The new Audi A5 is familiar in silhouette but fresh in spirit, Ingolstadt’s way of reminding us that there’s still magic to be found in the four-door format.
And yes, before you ask, this “Sedan” is technically a liftback. Audi’s naming convention might confuse at first blush, but what you’re really looking at is a car that replaces not one, but two models; the outgoing A4 Sedan and the A5 Sportback.
So what’s new?
The A5 is the first vehicle to be underpinned by Audi’s all-new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). It’s the backbone of Audi’s next-gen petrol-powered vehicles, designed with enough flexibility to host mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and the company’s E3 electronic architecture.
Visually, it’s a tasteful evolution of the familiar Audi aesthetic. The front fascia wears a wider, slimmer ‘Singleframe’ grille, flanked by standard LED Matrix Headlights, each with eight daytime running light signatures.
The side profile retains its signature sleekness, aided by subtle coupe-like lines and flush electronic door handles that disappear into the sheet metal.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, it has grown too. The A5 now stretches 67mm longer than the outgoing A4, boasting a 2,892mm wheelbase.
That means more space in the back, up to 445 litres, courtesy of that liftback tailgate that rises at the push of a button.
The cabin is where the A5 really flexes its tech-savvy muscles. Dominating the dashboard is Audi’s new ‘Digital Stage’, a sweeping curved panel that merges a full OLED digital driver’s display with a 14.5-inch central touchscreen.
It’s not just for show either; Audi’s latest-generation MMI software brings with it an in-car app store. Spotify, YouTube, Stingray Karaoke, and the newly added DAZN sports-streaming app are all native now.
In fact, if you’re the kind who enjoys duetting with Adele on the expressway, you’ll be pleased to know that you can even spec an optional passenger display (a $3,400 add-on). It comes with an active privacy filter to ensure your front passenger enjoys the show while you stay focused on the road.
Two trims, plenty of tech
The A5 comes in two flavours. The Advanced trim is already generously specced with tri-zone air-conditioning, wireless charging, and a full suite of driver aids – Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Side Assist, Exit Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Assist.
Step up to the Edition 1 (an additional $15,000), and things get decidedly more dynamic. The Edition 1 includes Audi’s S line styling kit, a sportier suspension that lowers ride height by 20mm, 19-inch alloys, a head-up display, and a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System.
Both models have the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for 201bhp and 340Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, helping the A5 dispatch the century sprint in 7.8 seconds.
It’s not neck-snapping, but it’s more than enough for the everyday driver who values balance over brute force. And with progressive steering now baked in, the drive promises to be more engaging than ever.
An incoming wild card?
If you’re the sort who prefers your morning coffee black and your sedans with more bite, don’t look away just yet. Audi has confirmed the new S5 Sedan will eventually make its way to Singapore.
Packing a mild hybrid turbocharged V6 churning out 362bhp and 550Nm of torque, the S5 will storm to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
In a sea of SUVs and EVs, the new Audi A5 Sedan is a refreshing reminder that sedans (done right) still have a seat at the table. It’s handsome without being shouty, clever without being complicated, and luxurious without being ostentatious.
For drivers seeking a premium daily that balances form, function, and forward-thinking features, the A5 is a compelling proposition. And at a starting price of $287,999 (inclusive of COE), it may just be Audi’s most complete package yet.
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