Audi A5 Sportback (2009 – 2017) Review

June 2009

Audi A5 Sportback unveiled

Combines style of a coupe, comfort of a saloon, and practicality of a station wagon. The Sportback joins the Coupé and Cabriolet as the third member of the A5 model family – and at the same time creates a new segment. The A5 Sportback will arrive at UK Audi Centres in October 2009. OTR prices will start from £23,710 for the 2.0 TFSI 180.

The coupe-like silhouette is the result of a roof section with a long, tapering roofline that is moderately lower by 36 mm (1.42 inches) than the A4 Sedan and of the short overhangs at the front and rear as well as the long wheelbase of 2,810 mm (9.22 feet) and the four frameless doors with their slim window styling.

The luggage volume of 480 litres (17.0 cubic feet) nearly equals that of the A4 Avant, and it has an impressive 980 liters (34.6 cubic feet)with the rear seatbacks folded down. The A5 Sportback provides a full measure of comfort on all four seats and convenient entry and exit through every door. Despite the fact that its exterior height is less than that of the A4 Saloon and that its roof tapers at the rear, the Sportback has comparable headroom and legroom.

July 2009

New five-door A5 Sportback range opens for order

Standard, SE and S line models priced from £25,440 OTR to £36,220 OTR will reach their first UK customers in October. Thanks to extended wheelbase A5 Sportback offers head and leg room comparable with A4 Saloon and luggage capacity of up to 980 litres that runs A4 Avant close. Two FSI petrol and two common rail TDI diesel engines bound for the UK initially – 2.0 TFSI 211PS, 3.2 FSI 265PS, 2.0 TDI 170PS, 3.0 TDI 240PS.

Latest efficiency-enhancing start-stop and energy recuperation technology for 2.0 TDI manual version. Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system available for all models including option of acclaimed sport differential for 3.2 FSI quattro and 3.0 TDI quattro versions

The new A5 Sportback blends its additional doors into the sweeping curves that are instantly recognisable hallmarks of the A5 Coupe, and fully justifies their presence through an extended chassis that enables it to run the spacious A4 Saloon close on rear head and leg room. The benefits of the increase in wheelbase length from 2,751mm in the Coupe to 2,810mm are also evident in the load bay, which with a 480 litre capacity when the rear seats are in place comes close to matching the A4 Avant. When luggage takes priority and the rear seat backs are folded down, a total of 980 litres can be freed up.

At launch in the UK, four advanced direct injection engines will power the A5 Sportback – the 2.0-litre TFSI with 211PS and the 3.2-litre V6 FSI with 265PS from the petrol family, and from the diesel range the 2.0-litre TDI with 170PS and 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240PS.

Initially, 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI engines will channel their power via the latest generation, rapid-shifting S tronic twin-clutch transmission to the quattro all-wheel-drive system. A six-speed manual gearbox will be reserved for the front-wheel-driven 2.0 TDI to enable the most economy-focused model in the first launch phase to benefit from the latest start-stop and energy recuperation technology.

With their reduced overhangs and optimised weight distribution made possible by the latest generation chassis with front axle repositioned ahead of the clutch, A5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback models are characterised by outstanding agility and composure, and these traits are brought into especially sharp focus in quattro versions enhanced by the new optional sport differential. The new differential technology - available initially for 3.2 FSI quattro and 3.0 TDI quattro versions as an element of the extra cost Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system - enables the quattro system to not only transfer torque between the front and rear axles to counter traction losses, but also between the rear wheels to reduce steering effort and literally push the car through a corner.

The high-tech, high grip chassis can be enjoyed by up to four adults. The spacious, high quality cabin can be equipped to SE or S line specification, with a third Standard trim level reserved for four-cylinder models. All options include features such as climate control, a CD audio system, split folding rear seats and a Driver’s Information System (DIS), while SE models take a step up with comforts including full Milano leather upholstery, acoustic parking sensors and automatic headlight and wiper activation. On top of this, S line specification makes the most of the sharply sculpted lines of the A5 Sportback through exclusive grille and bumper treatments, larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights

In addition to Audi drive select, the options list for the new A5 Sportback also features driving assistants including adaptive cruise control, the Audi side assist blind spot alert system and the Audi lane assist lane departure warning system. It also includes luxury entertainment and convenience features such as a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and hard disk-based satellite navigation with MMI 3G offering even more intuitive control and further improved graphics plus the option to store MP3 files for music playback.

