The second generation of the Audi A5 and S5 Sportback arrives, combining practicality and sportiness

New Audi A5 Sportback

Seven years have passed since the launch of the first generation of the Audi A5 Sportback. This new model, which continues to combine the best of a full-size saloon with the styling of a coupé body, offers comfort and practicality together with that touch of sportiness. The longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs and long, sweeping front bonnet emphasise the dynamism of this model.

At the front, the three-dimensional Singleframe grille still has a strong presence, this time flatter and wider than on the previous model. As an option, LED or Matrix LED headlights can be fitted, which light the road optimally with a light quality similar to daylight, without dazzling other road users.

At the rear, the integration of the third brake light at the top of the rear window stands out, extending across its full width. In addition, the tailgate ends in an eye-catching spoiler that also improves the car’s aerodynamics. The rear lights come as standard with LED technology and dynamic indicators.

For the Audi S5 Sportback, the bumpers, air intakes and side skirts make the difference between the standard model and this sportier version. The exterior mirrors are housed in casings finished in aluminium-look trim. The rear bumper houses an aluminium-finish diffuser, four exhaust outlets and a black honeycomb-mesh grille.

New Audi A5 Sportback g-tron

The base version of the new Audi A5 Sportback comes as standard with 17-inch alloy wheels. The sport and design lines are fitted with 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels. Audi offers a wide range of optional wheels, going up to 19 inches in diameter.

The interior has grown compared with the previous generation. It retains comfort for passengers and driver, but now with much more space. The perceived quality of the materials used, as well as the finishes, remains very good. The ambient lighting, with 30 colours to choose from, makes it possible to create an atmosphere suited to the quality of the materials with which the model can be equipped.

The boot capacity is 480 litres, which can be increased thanks to the rear seat, split as standard in a 40:20:40 ratio, leaving a loading space, with all seats folded down, of 1,300 litres. Audi also offers the option of a sensor to control opening and closing of the tailgate, which already has electric operation as standard. It also incorporates a proximity sensor located in the rear bumper that responds to a foot movement if it detects the key is nearby.

Interior of the New Audi A5 Sportback

As standard it includes the intelligent voice search function, which allows the driver to control all operations intuitively. There is the option of fitting the Audi virtual cockpit, featuring a high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT screen, replacing the analogue instrument cluster that comes as standard equipment. As an option, the head-up display can be selected, projecting all relevant information onto the windscreen with easily understood symbols and digits.

As regards infotainment, the new Audi A5 and S5 Sportback feature the MMI system and MMI Navigation plus with MMI Touch. In addition to navigation, the latter adds 10 GB of flash storage, a DVD player, three years of free Audi connect services, up to five free navigation map updates (available at six-month intervals) and an 8.3-inch monitor.

Smartphones also have full connectivity, as the Audi interface integrates the iOS and Android operating systems for mobile phones. The Audi phone box connects mobile phones to the car’s antenna to provide improved reception quality. It also charges smartphones by induction, without any cables, using the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen sound system with a 755-watt amplifier and 19 speakers, features the innovative 3D sound. In the rear seats, passengers can enjoy the Audi tablet, which forms part of the entertainment system both inside and outside the car.

New Audi S5 Sportback

The new Audi A5 Sportback is available with two petrol and three diesel variants. Both petrol engines share the same block, as they are based on the 2.0-litre TFSI with 190 and 252 CV. The diesel engines start with the 2.0 TDI producing 190 CV, followed by the 3.0 TDI with 218 and 286 CV. The Audi S5 Sportback reserves the most powerful of all, as under its bonnet beats the new 3.0 TFSI, a turbocharged V6 engine producing 354 CV. Depending on the engine chosen, it can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, a seven-speed automatic (S tronic) or an eight-speed automatic (tiptronic). Traction can be front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive.