Audi has unveiled the all-new and lighter A5 and S5 coupe models.
The four-seater, which appears nine years after the first A5, is expected to be available to order from late summer 2016.
Highlights of the new model are weight savings, a new and more aerodynamic body design, more interior space and improved efficiency from the powertrains.
The new exterior look is evolved from the previous A5 but according to its creators has been aerodynamically optimised to be the most efficient in its class, with a drag coefficient of 0.25.
Use of Audi’s latest lightweight materials in construction and the MLB platform, previously employed on the A4, helps cut kerb weight by up to 60kg. The wheelbase is extended, though Audi is yet to say by how much, while promising more interior space and a boot of 465 litres, 10 more than the outgoing A5.
The new A5 models will be offered with two TFSI petrol and three TDI diesel engine choices, power outputs ranging from 187 to 285bhp. Compared to the previous A5 output has been increased on average by 17%, while efficiency gains are by up to 22%.
Range-topper will again be the turbocharged V6 TFSI in the S5 model, with 348bhp on offer – ore than 20bhp more than its predecessor – and a 4.7-second 0-62mph time.
Depending on engine, transmissions will range across six-speed manual, seven-speed S tronic and eight-speed tiptronic units. Four cylinder manual transmission models will also be able to be specified with Audi’s ultra efficiency technology.
Inside the car a full suite of the brand’s latest technology will be available, such as the virtual cockpit and Audi Connect systems. Driver aids on offer include a predictive efficiency assistant to help save fuel, active lane assist and the Stop&Go adaptive cruise control which includes traffic jam assist to ease progress in slow-moving traffic.
New to the safety menu are park assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist and turn assist, the brand’s pre-sense warning systems and camera-based traffic sign recognition.
Audi also says that buyers of the new A5 will find a more generous standard equipment list, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, LED interior lights, the MMI radio plus with seven-inch MMI colour display, Bluetooth and USB charging function, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, height-adjustable belt feeds, the drive select dynamic handling system and Audi pre sense city all included.
Prices for the new A5 range will be revealed closer to ordering opening – the current version starts from around £32,000.
