear-mounted badge. The ultra badge denotes the most efficient versions of a model line. 

Modifications to the transmission ratio, optimised streamlining of the body and suspension as well as the use of low-rolling-resistance tyres help to further reduce consumption, enabling up to 68.9mpg combined (108 grams of CO₂ per kilometre) in the NEDC cycle, which sets the benchmark in the competitive field.

The two six-cylinder TDI power units offer a blend of power, refinement and impressive efficiency. The first variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 218PS and torque of 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft), available between 1,250 and 3,750 rpm. 

In the NEDC cycle, this engine is capable of a combined 61.4mpg, corresponding to CO₂ emissions of 119 grams per km.

The new top TDI increases power output to 286PS and offers 620 Nm (457.3 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It features optimised combustion chamber filling, charge cycles and thermal management. 

The result is increased performance coupled with a further reduction in fuel consumption. Close-coupled catalytic converters treat the exhaust gas effectively.

The top diesel version contains a newly developed turbocharger that is 20 percent lighter, with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and a maximum boost pressure of 3.3 bar. The developers put a lot of work into optimising the gas flow, with the result that the engine responds highly spontaneously to the accelerator.

Six-speed manual transmission, seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission or eight-speed tiptronic – there is tailor-made drivetrain technology available for every engine version. Front-wheel drive is standard, with quattro all-wheel drive available as an option in two versions. It is standard for the 3.0 TDI with 286PS.

A V6 turbo engine with a hefty 354PS and 500Nm (368.8 lb-ft)of torque from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm powers the latest Audi S5 Sportback from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds, and on up to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph. 

It naturally features quattro as standard, with wheel selective torque control as well as an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that can freewheel for further efficiency gains between 34 and 99mph when the driver eases off the accelerator pedal.

quattro with ultra technology

The new quattro with ultra technology is available for the TFSI and TDI four-cylinder engines with manual transmission. The efficiency-optimised all-wheel drive system does not perceptible differ from permanent systems in terms of traction and driving dynamics. 

This is all thanks to the combination of the newly developed all-wheel drive components with a sophisticated operating strategy and a torque split perfectly matched to the car. 

The all-wheel drive system’s intelligent control works predictively, always looking ahead by means of a comprehensive array of sensors and the continuous analysis of the driving dynamics, road condition and driver behaviour data collected.

During operation at low loads without the risk of wheel slip, the new quattro drive exploits all the advantages of front-wheel drive. But the all-wheel drive system is always ready when needed. 

This system significantly reduces the potential difference in fuel consumption between front-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive systems.

Sport differential

As an option for the S5 Sportback, Audi complements quattro all-wheel drive with another dynamic technology component – the sport differential. It uses two superposition gears to distribute torque between the rear wheels. 

The latest generation of the differential is roughly one kilogram lighter. During fast driving, the sport differential literally pushes the car into the curve, nipping understeer in the bud. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, most of the torque is directed to the outside wheel.

Body and equipment

The body of the new Audi A5 Sportback is the lightest in the segment. An intelligent mix of materials makes it 15 kilograms lighter than that of its predecessor. The overall weight of the new generation has fallen by as much as 85 kilograms to just 1,470 kilograms, excluding the driver.

Audi offers the model with an upgraded list of standard equipment that includes a wide range of extra functions. 

These include xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, Audi MMI radio plus with a 7-inch colour display, Bluetooth, a three-spoke leather multifunction steering wheel (including shift paddles in models with automatic transmission), front centre armrest, folding rear seat back with 40:20:40 split, and LED interior lighting. 

Also standard are the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the Audi pre sense city and multicollision brake assist safety systems, and the variable speed limiter.