New A5 Sportback Bigger and Better, Audi Claims

INGOLSTADT, Germany – Bigger yet lighter, faster and more efficient are among Audi’s pledges for its second-generation A5 Sportback to be unveiled at the Paris auto show.

Seven years and with more than 340,000 cars sold since the first-generation model’s debut, the new A5 Sportback features an all-new platform with the latest engine, transmission and quattro drive technology.

Sitting atop the new car’s model range will be the flagship Audi S5 Sportback powered by a new V-6 turbocharged TFSI engine boasting 349 hp and 369 lb.-ft. (500 Nm) of torque from 1,370 to 4,500 rpm. Audi claims a 0-62 mph (100 km) in 4.7 seconds to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

Visually, the new A5 Sportback features a longer wheelbase of 112 ins. (2,845 mm), pronounced wheel arches, short overhangs and wraparound hood featuring a “power dome” for sporty looks and a “3-dimensional” single-frame grille.

Inside, length is increased 0.7 in (17.8 mm), shoulder room for driver and front passenger is up 0.4 in. (10.2 mm) and rear knee room adds 0.9 in. (22.9 mm).

With 16.8 cu.-ft. (480 L) of cargo capacity (45.5 cu.-ft. [1,300 L] with seats folded), the A5 Sportback claims to be among the best in its class. On top of Audi’s MMI infotainment suite is a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 3D sound that can be amplified up to 755 watts.

Other powertrain options include two gasoline TFSI and three diesel TDI engine versions producing between 187 hp and 282 hp of power. Compared with the previous model, Audi claims fuel consumption is reduced up to 22% while power output is increased up to 17%.