2020 Audi A5 Takes a Page from the New A4’s Book
Hot on the heels of the redesigned 2020 Audi A4, which we briefly tested earlier this summer, the four-ring brand is announcing the updated 2020 Audi A5.
Initially launched for the 2018 model year, the second-generation Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback and A5 Cabriolet now feature a new, tauter look inspired by the sedan and the company’s larger cars.
- Also: The Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Audi A5 Cabriolet
- Also: The Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Audi A4 and A5
The Singleframe grille is flatter and wider, with ventilation slits just above that are reminiscent of the classic Audi Sport quattro from 1984. A blade forms the lower edge of the bumper, which features larger air intakes. LED headlights comes standard, while Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light are optional.
On the sides, a new sill makes for a slimmer appearance. In the rear, a diffuser insert with trapezoidal tailpipes makes the back of the car look wider. Black and Sport S line packages will return for extra style and customers can choose from 12 body colours including the new District Green Metallic seen here.
The A5 Cabriolet has a classic fabric top that opens in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h. With the top up, the trunk has a cargo volume of 370 litres.
Horizontal lines dominate the interior of the revised Audi A5 lineup. The driver controls the full-HD, 12.3-inch display of the Audi virtual cockpit via the multifunction steering wheel. The large 10.1-inch MMI touch display and its new, more powerful operating system (with natural-language voice control) is the focal point of the dashboard and angled slightly toward the driver. It replaces the rotary push-button used in previous models.
Other highlights include a multicolour contour/ambient lighting package, a Wi-Fi hotspot, an intelligent navigation system that suggests routes based on those you have previously driven and a digital Audi connect key that turns your Android smartphone into a vehicle key to unlock the doors and start the engine.
Speaking of which, Audi is announcing the addition of mild hybrid technology with a belt alternator starter that recovers energy during deceleration and stores it in a compact lithium-ion battery.
The base 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine produces 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque via a seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The S5 models continue with a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 (349 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque) mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic autobox and quattro all-wheel drive.
The updated Audi A5 and S5 will go on sale in Canada in early 2020. Pricing for the former starts at $51,100.
