Imagine the scenery reminiscent of a car-chase scene from an old French movie: a narrow road winding through the French Maritime Alps, flanked by rugged mountains and charming villages. Last month, we had the pleasure of test-driving Audi’s all-new A5 lineup on these picturesque roads in the hinterland of Nice, France. Navigating the narrow paths, it quickly became apparent that this model isn’t just an evolution; it’s a redefinition of Audi’s mid-size trailblazer.
Now representing what was once the A4 segment ruler, the all-new A5 exudes athleticism and sophistication. The Sedan and Avant (station wagon) variations showcase Audi’s refreshed, sporty design language, blending high-tech interfaces with traditional craftsmanship to create an immersive and functional driving experience.
STRIKING EXTERIOR DESIGN
On the road, the A5’s redesigned exterior is a showstopper. Its long wheelbase, pronounced shoulder lines, and angular single-frame grille show off an aggressive yet refined pose. A three-dimensional rear light strip and sculpted spoiler accentuate the seamless flow from front to rear, emphasising its sporty presence.
Each curve and angle is not just for aesthetics, they contribute to improved aerodynamics, ensuring a drag coefficient of just 0.24 for the sedan. This sleek design translates into fluid, stable handling, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the hilly terrain.
The A5 commands attention with a bold, streamlined silhouette showing power and elegance. The elongated hood, coupled with the quattro all-wheel-drive’s strength, is visually echoed in the muscular wheel arches, creating an unmistakable stance. The A5 Sedan features a coupé-like rear with a striking spoiler lip, merging style with functionality, while the Avant’s dynamic roofline highlights its sporty character and spacious practicality.
INNOVATIVE AUDI ROOM CONCEPT
Step inside the new Audi A5, and you are welcomed by an expanded interior layout complemented by advanced lighting technology. Measuring 4.83 meters in length with a wheelbase of 2,900 millimetres, the A5 provides spacious comfort in the mid-size segment. Increased vehicle dimensions translate to extra elbow and shoulder room for front-seat passengers and improved headroom for those in the rear. The trunk space is generous, with the Sedan offering up to 445 litres (expandable to 1,299 litres) and the Avant providing 476 litres (up to 1,424 litres with seats folded). Convenience features like the optional foot-gesture-activated tailgate enhance usability.
CUTTING-EDGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
Upon entering, the dual display system captures attention immediately: an 11.9″ Audi virtual cockpit paired with a 14.5″ Audi MMI panoramic display in a stylish, curved design. Optionally, a 10.9″ MMI passenger display complements the setup. Ergonomics and driver-centred operation were prioritised, making interaction seamless.
The new Audi assistant, activated by “Hey Audi,” understands natural language and can learn independently, streamlining vehicle functions, navigation, and general knowledge inquiries. If it cannot answer, the AI chatbot ChatGPT from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service steps in to provide information.
Additionally, the newly developed head-up display (HUD) boasts a visible image area more than 85% larger than before, offering enhanced precision and configurability for vital information like speed and navigation instructions.
LEADING IN LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
In the A5 lineup, Audi continues to set benchmarks in lighting design. The front features customisable digital daytime running lights with LED technology, while the rear sports second-generation digital OLED lights. These innovations enhance safety and connectivity, such as car-to-X communication and unique light signatures for various driving situations.
The active digital light signature creates dynamic effects that reflect Audi’s design ethos, merging aesthetics with functionality. With customisable light signatures available through the MMI system or myAudi app, drivers can personalise their vehicle’s appearance while enhancing safety with proximity alerts for nearby vehicles.
INTERIOR LUXURY MEETS INFOTAINMENT
The A5’s interior seamlessly blends functionality with a refined ambience, utilising sustainable, high-quality materials, including recycled options. The design principles focus on comfort, advanced technology, and visual clarity. A spacious, cohesive look is achieved through “Softwrap” panels and sustainable materials like Cascade cloth and Dinamica microfiber.
The infotainment system runs on Android and features Audi’s voice assistant for improved control and convenience. The premium Bang & Olufsen sound system elevates the in-car audio experience, delivering immersive 3D sound while adjustable ambience lighting adds a touch of luxury.
POWER AND EFFICIENCY: THE MHEV PLUS SYSTEM
The new A5 marks the introduction of Audi’s MHEV plus technology – a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that enhances performance and efficiency across the range. With the ability to deliver up to 18 kW of electric power and recover up to 25 kW during braking, the A5 shines in both spirited mountain driving and city traffic scenarios.
Under the hood, the A5 offers a range of engine options to cater to diverse driving preferences. Starting with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine producing 110 kW for those seeking efficiency, to a more powerful variant at 150 kW with both front-wheel and quattro all-wheel-drive options, the lineup ensures dynamic performance for every driver.
For diesel enthusiasts, the 2.0 TDI engine offers 150 kW and 400 Nm of torque, utilising the MHEV plus system for added efficiency and reduced emissions. The flagship S5 variant features a 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine, producing 270 kW and 550 Nm of torque, making it a powerhouse in the sporty mid-size segment.
A VISCERAL DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Driving the new Audi A5 through Provence’s narrow, winding roads is nothing short of exhilarating. The A5 signifies Audi’s signature blend of agility and refinement, making even sharp turns feel effortless. With adaptive suspension that allows an instant shift from a smooth ride in comfort mode to a taut, sporty feel in dynamic mode, the A5 adapts seamlessly to the winding terrain.
The steering response is precise, allowing us to confidently navigate tight village corners. The quattro all-wheel-drive system provides stability, inspiring trust in every manoeuvre. As we climbed the winding roads, the turbocharged engine’s performance and the quattro drive offered a sense of control, especially on the tight switchbacks.
LAST WORD
The roads of the Côte d’Azur provided the perfect backdrop to truly understand the character of the new Audi A5 models. This drive was more than just a test; it was an immersion in Audi’s vision of the modern sports sedan. The A5 combines a rich heritage with a forward-thinking, sustainable design, proving that sportiness and luxury remain timeless – especially against the stunning landscapes of one of France’s most beautiful regions, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Whether you’re navigating the charming streets of Nice or negotiating the winding roads from the Côte d’Azur, through the lower Alpes, and into the sprawling Province, with a timeless blend of heritage and innovation, the all-new Audi A5 invites you to experience luxury and performance in perfect harmony.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS | Images © AUDI AG