SE models
2.0 TDI (170PS) 6-speed manual £27,140
2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) 7-speed S tronic £30,325
3.2 FSI quattro (265PS) 7-speed S tronic £33,910
3.0 TDI (240PS) 7-speed S tronic £34,020

S line models
2.0 TDI (170PS) 6-speed manual £29,340
2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) 7-speed S tronic £32,525
3.2 FSI quattro (265PS) 7-speed S tronic £36,110
3.0 TDI (240PS) 7-speed S tronic £36,220

Audi S5 Sportback. From a displacement of 2,995 cm3 the compact V6 turbo engine delivers 333PS and 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback sprints from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds [provisional figure]; its top speed of 155mph is limited by an electronic governor. Combined economy 29.1mpg.

Seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive are standard. Optional sport differential, which variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels. Sports suspension and 18-inch aluminium wheels with 245/40 tyres; black brake calipers bear S5 emblems at the front. Speed-dependent servotronic steering is also standard. Equipment highlights include electrically adjustable S sports seats covered with Silk Nappa leather. Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback will start in Spring 2010. UK pricing:

Standard models (4-cyl only)
2.0 TFSI (180PS) 6-speed manual£23,710
2.0 TFSI (180PS) multitronic£25,155
2.0 TFSI (211PS) 6-speed manual£25,715
2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) 7-speed S tronic£28,625
2.0 TDI (170PS) 6-speed manual£25,440
2.0 TDI quattro (170PS) 6-speed manual£26,935

SE models
2.0 TFSI (180PS) 6-speed manual£25,410
2.0 TFSI (180PS) multitronic£26,855
2.0 TFSI (211PS) 6-speed manual£27,415
2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) 7-speed S tronic£30,325
3.2 FSI quattro (265PS) 7-speed S tronic £33,910
2.0 TDI (170PS) 6-speed manual£27,140
2.0 TDI quattro (170PS) 6-speed manual£28,635
2.7 TDI (190PS) multitronic£30,885
3.0 TDI quattro 6-speed manual£32,600
3.0 TDI quattro (240PS) 7-speed S tronic£34,020

S line models
2.0 TFSI (180PS) 6-speed manual£27,610
2.0 TFSI (180PS) multitronic£29,055
2.0 TFSI (211PS) 6-speed manual£29,615
2.0 TFSI quattro (211PS) 7-speed S tronic£32,525
3.2 FSI quattro (265PS) 7-speed S tronic£36,110
2.0 TDI (170PS) 6-speed manual£29,340
2.0 TDI quattro (170PS) 6-speed manual£30,835
2.7 TDI (190PS) multitronic£33,085
3.0 TDI quattro (240PS) 6-speed manual£34,800
3.0 TDI quattro (240PS) 7-speed S tronic£36,220

First phase of UK deliveries October 2009.

July 2011

A5 facelift announced

Extensively re-engineered and subtly restyled Sportback, Coupe and Cabriolet models now offer 60mpg-plus and 122g/km potential

Subtle re-sculpting and significant re-engineering will enable new generation Audi A5 and S5 Sportback, Coupe and Cabriolet models to slip even more elegantly, more nimbly and more cleanly through the air. Beyond their measured exterior and interior styling updates, infotainment technology advances and chassis modifications, the three ranges are also characterised by CO2emission reductions of up to 22 per cent thanks to new and heavily revised engines and additional efficiency measures. UK orders for the new A5 and S5 models, which will be priced from £25,540 OTR, can be taken from September, ahead of first deliveries in December.

The key objective in updating the three ranges was to deliver major gains in efficiency without compromising on performance that fulfils the promise in the taut and muscular lines of the A5. This has been achieved primarily by introducing two new engines and completely redesigning others, but also by extending engine start-stop technology right across the range and replacing the hydraulic power steering system with a new electromechanical unit that demands no engine input when the wheel is in the straight-ahead position.

