Impressive appearance: the new Audi A5 family on the Côte d’Azur

The scenery is straight out of a James Bond movie: a narrow road winds its way through the French Maritime Alps between rugged, overgrown mountains. It passes through tunnels dug into the rock and has all kinds of bends, alternating tight turns and long sweepers. The interior of Nice, France, offers the perfect setting to get to know the character of the new Audi A5 models. The roads of the Côte d’Azur are particularly difficult for the chassis and transmission of the new mid-size models based on the Premium Combustion (PPC) platform due to their profile.

Powerful and partially electrified petrol and diesel engines with MHEV plus

The new A5 model series marks the launch of the first engines with Audi’s new MHEV plus technology: a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with powertrain generator, belt-start alternator and lithium iron phosphate battery . The MHEV plus system increases the performance and efficiency of the new Audi A5 TDI and Audi S5 ^{models to a new level. While the systems guarantee dynamics on the mountain passes of Saint-Paule-de-Vence thanks to the additional electric power of up to 18 kW (24 hp), they also stand out in the traffic of the city of Nice with purely electric driving during stops and stops. – to go When decelerating, the powertrain generator returns energy to the compact lithium iron phosphate battery with up to 25kW of regenerative braking.}

A perfect symbiosis: thanks to the high charging capacity, there is usually enough power in the battery for the next quick acceleration.

The MHEV plus system also offers numerous advantages in urban traffic. On the one hand, the electric support of the combustion engine significantly reduces fuel consumption, especially when driving slowly. On the other hand, the stored energy helps to supply with electricity the systems that have large power consumptions, even when the combustion engine is not in operation – at the traffic lights, for example. With a sufficient state of charge, the electric air conditioning compressor, for example, continues to operate and keeps the interior at a comfortable temperature.

Chassis design and more dynamic steering

The decisive factor for a driving experience true to Audi’s DNA is not only the ride, but also the chassis. In developing the new Audi A5 and S5 ^{models, the brand’s typical driving characteristics were at the forefront of the specification. These features include effortless and precise driving. The new Audi A5 should impress with its dynamic and agile handling, but also with its comfort. To achieve this, Audi has revised the chassis with a number of detailed improvements. For example, the steering has been mounted directly to the body and also uses a significantly stiffer torsion bar. These measures reduce the elasticity between the flywheel and the flywheel. As a result, the driver receives accurate information about road conditions in every situation.}

When cornering, the Audi A5 family benefits from more rear bias in the anti-roll stabilization and a stiffer connection to the rear axle, which allows it to be steered with agility. The integrated brake control system with brake torque vectoring allows a dynamic build-up of brake pressure. It also supports dynamic cornering through braking interventions directed at the wheels on the inside of the curve.

The new Audi A5 rolls off the production line with a dynamically tuned steel suspension as standard. Alternatively, the S sports suspension (standard on the Audi S5 ^{) and the S sports suspension with electronic damper control are also available. The two optional variants lower the bodywork by 20 millimeters. The optional adaptive S sports suspension with damper control offers a significantly wider distribution between the individual drive modes that can be selected via the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Dynamic mode is noticeably firmer and more dynamically tuned, while Comfort mode offers more reserves for relaxed driving.}

New operating concept with two interior screens

When entering the car, the new screens immediately catch the eye: the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch Audi MMI panoramic screen with a curved design. Optionally, the 10.9-inch MMI passenger display complements the Digital Stage. Exceptional ergonomics and simple, driver-focused operation were key elements in the development of this concept.

The curved widescreen display is designed for effortless access and use.

The new Audi A5 models include the Audi assistant, a voice assistant that understands natural language and also learns independently. The driver activates the assistant with the voice command “Hey Audi” or via a button on the steering wheel. This can be used to run various vehicle functions, start navigation or request general knowledge. If the Audi assistant cannot answer the question, the AI-chatbot ChatGPT is used, provided through the Microsoft Azure OpenAI service, which accesses millions of data records and provides answers. This is perfect for drivers as all functions are integrated into the Audi Assistant.

The head-up display (HUD) of the new Audi A5 models was also recently developed. Thanks to the maximum utilization of installation space and adapted display technology, the visible image area is more than 85 percent larger than before and the display is even more accurate. Additionally, the HUD is now configurable and displays additional content on demand. The HUD displays information such as speed, assistance systems, navigation instructions and multimedia data in a clear way. Newly designed steering wheel controls allow users to scroll through lists and make direct selections without taking their eyes off the road. Calls can also be received and made through the HUD. Depending on the model and equipment, there are other display modes.

Audi offers the optional Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system with 3D sound and headrest speakers for all those who like to enjoy music in the car. This impresses with maximum acoustic precision and a natural sound. A total of 20 speakers and two amplifiers with 810 watts of power provide a unique audio experience. Four speakers are integrated into the front headrests of the optional sports seats. They enhance the personal surround sound experience and provide an immersive sound experience. They also create a much more balanced sound between the front and back rows of seats. The acoustics when making phone calls also benefit from the speakers in the headrests, because phone calls cannot audibly penetrate the outside of the car and the front seat occupants can make personal phone calls. Navigation directions can also be transmitted directly to the driver’s headrest on request, so no one in the other seats will be disturbed.

New standards in digital light

In the class of the new A5 models, Audi emphasizes its leading role in the lighting design and lighting technology chapters. At the front, the Audi A5 family offers optionally customizable digital daytime running lights with LED technology and, at the rear, second-generation digital OLED taillights. With around 60 segments per digital OLED panel, they are increasingly becoming a screen at the back of the A5 vehicle. This enables car-to-x communication and increases road safety. This includes, for example, the new communication light, which warns other road users during automated parking and in the event of an accident or danger using a specific light symbol within the digital light signature.

Dynamic lighting effects when unlocking and exiting the vehicle reflect the aesthetics of movement as part of Audi’s DNA. The same goes for the Active Digital Light Signature, which sets the light from the headlights and taillights in motion in an unprecedented way. The headlights and taillights are drawn in three dimensions and offer optional digital light signatures, bridging the physical and digital worlds.

You can find more information about the new Audi A5 models and their technologies in the Audi MediaCenter.