By: Jesse Adams
Porto, Portugal - Nope, not a facelift. Although you’d be forgiven for thinking it based on looks alone. The second-generation Audi A5 introduced to media last week in Portugal is completely new from the ground up, even if it looks like a mild evolution of the now nine-year old first version.
Let’s start with the flagship model (until an RS5 arrives in 2018). The new S5 rides on an advanced MLB2 chassis platform – the same as underneath the latest A4, Q7, and Bentley Bentayga – and under its hood is a 3-litre turbo V6 with 260kW and 500Nm, out-gunning the previous version’s supercharged 3-litre, as well as the early 4.2-litre V8 (available until 2012) by rather hefty margins.
This is the first we’ve seen of the new turbo motor, which is bound to do duty in many forthcoming Audis, and if first impressions are anything to go by we have a lot to look forward to. Previous S5s, with either engine, were darned good GT cars happy to munch long distances with creamy power deliveries and comfortable ride qualities.
S5 is a real ‘S’ this time
But, that’s all they were. Good GT cars. Some might say the ‘S’ insignias and their implied sportiness were undeserved.
The latest S5 puts those concerns to bed. Compared to its predecessors this is a much higher performance car – more fleet-footed in corners, and athletic on open roads. Audi claims 0-100km/h in a believable 4.7 seconds, with a familiar quattro all-wheel-drive system assisting in traction off the line. I tried a few impromptu launch starts on an abandoned stretch of Portuguese tarmac, where all four wheels were sent scampering for grip after dumping around 3000rpm down through both axles.
This new V6 feels more awake than the supercharged 3-litre ever did, and it comes with a hearty howl to match its newfound potency – especially with its optional Sports exhaust’s flaps opened to full shriek mode. It’s a notably smooth revver, digging deep into low rpm to find boost, and unfurling it evenly across the tacho needle’s sweep until just under 7000rpm.
Interestingly, the outgoing S5’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox has made way for an eight-speed Tiptronic in the new version. This, says Audi, is because the well-known S tronic isn’t up to handling this much torque. Not a problem really; the torque converter-type Tiptronic suits the application well, with a nice spread of ratios and reasonably quick changes either via steering paddles or left in auto mode.
At a tad under 4.7 metres long and almost 1.9 metres wide, the S5 is a portly coupé, and Audi’s chosen launch route comprising many tight hairpins and often unkempt surfaces probably wasn’t best to demonstrate the car’s handling attributes. That said, its ability to adapt to different environments was impressive, and even in those overly twisty sections it’s able to disguise its size well, scurrying from one switchback to the next with surprising liveliness. Later on the S5 loosened up to cover some long, straight and smooth highway miles (Portugal’s freeway network is pristine and largely unused thanks to tolling) with absolute ease – though I must add that all launch units were fitted with optional suspension, steering, throttle and gearbox altering Drive Select systems.
SA’s A5 range, due February
If the S5 is a little too rich, or high-performance, for your blood, a selection of lesser A5 models is also scheduled for South African launch at the same time in February 2017.
The most entry-level options will include 140kW/400Nm 2.0 TDI, or 140kW/320Nm 2-litre petrol turbos – both with front-wheel drive. Exact specifications have not yet been decided, but expect both to come with S tronic gearboxes. A six-speed manual is also possible for the 2.0 turbopetrol. A pair of middle-spec A5s with 185kW/370Nm 2-litre turbos should also arrive, with a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive systems. Both get dual-clutch S tronics.
A top-of-the-range 3.0 turbodiesel with 210kW and 620Nm isn’t due for local launch, but a de-tuned 160kW/400Nm version is. This gutsy V6 will come with quattro all-wheel drive and an S tronic autobox only, and claimed 0-100km/h times are 6.2 seconds with a top speed limited to 250km/h. Pricing for all models, including the S5, will only be announced next year.
Local specs are still in discussion, but expect most of the A5’s standard and optional features to mirror the four-door A4 on which it’s closely based. This means that Audi’s colourful Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster will likely be an expensive option, tethered to required satnav and steering-wheel choices. Matrix LED headlights, bigger wheels, massaging seats, and the aforementioned Drive Select system are all likely to be pay-in options, although the S5 could come with some extras as standard equipment.
Follow me on Twitter: @PoorBoyLtd
Star Motoring