The Audi A5 Sportback, A5 Coupé and S5 Cabriolet now feature a cutting-edge MMI touch operating concept. In the updated Audi S5 Sportback, Coupé and Cabriolet, the 3.0 TFSI engine continues to offer a sportier and performance-led drive. Further to this, all variants within the Audi A5 and S5 model range now offer fully integrated connectivity functions with Audi connect, thereby enabling safety and service; security and convenience as well real-time infotainment functions to the driving experience.
Audi provided the following details:
The exterior design
Elements of the new design language from the full-size class characterize the sporty aesthetics of the updated Audi A5 and S5. The first generation fascinated with its sporty and harmonious body line. The second generation added new, sharper accents. Now Audi has significantly revised the exterior, with the front end, in particular, exuding an even more powerful resolve. The single frame with the honeycomb grille is flatter and somewhat wider. Ventilation slits above the grille are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport Quattro from 1984. A bold blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air inlets. A new sill provides for a slimmer appearance when viewed from the side; a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes makes the back of the car look wider. All body and engine variants in the range roll off the assembly line with Matrix LED headlights with LED rear lights featuring dynamic turn signals, as standard.
The exterior design is available in two options, a standard variant in the entry level model and the S line trim line across the range.
The standard model offers:
- 17 inch cast aluminium wheels
- Door sills with aluminium inserts in the front
- Black matte radiator grille with a chrome frame
- Black matte grained side air intakes and rear diffuser
- Tailpipe trims in aluminium silver matte and a bar tailgate in chrome
The S line models will offer a differentiated exterior design which includes:
- 18 inch cast aluminium wheels
- Front sills with aluminium inserts, illuminated and with S lettering
- S line emblem on the front fenders
- Widened side skirts in body colour finish
- Sports suspension
- S line specific radiator grille in titanium black and chrome framed
- Side air inlets in matte black grained with matte aluminium silver
- S line specific rear diffuser in titanium black matte
- Rear trim in aluminium silver matte and bar tailgate in chrome
The S models also come with their own unique look which includes:
- 19 inch S style contrast grey wheels
- Red brake calipers
- Exterior mirror housings in aluminium look
- Larger rear spoiler
- S model bumpers
- S sports suspension
On the interior, standard seats are available with leather / leatherette upholstery in five different shades. The exterior lines are now freely combinable with the S line interior package which adds sports seats with fine Nappa leather and S embossing at an additional cost. Customers can also choose from 12 exterior paint finishes, including the new shade district green, metallic.
Click below to read on about the new connectivity in the Audi A5 range.
New tech: connectivity
Horizontal lines dominate the interior of the A5 and S5 models. That large MMI touch display, the control centre of the new operating system, is the focal point of the instrument panel and angled slightly toward the driver. With its new MMI touch system, the highly connected Audi A5 and S5 range offers a user experience similar to a contemporary smartphone. A 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models. The graphics are clean and reduced and the menu structure reflects the expectations of the user. The MMI search is based on free text input and returns relevant hits very rapidly. Natural-language voice control understands many formulations from everyday speech and is another convenient function available.
With Audi’s latest integrated connected services and technology, Audi connect comprises a multitude of exciting functions within the new A5 range thereby allowing for a safer, more convenient and enjoyable drive. All models come standard with the Audi connect roof module which enables immediate and online connectivity to Audi’s roadside assistance and emergency call centre at the press of a button, from within the car. This allows access to emergency towing, ambulance, police or fire brigade support. Notification of when a service is due is also integrated into the functionality and will trigger an automatic prompt to the registered Audi Dealer.
Audi connect also offers real-time information for navigation and infotainment as part of the Technology Package. This includes live and integrated Google Earth navigation allowing the driver to easily plan trips through the myAudi app and send destinations and routes directly to the vehicle. Live information around points of interests (trading hours, parking availability), traffic information and weather updates are also included.
The myAudi app (downloadable from the app store) is an additional standard feature as part of the Audi connect portfolio, which connects the Audi A5 with the customer’s smartphone. It is through this point that the driver can access important vehicle information, manage data and configure and set up certain services like geo-fencing perimeters and speed limits. The driver will be able to call up real-time information about the vehicle and keep an eye on the fuel level, range, service appointments, warning messages and other key functions from an off-site location.
The updated Audi A5 and S5 range uses a new main unit with increased computing power – the third generation modular infotainment platform (MIB 3). It works together with equally new Communication box, which handles such things as telephony and the Audi connect services. The Audi A5 comes standard with Audi smartphone interface which enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver controls the full-HD, 12.3-inch display (1,920 x 720 pixels) of the Audi virtual cockpit plus (another standard feature) via the multifunction steering wheel and can choose between three views. This is complemented by the optional head-up display that projects important information into the driver’s direct field of view. Other optional extras like the Audi phone box and the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D sound round are included throughout the range.
Click below for details of the full Audi A5 model range.
New line up: the model range
The following models and engine variants make up the updated Audi A5 and S5 range. This includes:
Open-air driving: the S5 Cabriolet
Like every open-top Audi, the S5 Cabriolet has a classic fabric top. It is an acoustic hood and opens fully automatically in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Targeted reinforcements provide for a highly rigid body. With the top up, the luggage compartment of the four-seater has a volume of 370 litres; the split rear seatbacks can be folded forward.
Local packages: offering simplicity
The new Audi A5 and S5 range will offer the package concept as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The concept aims to reduce complexity when ordering a new vehicle and classifies key options according to a specific customer need thereby providing a straight-forward value proposition that is easy to understand. These packages have been defined by a combination of customer preferences as well as strategic options which aim to highlight Audi’s uniqueness or technology enhancements.
The packages include:
- Technology (MMI navigation plus with MMI touch; Audi connect full functionality; contour ambient lighting)
- Comfort (electric front seats; seat heaters; rear view camera; storage package)
- Sport (flat bottomed multi-function steering wheel in 3 spoke design with shift paddles; sport seats; black lining)
The Audi A5 and S5 range is currently available for sale at all Audi Dealerships in South Africa and comes standard with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes.