The Most Beautiful Exterior Design in the Audi Lineup

As before, the Audi A5 series introduced in Japan will be available in coupe, Sportback, and Cabriolet body styles, each with a sporty S5 series also in the lineup. The A5/S5 Coupe and Sportback, equipped with the quattro all-wheel-drive system, will go on sale from late April, while the A5/S5 Cabriolet and the newly introduced front-wheel-drive A5 Sportback 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Sport are scheduled for release in late July.

The design roots of the "A5" trace back to the first-generation Audi "Quattro," which debuted in 1980. To effectively transfer the power of its robust engine to the road, this model featured wide tires. To accommodate these, blister fenders were employed, creating a distinctive design. The characteristic fender arches seen on the new A5 are a clear nod to that Quattro heritage.

These distinctive fender arches and shoulder lines express power and dynamism. For instance, they are likened to the powerful musculature found in the shoulders and haunches of felines, areas requiring significant strength, and this is conveyed through the body lines.

Furthermore, this sense of strength is echoed in the clamshell hood, with its central power dome emphasizing the presence of a potent engine beneath.

The front fascia, with its slim, horizontally oriented single-frame grille and headlights positioned slightly above it, creates an impression of width, sharpness, and sportiness.

Inside, the instrument panel, designed with clean, horizontal lines, enhances the sense of spaciousness. In the coupe, interior length has increased by 17mm, front shoulder room by 26mm, headroom by 12mm, and rear knee room by 23mm compared to the previous model, improving occupant comfort.

Three Engine Types and Two Drivetrain Options

Three engine options will be available in Japan. The 2.0-liter TFSI engine for the quattro models boasts a 41 ps increase in output and a 20 Nm boost in torque compared to the previous generation's engine of the same displacement, delivering a maximum output of 252 ps and peak torque of 370 Nm. Despite the enhanced power, fuel efficiency has improved by 21 percent to 16.5 km/L through weight reduction, friction optimization, and software enhancements.

The FWD (front-wheel-drive) model, making its debut in the A5 series, is offered in the five-door Sportback configuration. This engine adopts Audi's "right-sizing" concept, a further evolution of downsizing, which, along with Audi's innovative combustion process known as the B cycle, significantly contributes to improved fuel efficiency.

This new combustion method, which assumes a relatively large displacement and combines a shortened compression stroke and a long expansion stroke with a very high compression ratio, proves particularly effective in terms of efficiency in the intermediate load range, which is most frequently used during driving. The intake valves close considerably earlier than usual, resulting in increased pressure within the intake manifold and reduced throttle losses during the intake phase. The compression ratio has been raised to 11.7, producing a maximum output of 190 ps and peak torque of 320 Nm, achieving a fuel economy of 17.5 km/L (European reference value).

The sporty S5 models are equipped with a newly developed V6 engine with a turbocharger. This engine delivers a maximum output of 354 ps, an increase of 21 ps over the previous model, and 500 Nm of torque. This allows the S5 Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, while achieving a fuel economy of 12.7 km/L.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and Connectivity

Since last year, Audi Japan has been equipping its models with driver assistance systems equivalent to Level 2 autonomous driving, starting with the new "A4" and extending to models like the "Q7." "The Q7 comes standard with these systems, and about 80% of A4 users opt for this system," stated Toru Saito, President of Audi Japan. These systems are also incorporated into the A5.

Specifically, Active Pre Sense City is standard equipment. This system utilizes a camera on the front windshield to detect other vehicles and pedestrians on the road at speeds between approximately 10 km/h and 85 km/h, issuing various warnings to the driver and applying the brakes if necessary.

This system also includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist (partially optional), which can be considered a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving function within a single lane. When driving below 65 km/h, Traffic Jam Assist controls acceleration and deceleration, as well as steering, based on the set speed or the vehicle ahead. Utilizing radar, ultrasonic sensors, and a front camera, this system can gently intervene with steering to follow the vehicle in front.

Furthermore, when driving above 65 km/h, Audi Active Lane Assist supports lane keeping. If the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without the turn signal activated, the system gently intervenes with the electric power steering to assist in returning the car to its lane. In total, including optional features, the A5 is equipped with ten driver assistance systems.

The A5 also features Audi Connect, a suite of functions that link the vehicle to the network. Among these, Audi SOS Call automatically transmits an SOS call from the vehicle in the event of an accident where airbags or seatbelt pretensioners are deployed. This function sends precise location data and vehicle status information, enabling call center advisors to provide prompt and appropriate assistance.

Next, Audi Online Roadside Assistance allows for easy voice communication with the call center by pressing a button in case of a vehicle malfunction. This service transmits the correct location and vehicle status, ensuring swift and optimal support.

Additionally, Audi Maintenance Request allows for efficient service appointment scheduling by transmitting vehicle diagnostic data to the dealership prior to scheduled inspections (every year or 15,000 km). My Car Manager, accessible via a dedicated app, offers various vehicle functions, such as remote locking/unlocking and checking the parking location via smartphone. The Vehicle Status Report allows users to check mileage, door lock status, whether windows are open, and fuel levels.

President Saito emphasized the design appeal of the new models, stating, "The first-generation A5 Coupe, launched in 2008, was highly praised by customers for its attractive styling that blended beauty and sportiness, its perfect practicality as a four-seater coupe, and its excellent driving dynamics and comfort, along with its meticulous attention to detail and high quality. Two years after the coupe's debut, we introduced the A5 Sportback and A5 Cabriolet. This A5 series has evolved into an even stronger and more elegant style."

Among the coupe, Sportback, and Cabriolet models introduced this time, the Sportback is described as "a unique model that combines the beauty of a coupe with the comfort of a sedan and the functionality of a station wagon, thanks to its four doors and tailgate. It creates new customers in Japan, with over 80% of A5 customers choosing the Sportback." This explains the addition of the FWD model to the Sportback lineup.

Regarding the Cabriolet, he commented, "The weather-resistant soft top and the robust body, which belies its convertible nature, offer the exhilaration of open-top motoring while providing comfort and usability comparable to the coupe model." The opening and closing time is between 15 and 18 seconds, and the soft top can be operated while driving at speeds up to 50 km/h. Torsional rigidity of the body has been increased by 40 percent compared to the previous model by employing highly rigid structures in load-bearing areas such as the side sill cross-section and rear panel. "This enables agile and precise handling," he explained.

The planned sales volume for the Audi A5 series within this year is approximately 1,600 units.

Pricing starts at 6.86 million yen for the 3-door A5 Coupe (only the "2.0 TFSI quattro Sport" model), and for the A5 Sportback, it ranges from 5.46 million yen for the "2.0 TSFI" to 6.86 million yen for the "2.0 TFSI quattro Sport I." The S5 and S5 Sportback are priced identically at 9.13 million yen. The open-top A5 Cabriolet is 7.57 million yen, and the S5 Cabriolet is 9.98 million yen. The A5 is available only in right-hand drive regardless of body type, while the S5 is offered in both left- and right-hand drive configurations.