Frankfurt show: Audi updates A5 range

AUDI has ripped the covers off its updated A5 range, which ushers in new powertrain technology, improved connectivity and mild styling upgrades ahead of an Australian launch in the second quarter of 2020.

The first update to the A5 since the second-generation version arrived in March 2017, Audi has applied some light styling upgrades to the exterior, including a wider, flatter iteration of the Singleframe front grille.

Ventilation slits have been added above the grille as a homage to the 1984 Audi Sport quattro, while larger air inlets and a more prominent lower bumper blade give it a more aggressive appearance.

A new diffuser insert gives the rear end a new look, while the A5’s colour palette now stands at 12 different colours.

The visual update applies to all three A5 body styles, consisting of Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback.

Inside, Audi’s rotary dial used to control its MMI infotainment system has been removed and has now been replaced by a 10.1-inch touchscreen with acoustic feedback, with the MMI system now arranged in a smartphone-like layout for ease of use.

The new system offers natural-language voice control and can take the driver’s history into account for functions such as suggesting drive routes.

This is done through the adoption of the Audi’s latest MIB3 operating system software, while upgrades have also been made to the Communication box which handles Audi connect services.

Optional functions such as navigation MMI plus, DAB+ digital radio and Audi smartphone interface will be available for purchase in one-month, one-year or unlimited terms, through the myAudi app.

All non-performance engines in the A5 range have been made more efficient with the addition of a mild-hybrid system that can cut fuel consumption by up to 0.4 litres per 100km.

The mild-hybrid system uses a belt-driven starter-alternator connected to the crankshaft, which can recuperate energy during deceleration into the lithium-ion battery and can be used via the 12-volt electrical system to reduce the workload of the engine. Power figures for the engines carry over unchanged.

A 48-volt mild-hybrid system has also been added to the turbo-diesel V6 S5 TDI, which is not offered in Australia. The petrol S5 offered here carries on with petrol power only.

Through the first eight months of the year, Audi has sold an even 800 examples of the A5 range, down on the 940 new registrations it managed to the same point last year.

Nevertheless, it still leads in main rival, the BMW 4 Series, which has so far racked up 717 sales across its coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe body styles.