A Car That Shines Even in the Mountains

The Audi "A5 Coupé," popular for its balance of styling and functionality, has been fully redesigned. While retaining its sleek yet massive styling theme, the length has increased by 47mm, the width slightly reduced, and the height marginally lowered. Simultaneously, the sportier "S5 Coupé" was also unveiled.

The models scheduled for introduction in Japan (likely in 2017) are as follows.

Audi A5 Coupé 2.0TFSI quattro (2-liter 4-cylinder, 185kW/252ps, 370Nm)
Audi S5 Coupé (3-liter V6 TFSI, 260kW (354 ps, 500Nm)

Additionally, they are considering introducing the following diesel models.

Audi A5 Coupé 2.0TDI quattro (2-liter 4-cylinder diesel, 140kW/190 ps, 400Nm)

The drag coefficient (Cd value) is a low 0.25.

The A5 Coupé measures 4673mm in length (European spec).

The chassis is entirely new, and for the A5 Coupé, many parts are shared with the recently released "A4 Sedan" and the "Avant" including the suspension. The A5 Coupé's transmission has been replaced with a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox, replacing the previous continuously variable transmission. Meanwhile, the S Coupé is equipped with an 8-speed torque converter automatic.

Another significant piece of news is the availability of a new generation 3-liter V6 engine for the S5 Coupé.

The new Audi A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé were unveiled in Portugal, a popular resort destination in Europe. Porto, the central city, is a port town facing the Atlantic Ocean, known for its beautiful cityscape and gastronomy. In contrast, the surrounding areas offer driving courses shaped by the natural landscape of mountains and valleys. With many resort hotels, it's a fitting location for these elegant new models.

The Audi A5 Coupé 2.0TFSI quattro is powered by a 1984cc 4-cylinder engine (185kW/252ps, 370Nm).

The S5 Coupé combines a newly developed 2995cc V6 engine with the quattro system.

Speaking of fitting, an Audi spokesperson said, "We chose [Porto] so you could enjoy driving." The new A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé are indeed "delicious" cars even in the mountains. We were able to fully enjoy the drive. On the winding mountain roads with alternating ascents and descents, the car offered remarkably stable performance and a genuine sense of driving pleasure.

The initial impression of "this is a great car!" from the moment we started driving solidified into conviction as we navigated the roads around Porto, eventually transforming into an affection that made us wish we could "drive it longer."

A Design That Conveys Performance

As the name suggests, the new Audi A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé are available only in a two-door body style. This is a full model change from the first generation, which debuted in 2006. In the current lineup, the fully open-top "Cabriolet" and the four-door "Sportback" were added in 2009. Similar variations are planned for the new model as well.

I believe the appeal of a coupé lies in its elegance and the feeling it evokes. Simply put, how cool it looks. Style is paramount. The A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé live up to these expectations. Particularly when viewed from the side, the positioning of the rear quarter pillar just above the rear wheel arch emphasizes the rear wheels' presence, drawing attention to the excellent proportions. This is a styling principle designed to give a massive impression and suggest good performance. The character lines that ripple along the sides, at the front and rear wheels, also highlight the tires' presence while simultaneously conveying elegance.

The wavy character line along the side of the body is a distinctive feature.

LED rear combination lamps are standard on all models.

"For the styling, we were inspired by the tradition of the Quattro from its 1980s debut," revealed Frank Ramberti, who oversees the exterior design of the A4 and A5. "The Quattro emphasized the presence of the front and rear wheels by flaring the fenders, a technique known as blister fenders. We kept this history in mind, and for the side view, we've used wavy character lines, while from a top-down perspective, the design treatment makes the areas above the tires appear to bulge."

"For the styling, we were inspired by the tradition of the Quattro from its 1980s debut," revealed Frank Ramberti, who oversees the exterior design of the A4 and A5. "The Quattro emphasized the presence of the front and rear wheels by flaring the fenders, a technique known as blister fenders. We kept this history in mind, and for the side view, we've used wavy character lines, while from a top-down perspective, the design treatment makes the areas above the tires appear to bulge."

The S5 Coupé comes standard with 18-inch wheels.

The S5-exclusive logo in red is eye-catching.

The front grille has been widened and its mounting position slightly lowered, which is a new design element. The bonnet features a style where the front edge is folded, a characteristic of the new model. Furthermore, the bonnet has a bulge, which Audi calls a power dome, housing the powerful engine and conveying a sense of performance.

The driving impression went beyond that of merely a beautiful coupé.

A High Score as a Sophisticated Mid-Size Coupé

The driving impressions of the new A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé were also quite impressive. Rather than just elegant, they are cars that actively invite you to enjoy driving. The first model I drove was the Audi A5 Coupé 2.0TFSI quattro. This model is equipped with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing a maximum output of 185kW (252ps) and a maximum torque of 370Nm. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The engine provides ample torque and power across all rev ranges, and the acceleration as the revs climb is exhilarating. Even at higher revs, there are no unpleasant vibrations. The steering feel, the vehicle's behavior at that moment – to put it simply, I found it to be exceptionally solid. In the A5 Coupé, the response to throttle input is sharp, making speed control easy, and it's clear that continuous improvements have been made.

