For nearly a decade, Audi's A5 Coupe and Cabriolet have merged classic lines and technological sophistication that has stood the test of time. For 2018, the A5 enters an all-new generation and will be available from the get-go in coupe, open-top Cabriolet, and a brand new five-door fastback body style dubbed Sportback.
The new A5 rides on the MLB, which is shared with the A4 and new 2018 Q5 among other vehicles. It benefits from lightweight construction to shave off pounds despite its slightly larger frame. A new suspension design helps it to ride better while improving comfort.
As with its closest rival, the 4 Series Gran Coupe, the Sportback rides on a longer wheelbase affording it more rear-seat legroom than the standard A5 Coupe; it also offers a more practical solution for loading and unloading cargo thanks to its wide trunk aperture. In a weird sort of way, the A5 Sportback might be the most pragmatic option available to a buyer who wanted an Allroad, but couldn't put up with the thought of black plastic cladding.
Unlike the previous generation model which was styled in the likeness of the A4, the new car has a more distinctive appearance. The nose of the A5 tapers more aggressively, with the hood contoured with creases and a tip-to-tail bulge. Though bold, the new A5 is very aerodynamic, sporting a class-leading drag rating. Inside, the A5 sports a new dashboard design with a floating centre infotainment system, and the availability of the dazzling 12.3-inch TFT Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, radar cruise control with stop & go function, traffic sign recognition, emergency autonomous braking, and other high-tech goodies are available. The move to the new platform makes the latest A5 slightly more spacious than before. In the case of the Sportback, the A5 can seat five; Coupe and Cabriolet are strictly for four.
All variants of the A5 are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with direct injection and a turbocharger. This engine produces 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque; the quickest versions can hit 100 km/h from still in 5.9 seconds. The latest iteration of Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard on all versions; named Ultra, it uses clutches to engage and disengage the rear axle for traction when needed and fuel economy when it isn't. The A5 Coupe comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch is optional. The Sportback and Cabriolet get the S-tronic transmission as standard.
The A5 Coupe and Sportback are available in three trims: Komfort, Progressiv, and Technik.
Komfort includes 18-inch wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, panoramic glass roof, power front seats, heated seats, split-folding rear seats, silver trim, leather upholstery, sport steering wheel, interior ambient lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, tri-zone climate control, proximity key with push-button start, 7.0-inch MMI display audio system, satellite radio Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, and selectable drive modes. Sportback Comfort adds 40/20/40 split folding rear seats and a power tailgate.
Progressiv adds driver memory, 8.3-inch MMI display with navigation and touch-controller, heated steering wheel, advanced key, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, interior mirror with compass, 7.0-inch driver information display, and Aluminum inlays.
Technik adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree parking camera, Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, LED headlights, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, hands-free trunk release, colour-configurable ambient lighting, automatic high beams, and Audi connect telematics service.
Pricing for the A5 Coupe starts at $46,350.
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