A fresh new look and tech for the Audi A5 and S5 range
It seems that Audi could not help but give us a few more new range updates before the year ended. Audi has released its new upgraded A5 Sportback, A5 Coupé, and S5 Cabriolet range. This updated range will offer a more modern look and will give us a sportier and more performance led drive. Of course, in true Audi fashion, it will get some new technology upgrades from Audi’s cutting-edge MMI touch operating concept.
The Audi A5 Coupé, Audi A5 Sportback, and Audi S5 Cabriolet will share its familiar 3.0 TFSI engine. The A5 Coupé and Sportback will have power outputs of 140kW while the S5 models will provide a more powerful 260kW. The A5 range will come equipped with an S tronic transmission, while the S5 gets a Tiptronic transmission.
In terms of the exterior, Audi has set their eyes on making a sportier appearance for the A5 and S5 range. The standard A5 will come with a black matte radiator grille with a chrome frame and door sills with aluminium inserts in the front. It also comes with a black matte rear diffuser and side air intakes. The tailpipe trims come in an aluminium silver matte and the bar tailgate in chrome. The standard A5 gets around on 17-inch aluminium wheels. If you looking to get the S line model, then you will benefit from the S line emblem on the front fenders and a sports suspension. There is also an S line-specific radiator grille and a rear diffuser that comes in a titanium black. The S line also gets bumped up to larger 18-inch aluminium wheels. Sitting on top of the range is the S models which come in their own unique look. It gets a larger rear spoiler, red brake calipers, S model bumpers and an S sports suspension. It gets around on 19-inch S styled grey wheels. In terms of colour choices on the exterior, customers can choose between 12 exterior paint finishes, including the new shade district green, metallic.
The A5 and S5 models will feature a large MMI touch display. The new MMI touch system will offer a user experience like a contemporary smartphone. There is a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback that replaces the rotary pushbutton used in previous models. The MMI search is based on free text. It comes with a natural language voice control that understands many formulations from everyday speech and is another convenient function available. This will come with Audi connect that enables immediate online connectivity to Audi’s roadside assistance, emergency call centre, emergency towing, an ambulance, police, or even fire brigade support, all being done with a touch of a button.
Audi connect also offers real-time information for navigation and information. This is done through the live and integrated Google Earth navigation which allows the driver to easily plan trips through the myAudi app and send destinations and routes directly to the vehicle. The myAudi app is downloadable from the app store and will come as an additional standard feature as part of the Audi connect portfolio, which connects the Audi A5 or S5 with the customer’s smartphone.
The Audi A5 comes standard with an Audi smartphone interface which enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver will have access to control the full-HD, 12.3-inch display of the Audi virtual cockpit plus through the multifunction steering wheel and can choose between three views. The standard seats are also now available with leather/leatherette upholstery and come in five different shades. The exterior lines are now combinable with the S line interior package which adds sports seats with fine Nappa leather and S embossing at an additional cost.
The Audi A5 and S5 range is currently available for sale at all Audi dealerships across South Africa and will come standard with a 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan, inclusive of all taxes.
Pricing
Audi A5 Coupé 40 TFSI R751 000
Audi A5 Coupé 40 TFSI S line R796 000
Audi A5 Sportback 40 TFSI S line R811 000
Audi A5 Coupé 40 TDI quattro S line R836 000
Audi A5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S line R851 000
Audi S5 Coupé TFSI quattro R1 052 000
Audi S5 Sportback TFSI quattro R1 067 000
Audi S5 Cabriolet TFSI quattro R1 152 000
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Audi A5 cost in South Africa?
The updated Audi A5 Coupé starts from around R750,000 for the base model, while the A5 Sportback kicks off at approximately R780,000, and if you're after the top-spec S5 Cabriolet with all the bells and whistles, you're looking at around R1,200,000.
Q: How much power does the Audi A5 and S5 produce?
The standard A5 Coupé and Sportback pack a respectable 140kW from their 3.0 TFSI engines, while the S5 models crank things up significantly with 260kW of proper German muscle under the bonnet.
Q: What's the difference between the A5 and S5 models?
The S5 gets a massive power boost to 260kW versus the A5's 140kW, plus it comes with red brake calipers, 19-inch S-styled grey wheels, sports suspension, bigger rear spoiler, and S-specific bumpers that give it a much more aggressive look.
Q: Is the Audi A5 reliable in South Africa?
Audi's 3.0 TFSI engine is generally solid, but like most German luxury cars, you'll want to budget around R15,000 to R25,000 annually for maintenance and ensure you use a reputable Audi dealer for servicing to avoid any expensive surprises.
Q: What colours can I get the new Audi A5 in?
Audi offers 12 exterior paint options including the striking new district green metallic finish, giving you plenty of choice whether you prefer classic blacks and whites or want something more distinctive for the Sandton parking lot.
Should You Buy It?
The updated Audi A5 range is a solid buy if you've got R750,000 to R1,200,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want German luxury with genuine sporting credentials. The 140kW A5 models offer enough punch for daily driving while looking properly smart, but honestly, if you can stretch to the S5 at around R1,200,000, that 260kW will put a permanent grin on your face. The tech upgrades and sportier styling make this generation the best A5 yet, and while maintenance costs will sting your wallet annually, the build quality and driving experience justify the premium over cheaper alternatives like the BMW 4 Series.
