Audi A5/S5 in Depth

Press Release

Short Version (II)

multitronic with eight forward gears and sport mode

The multitronic continuously variable transmission offers unparalleled power transmission comfort. At the same time its high efficiency and now even taller maximum transmission ratio make it very economical on fuel, since it operates in the most efficient range at all times. Whenever the driver prefers a more sporty driving style, the gearbox can be switched to a manual mode that now has eight defined gear ratios.

Running gear – precise and agile handling

Even when stationary, the Audi A5 makes a dynamic impression: the wide track, large wheels, long wheelbase and short overhangs not only characterise its muscular appearance, they also form part of the formula that produces its peerless active driving feel. The Audi A5 defines the new standard in its class for precise steering response, outstanding directional stability and superb agility, while also offering first-class ride comfort. 

Audi engineers have achieved this with a completely new design of running gear: the front wheels are located by a five-link suspension arrangement with upper and lower wishbones. Another completely re-engineered component is the rack-and-pinion steering. It is positioned in front of the front axle close to the wheel centre line, and enhances the car’s very agile handling by its direct transmission of the steering forces.

Overall, the front axle is located a long way forward for a longitudinal engine configuration with front- and four-wheel drive. This new vehicle architecture makes it possible to have a long wheelbase with a short front overhang, and to optimise the axle load distribution. These are all additional elements that enhance the supreme handling qualities of the new Audi A5.

A key element of the rear running gear is its trapezoidal-link rear suspension with completely new kinematics. It provides a high degree of ride comfort combined with excellent directional stability. At both the front and rear, the main components of the suspension are made of aluminium. The generous dimensions of the brakes are designed to match the car’s high performance ratings. The standard electromechanical parking brake, familiar from the A8 and A6, is activated via a button next to the gear lever.

Body – generous and superlatively solid 

The Audi A5 offers ample space and, for the rear seat passengers too, is a full-size touring car. Likewise, with a luggage compartment volume of 455 litres, there is always space left over for a bit of extra shopping, even on a long tour. The loading width of one metre allows easy stowage of large items of luggage, and even well-filled golf bags will fit crossways into the Audi A5 boot. The rear seat backrest folds in two separate sections and features a convenient remote release mechanism operated from the boot.

The extremely high bodyshell rigidity, typical of an Audi, provides the basis both for the car’s crisp handling and its agreeable feeling of solidness and comfort. In the development of the A5, the engineers have successfully combined supreme sporty performance and agility with outstanding vibrational comfort. Its lightweight body construction was achieved using the latest technologies, such as metal plates with varying wall thicknesses, combined spot welded and bonded joints, and the use of aluminium, for example, in the front wings.

Equipment – high-tech from the luxury class

Where equipment is concerned, the Audi A5 is characterised by a comprehensive standard specification. This includes 17-inch alloy wheels along with the xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights in the form of an LED strip, automatic air conditioning, an audio system with CD player, a separate screen plus MMI operating logic, and the automatically opening boot lid.

The list of options offers even more luxury-class high-tech: Audi adaptive light combines xenon plus headlights with the dynamic cornering light system. Keyless access for the doors and boot and keyless engine starting are all features of the advanced key system. The deluxe automatic air conditioning system with three temperature zones allows the passengers to adjust the climate for their individual comfort – in the rear, too. The extra-large panoramic tilting roof lends the A5 an especially generous feeling of open space. The Audi parking system advanced features a rearview camera, helping to make tricky parking in cramped multi-storeys easily negotiable.

The infotainment system is a special highlight of the options range. Alongside the navigation system with DVD including MMI, DAB digital radio reception and DVB TV reception, this system also offers pure delight for the ears: the top sound system for the Audi A5 is supplied by the Danish high-end sound specialist Bang & Olufsen.

Customisation – a made-to-measure coupé

Coupés in particular have to reflect the personal wishes and express the ideas of their owners. Audi A5 customers have a wide selection to choose from: in terms of design variety, the Audi A5 is luxury-class in the full sense of the word, with two types of cloth, two leather varieties, the combination of leather and Alcantara, five different inlays, and a wide range of interior colour schemes. Above and beyond that, the Audi exclusive programme from quattro GmbH can fulfil vi

At a glance - The Audi A5

Versions available at launch:

• 3.2 FSI multitronic

• 3.0 TDI quattro 6-speed

Body:

• powerfully dynamic and elegant design 

• dimensions: L 4.63 m, W 1.85 m, H 1.37 m 

• long wheelbase of 2.75 m

• generous space for a grand touring coupé

• luggage compartment 455 l, folding rear seat back

Engine:

• direct injection FSI and TDI engines

• 3.0 TDI and 2.7 TDI already comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard which will apply in the future 

• low fuel consumption with sporty performance 

Gearbox and driveline:

• 6-speed manual gearbox with short shift travel

• multitronic automatic transmission with 8 forward gear ratios in manual mode

• front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive

Running gear:

• five-link front suspension, trapezoidal-link rear suspension, safe self-steering characteristics, high agility

• long wheelbase, good weight distribution

• 17 to 19-inch wheels, high-performance brakes

 Equipment:

• luxurious interior look and feel, large scope for customisation

• extensive standard specification including xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights in the form of an LED strip

• optional Bang & Olufsen sound system, Bluetooth in-car phone