Audi just unveiled the all-new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé in Ingolstadt (try saying it if you’re not German) and while the S5 Coupé looks more aggressive with improved trims and updated design language, they both carry on the core DNA that Audi A5 Coupé fans have become very familiar with. It’s been around nine years since the release of the first generation A5 Coupé and the new generation looks mean, athletic and it feels like it’s been using the right personal trainer to ensure the right muscles were worked on – the new A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé did not skip leg day this time.
The new Audi A5 Coupé is more efficient than its predecessor, thanks to a significant reduction in weight; its kerb weight has been trimmed by 60 kg, with a mix of steel and aluminium materials (aluminium is mainly used in the chassis).
The all-new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé Design and engine
The grille has been updated, it almost looks like Audi TTS morphed into an A5 Coupé with a slimmer grille and the front has been pushed down to give it a more pronounced GT look. The long lines on the hood gives its bonnet that elongated yet elegant and premium-sporty look at the front, whilst housing the powerful TFSI or TDI engine (five engine options available at launch in the UK) underneath it. Depending on how brave or speed obsessed you are, you can have a power output from 190PS to 285PS. What’s even more impressive is that Audi have managed to improve the A5 Coupé’s performance by 17 percent whilst keeping fuel consumption low by as much as 22 percent when compared to its predecessor.
The version that I saw though and more interested in was the S5 Coupé model; it comes with all the gadgets inside – all the tech inside and design feature that gives it that grand tourismo look – and all the special body trimmings to allow for aerodynamics and downforce – in fact, its aerodynamic design delivers a drag coefficient of 0.25.
Static photo,
Colour: Misano Red
The S5 Coupé rear spoiler is slightly raised, and its boosted six-cylinder V6 3.0 TFSI engine produces 345PS of power (21PS up from its predecessor) and will go from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds – you can also expect all the torque that comes with it. On the S5 Coupé, Audi also added a third break light located at the top of the back window, and it’s designed to elegantly blend in well with the rest of the car without looking tacky.
The new Audi A5 Coupé comes with a drivetrain solution tailor-made for each engine variant, with the manual six-speed gearbox and the seven-speed S tronic used with the four-cylinder engines as well as 218PS 3.0 TDI with front or all-wheel drive. The eight-speed tiptronic is reserved for the top diesel with 286PS and the S5 engine. Whichever one you go for; you can expect Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive as standard. If you want more dynamic driving and precision, Audi offers the rear-axle sport differential as an option. The new quattro with ultra-technology is also available on the A5 Coupé – you can combine it with the four-cylinder TFSI and TDI engines with manual transmission.
No matter where you take the new A5 Coupé, you can expect optimal driving comfort and agility. Featuring a new electromechanical power steering, the A5 Coupé adapts according to your speed and if you want a little more, Audi offers the option to add a dynamic steering setup – it varies the vehicle’s gear ratio depending on speed and steering angle.
The all-new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé Gadgets and Technology features
In true GadgetsBoy fashion, we care more about the tech and gadgets inside, and if you want to find out more about engine configurations available, feel free to ask on Twitter or in the comments. So what can you expect in the tech department?
Gesture control
Inside the car you can opt for dynamic ambient lighting that changes depending on which driving mode you select using the drive select button – it gives you a choice of 30 adjustable shades of light so you can change to whatever suites your mood. The interior is highly premium with various materials combined and used in places to truly give you the environment for the best driving experience whether driving long distance or just a quick school run. The luggage compartment offers a volume of 465 litres, you can easily fit luggage for two people going on a two weeks’ travel. Where technology is involved here is if you opt to have gesture control for the opening the luggage compartment (boot), you can use your foot motion to open it, should you have your hands full and the trailer hitch can be released using a button.
Display and controls
If you’ve seen Audi’s virtual cockpit before and wish you can have it in the next generation of Audi A5 and S5 Coupé, then good news, the new models come with it as an option, a 12.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1440 x 540 pixels (PPI unknown). To interact with the MMI navigation 8.3 monitor on the centre console, you can use the rotary push button which also doubles up as a touch-sensitive touchpad. Using the touchpad, you can write things like contact names when dialling, entering a post code when using the satnav or pinch to zoom in map mode. Let’s not forget about the new more natural voice control system for easily interacting with the MMI system.
Infotainment and Audi connect
If you opt to have Audi connect with your A5 Coupé, Audi will permanently install a sim card in your car with an agreed subscription, allowing you to be connected around Europe without roaming charges. With the sim card installed, you get access to an ultrafast LTE network and coupled with the in-car Wi-Fi, you can connect up to eight devices to the internet.
Cockpit
Although having cool gadgets in the car is fun, there’s also a built-in safety package called ‘Audi connect safety and service package’ which allows you to call the emergency services. It can also be used to request roadside assistance and Audi service. Audi connect package also facilitates connection between the MMI connect app on a smartphone, smartwatch or a TV (using 4th generation Apple TV). Using the remote control feature, you can lock/unlock your car, check where the car is packed and check your car status.
Interior
If you wish to connect your smartphone to your car and access your apps using Apple Car Play and Android Auto, you can do so via cable and not wirelessly otherwise, you can connect using NFC and charge your device via the Qi charging box located in the centre armrest. For the audiophiles out there, Audi also offer best-in-class Bang & Olufsen sound system for the best hifi and 3D sound as an option. Elsewhere, there’re two USB ports available for charging and connecting your smartphone or other storage devices, and one auxiliary port.
Audi A5 Coupé Availability
The new Audi A5 Coupé will launch in the UK in winter 2016 with more generous equipment as standard.
