Second-gen coupe brings the tech, still offers a manual
The Audi A5/S5 twins are officially back for a second generation. The refreshed German coupes get more tech, a new chassis and a handful of engine options. Audi only revealed the details of the global model, though most of the new stuff will carry over Stateside.
Starting under the hood, the A5 will have two gas and three diesel options, at least in Europe. We’ll get the two gas ones here for sure, and maybe an oil burner once VW sorts out the whole Dieselgate thing. Our best guess — we’ll get U.S.-spec info soon — is a 2.0-liter turbo-four for the base model making 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the 354-hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 for the S5. Audi says the whole lineup should consume less fuel than its predecessors.
Six-speed manuals will be offered, as will seven- and eight-speed automatics. Base models come in front-wheel drive; everything else gets quattro. Audi also has a new technology called “ultra,” which allows the rear axle to be decoupled entirely to save fuel. Right now it’s offered only in the four-cylinder model with the manual. Audi says it can switch from two- to all-wheel drive in milliseconds.
The A5 and S5 get an all-new chassis designed for comfort and agility, Audi says. Adjustable dampers are optional, integrated into the Audi drive select function, while the electromechanical power steering system is also new. Variable steering is optional, and curb weight was cut by about 132 pounds.
Inside, the luggage compartment features 16.4 cubic feet of space. The rear seats fold down, and the trunk features a foot-gesture sensor to open the lid when your hands are full. Ambient lighting spices up the cabin with 30 adjustable shades.
Audi’s virtual cockpit is optional, which uses a 12.3-inch display where the gauges should be, an 8.3-inch monitor in the center and the MMI dial and buttons to control it all. Audi says its voice-control function is improved, as well. It can understand sentences like “I would like to call Peter.” LTE, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Audi connect services are also available.
The A5 and S5 will get the same handful of near-autonomous features that come in the Q7 SUV, including active lane assist, stop-and-go cruise control, park assist, cross-traffic assist, exit warning and more. It also has cameras that recognize traffic signs.
The new A5 and S5 launch in Europe this fall; expect them here shortly after. The current A5 starts at $40,500, while the S5 stickers for $53,000. We expect the next version to not stray too far from that.
