Audi A5 has been around since 2007 when the German carmaker split its mid-sized models into two, with the sedans and wagons continuing as A4 and the sportier coupe and cabriolet models renamed A5.
The latest updates to the A4/A5 range arrived in Australia in August 2020. We’ve just spent a week behind the wheel of an A5 Coupe with its smooth and elegant lines grabbing plenty of admiring looks.
STYLING
All models come with the S Line package as standard but note that this, and the optional S Line sport package, only provide enhanced design elements. There is no performance difference, so if you’re after more grunt you’ll need to step up to the S5 when it arrives later this year.
We love the clean uncluttered lines across the current Audi range, and they work extremely well in the A5 Coupe. There are sweeping defined lines, frameless door windows and a muscular stance further enhanced by the sportier attitude, lower single-frame grille and beautifully sloping roofline.
A5 Coupe comes with nine exterior colours and six interior schemes.
INTERIOR
This two-door hardtop is a sporty coupe, not a sedan, not a hatch – so it is marginal for space if four adults are being carried. If the two adults on the passenger side are willing to compromise they can both have good legroom, but if the driver is tall it’s best a short person sits behind them. Despite the A5’s profile there’s surprisingly good rear headroom.
The front seats can be extended for extra thigh support.
In-cabin storage isn’t great with narrow door pockets, a small glove box, shallow centre console bin and no sunglass holder. There are two cup holders in the front and two at the back.
A5 Coupe has an impressive boot capacity of 450 litres.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Two variants of the A5 Coupe are offered, both with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines, but in different tune levels. For the first time mild-hybrid (MHEV) is part of the power package.
The A5 40 TSFI is front-wheel drive and generates 140 kW and 320 Nm from 1450 rpm. The 45 TFSI quattro all-wheel drive has a power output of 183 kW with peak torque of 370 Nm from 1600 rpm.
Transmission is through Audi’s efficient seven-speed DCT transmission with gear changes being all but imperceptible.
The A5 45 TFSI quattro uses Audi’s all-wheel drive system. The default setting is AWD but it diverts to driving the front wheels in light cruising conditions, returning to all-wheel drive.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include eight airbags; autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection; active bonnet; hill hold; side assist lane; change warning; exit warning; rear cross traffic alert; parking sensors; driver inattention alert; reversing camera; pre-sense rear and tyre pressure warning.
Other advanced features include adaptive cruise control; active lane assist; Audi pre-sense front; collision avoidance assist; high beam assist; park assist and a 360-degree camera.
INFOTAINMENT
The Audi MMI navigation plus system comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen that sits somewhat awkwardly above the centre of the front console While it does interfere with the smooth lines of the dashboard its positioning makes it practical.
The satellite navigation has the option of a groundbreaking Google Earth mapping feature with a photographic quality display of the route with surrounding landscape and contours.
Also standard is Audi connect plus which links the car to the internet and provides a range of assistance, infotainment and security features. There’s wireless charging for smartphones with two Bluetooth connections.
A second screen, wider at 12.3-inch, acts as a virtual cockpit and gives the driver the choice between which instruments or readouts they want to use.
The A5 45 TFSI quattro comes with a premium 10-speaker sound system.
DRIVING
Entry and exit isn’t a problem although taller drivers will probably need to set their seats at the lowest setting. The powered front seats can be adjusted either by the driver via normal controls at side of the seat or by the rear seat passenger with another control at the top of the seat.
Despite reasonably large pillars there’s good visibility in all directions with large side mirrors and blindspot monitoring as a back-up if you get careless. The sloping rear windows provide good vision behind the car.
Handling is impressive, with levels of grip well over those likely to be attempted by everyday drivers. The electronic aids, such as lane correction, did intervene a few times when we pushed the cars towards their limits, but torque vectoring directed the car onto the ideal path again.
While the MHEV mild hybrid battery power provides only minor fuel savings it does have the added benefit of instant torque for quick takeoff and faster overtaking when needed.
Audi A5 Coupe is quiet, smooth and refined when cruising. On rural roads bumps and dips were absorbed nicely and the car was never knocked off line.
SUMMING UP
Beauty, as we’re told, is in the eye of the beholder but to this beholder the Audi A5 Coupe is one of the best looking cars in Australia.
It’s an excellent vehicle for effortless long distance cruising, or having some driving fun on your favourite weekend route.
For those who want even more the high performance S5 and RS5 coupes will be arriving here in the fourth quarter of 2020.
MODEL RANGE
A5 Coupe 40 TFSI S line two-door coupe: $71,900
A5 Coupe 45 TFSI quattro S line two-door coupe: $79,900
These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Audi A5 45 TFSI 2.0-litre turbo-petrol two-door coupe)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 1.984 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders inline
Maximum Power: 183 kW @ 5000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 370 Nm @ 1600 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.1 L/100km
Carbon dioxide emissions 162 g / km
DRIVELINE: Seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4697 mm
Wheelbase: 2770 mm
Width: 1846 mm
Height: 1372 mm
Turning Circle: 11.5 metres
Fuel Tank Capacity: 54 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited kilometres
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