New Audi A5/S5 review
Author: David Miles
Published: 13 July 2007
The A5/S5 Coupes get the first use of Audi’s all-new medium sized sports platform that will also be used for the new A4 range due for launch in the first quarter of next year.
The front sports suspension, steering and front axle points are mounted ahead of the engine to improve steering response with better turn-in characteristics and cornering performance.
The A5/S5s have the longest wheelbase for a mid-sized Audi as it aims to be a full four-seater coupe even though it only has two doors. It has the widest track of any medium sized Audi ever to not only improve handling but to provide more interior width for the passenger compartment, plus an impressive 455-litre luggage boot.
The longer wheelbase design and wide track gives the new A5/S5 a striking muscle car appearance, more like the BMW 6-Series than an Audi. Although the overall length is not dissimilar to the BMW 3-Series Coupe or the Mercedes CLK, the A5/S5s look much larger and have significant road presence due to the extra width and aggressive chunky styling.
The new coupes also have the excellent new Audi signature LED daytime running lights as featured on the R8 supercar. Viewed from the front, side or rear the new Audi Coupes are visually exciting and impressive cars.
Access to the rear seats is no more than adequate and legroom for adults and headroom for taller passengers in the rear are not the coupe’s strong points. It is certainly in the mould of a grand-tourer but only the front seat passengers will enjoy a long journey.
Of course the interior layout and equipment is comprehensive with well positioned controls, impeccable workmanship and quality.
The A5’s standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 6-speed manual transmission, multi-function sports steering wheel, the Audi Concert sound system with 10 speakers and a driver’s colour information system, climate control, electric front windows and heated and adjustable door mirrors.
Also included are rear parking sensors, electronic differential and traction control, electronic stability programme, leather upholstery, micrometal platinum trim inlays, split folding rear seats and Xenon headlights with automatic adjustment.
A £950 Sports option includes 18-inch wheels and a lowered sports suspension.
In addition to its magnificent 4.2-litre V8 engine the S5 has in addition 19-inch wheels, sports suspension, enhanced braking, sports seats, sporty instrument dials, aluminium scuff plates, carbon trim inlays, aluminium effect door mirrors and an ‘S’ body styling package.
Once the A5 range is complete there will be a model virtually for every customer wanting a premium mid- sized coupe with potentially attractive taxation levels for business and company car users and priced from £26,000 upwards it is good value.
However for now we have the more expensive models available, both with quattro all wheel drive. It is very unusual for Audi to launch quattro variants first but there is no shortage of customers wanting these high powered ultimate versions.
Until we are able to try Audi’s new platform in front wheel drive layout it is difficult to assess its full capabilities. Certainly it is a compliant, good handling car, with copious amounts of cornering grip and the suspension is suitably taught.
The quattro system and light steering masks the full potential of this platform and I rather suspect it does not have the agility of the 3-Series Coupe for the enthusiastic driver. As a long legged refined cruiser it works really well.
The revised 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbodiesel unit has the rev limit raised and the power increased to 240PS with maximum torque also increased to 500Nm from 1,500rpm. This unit is superbly quiet, virtually petrol like, and immensely responsive.
It is fast as well, limited to 155mph, 0-62mph takes just 5.9 seconds and my road test fuel economy over A and B roads was a very impressive 37mpg.
The new 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol engine is a version of that used in the brilliant R8. In the S5 quattro this direct injection petrol unit has 354PS of power and 440Nm or torque propelling the car to a top speed of 155mph (limited) and 0-62mph is covered in 5.1 seconds.
Fuel economy, not exactly the right word, was just 20mpg using the same test drive route as the 3.0-litre V6 diesel. A great engine with great performance and a beautiful V8 burbling exhaust note. This model is for those well off owners who want a premium driving experience.
For more practical drivers the diesel makes better sense and once the smaller engines are available they will be even more sensible, but a lot less rewarding and fun.
Another great new Audi, but not quite perfect.
MILESTONES
(Best initial selling model) Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro Sport
Price: £34,380
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre, V6 turbodiesel, 240PS, 500Nm of torque from 1,500rpm, six-speed manual transmission, quattro all wheel drive
Performance: limited to 155mph 0-62mph 5.9 seconds, 39.2mpg (37mpg actual), CO2 191g/km, Band F £205
For: Classy image, impeccable build quality, muscular styling, refined engines, relatively good value for money, predicted best in class residual values, more grand tourer than sports coupe.
Against: Efficient driving performance rather than sporting, limited rear seat access, head and legroom for a premium four-seat coupe.
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