The vehicle weight has been reduced by up to 60kg compared to the previous generation.

A 12.3-inch TFT monitor is equipped.

The acceleration up to high speeds is smooth, with a moderate sense of acceleration, but it's more of a seamless transition where you suddenly realize you're at high speed. On winding roads, selecting S mode on the transmission allows for sporty driving: holding the appropriate gear on downhills, decelerating with off-throttle before the corner apex, and accelerating immediately after. The handling is straightforward, with high neutrality during normal cornering. It responds precisely even to minute steering inputs near the center. It's a car that allows you to enjoy driving at any speed.

The cabin noise level is very low, and I would give it high marks as a sophisticated mid-size coupé. In terms of performance, the S5 Coupé surpasses it.

The S5 for Those Who Actively Enjoy Driving

The new S5 Coupé is equipped with a newly developed 3-liter V6 unit. Its output has increased by 15kW (21ps) and torque by 60Nm compared to the previous model. A key feature is the adoption of the Miller cycle, which allows the intake valve to remain open longer than in the conventional Otto cycle, creating effective swirl in the air-fuel mixture for efficient combustion. This technology is already used in the A4.

The turbocharger is positioned between the banks of the 90-degree V-engine, and the exhaust gases drawn in utilize the water jacket that cools the engine, lowering their temperature to an optimal level for the turbo. While a 60-degree bank angle is considered ideal for V6 engines, Gerhard Floerl, who was in charge of engine development, explained, "We chose a 90-degree V for compactness and efficiency."

The S5 Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.

The S5 Coupé is equipped with a sport differential on the rear wheels to counteract understeer during cornering.

The S5 Coupé drives with verve. While I was impressed with the A5 Coupé, I would wholeheartedly recommend the S5 Coupé to those who actively enjoy driving. The engine, which delivers 500Nm of torque from as low as 1370rpm, produces a maximum output of 260kW (354ps) at 5400rpm. It's an engine that provides a strong sense of power even when driven gently, and offers exhilarating acceleration when revved.

The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, with smooth shifts and excellent use of the torque band for swift acceleration. Particularly in Dynamic mode, the exhilaration of acceleration and deceleration is remarkable. Driving it lifts your spirits. The V6 engine, designed with weight reduction in mind, does not negatively impact handling. The dedicated suspension system with damper control is supple yet allows for fast cornering. The car I drove was equipped with the optional S line package, which offers a sportier setup, including supportive bucket seats and a steering wheel with a three-dimensional grip for excellent control, further enhancing the experience. It truly elevated the mood.

The Virtual Cockpit and MMI (Multi Media Interface) are available as options.

The interior length has been increased by 17mm.

"The most popular cars in today's automotive market are sedans and SUVs. Therefore, selling a two-door coupé requires significant effort. Coupés are important to Audi, so we are putting a great deal of effort into them," said Christoph Lungwitz, who is in charge of product public relations. "Our designers treat these coupés with the same care as they would handle a woman."

While he said the last part jokingly, the new A5 Coupé and S5 Coupé have been developed with meticulous care. They are truly well-crafted, gem-like models. Their sparkling presence under the Portuguese sun was captivating.

Audi A5 2.0 TFSI quattro | Audi A5 2.0TFSI quattro
Body Dimensions | Length 4,673 x Width 1,846 x Height 1,371 mm
Wheelbase | 2,764 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,587 / 1,568 mm
Curb Weight | 1,500 kg
Engine | 1,984 cc Inline 4-cylinder TFSI
Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 92.8 mm
Compression Ratio | 9.6
Max Output | 185 kW (252 ps) / 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque | 370 Nm / 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (S tronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Discs
Suspension Front | 5-link
Suspension Rear | 5-link
Tires Front/Rear | 225/50R17
Top Speed | 250 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 5.8 seconds
Fuel Economy (NEDC) | 5.9-6.3 ℓ/100km (approx. 16.9-15.9 km/ℓ)
CO2 Emissions | 144 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 465 liters

Audi S5 | Audi S5
Body Dimensions | Length 4,692 x Width 1,846 x Height 1,368 mm
Wheelbase | 2,765 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,587 / 1,568 mm
Curb Weight | 1,615 kg
Engine | 2,995 cc V6 TFSI
Bore x Stroke | 84.5 x 89.0 mm
Compression Ratio | 11.2
Max Output | 260 kW (354 ps) / 5,400-6,400 rpm
Max Torque | 500 Nm / 1,370-4,500 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed AT (Tiptronic)
Drivetrain | 4WD
Brakes Front | Ventilated Discs
Brakes Rear | Ventilated Discs
Suspension Front | 5-link
Suspension Rear | 5-link
Tires Front/Rear | 245/40R18
Top Speed | 250 km/h
0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.7 seconds
Fuel Economy (NEDC) | 7.3-7.4 ℓ/100km (approx. 13.7-13.5 km/ℓ)
CO2 Emissions | 170 g/km
Trunk Capacity | 465 liters