In realigning the engine range, Audi has remained true to its philosophy of using forced induction to compensate for cubic capacity in the interest of economy. The existing naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine has been replaced by a new 272PS version of the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 unit in A5 Coupe and Cabriolet variants. The existing 333PS version of this engine, which already powers the S5 Sportback and S5 Cabriolet, will also now replace the 4.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8 in the S5 Coupe.

Equipped with its new and 20 per cent more efficient engine, and with standard S tronic twin clutch transmission in common with its Sportback and Cabriolet counterparts, the S5 Coupe can power to 62mph from rest in 4.9 seconds – a 0.2-second improvement over its V8-powered predecessor – on the way to a governed 155mph top speed. Combined fuel economy stands at 34.9mpg, a significant improvement over the tiptronic V8 Coupe’s 26.4mpg.

At the other end of the spectrum, the entry level 1.8-litre TFSI unit, which will be available across the ranges, has been completely redesigned. It features ground-breaking innovations in many areas, including control of the valves and their lift, thermal management, fuel injection, turbocharging and the integration of the exhaust manifold. With power increased from 160PS to 170PS, it effectively replaces the 180PS version of the four-cylinder 2.0-litre TFSI engine, and in the A5 Coupe combines best-in-class 49.6mpg economy potential with a 21 per cent reduction in CO2output to 134g/km CO2.

The four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TFSI engine continues in 211PS form in all variants, offering up to 44.1mpg with CO2emissions of as little as 149g/km. New to the diesel-powered line-up is the 204PS version of the acclaimed 3.0-litre V6 TDI which has already brought exceptional economy and efficiency to the A6 Saloon, A7 Sportback and A8 luxury saloon. Replacing the outgoing 2.7-litre, 190PS V6 TDI, it can deliver up to 57.6mpg at the expense of just 129g/km of CO2when it is installed in the front-wheel-drive A5 Coupe. The existing 3.0-litre TDI unit which works in conjunction with quattro all-wheel-drive also continues in upgraded 245PS form.

The efficiency standard-bearer in the new range will undoubtedly be the heavily modified 2.0-litre TDI, which with the potential for up to 60.1mpg and emissions of just 122g/km in the manual transmission A5 2.0 TDI Coupe sets new standards in the class.

As before, six-speed manual, seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch and eight-speed multitronic CVT transmissions will feature depending on the engine chosen, as will quattro all-wheel-drive. The 2012 Model Year A5 ranges upgrade to the latest system combining the crown gear centre differential - first seen in the RS 5 - with torque vectoring for even more effective torque distribution. The quattro system is offered as an optional extra for the 2.0-litre TFSI 211PS petrol and 2.0-litre TDI 177PS units, and as standard in conjunction with 3.0-litre TFSI 272PS and 3.0-litre TDI 245PS engines. As is always the case, the S models are quattro-equipped by definition.

Availability of the quattro rear sports differential, which further enhances agility and adjustability by enabling torque to be apportioned between the rear wheels, also now extends to all quattro-equipped models in the latest ranges.

With or without the quattro advantage the latest A5 models will cover ground even more effectively thanks to revisions to the predominantly aluminium lightweight suspension, and most notably to the damper settings and rear suspension bearings.

Especially keen drivers can specify the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, which in its standard form allows them to fine-tune the amount of power steering assistance, the response of the throttle and the automatic transmission’s shift points. In its latest form, the system adds a fourth ‘Efficiency’ option to its settings list, which originally offered ‘Comfort’, ‘Auto’ and ‘Dynamic’ modes. In the Efficiency mode, all the above functions, plus the air conditioning unit, are configured for minimal power consumption.

If optional satellite navigation is fitted, Audi drive select also incorporates a fifth ‘Individual’ setting which allows even more precise tailoring of the various elements to suit personal preferences. For the ultimate in driver control, it will also be possible to specify additional ‘modules’ that add adjustable damping, variable ratio dynamic steering and the ability to fine-tune the sensitivity of the sport differential.

All three variants cut more of a dash visually too, thanks to gentle re-shaping of the bumpers, grilles, bonnets and front and rear light clusters which brings the A5 look subtly into line with the very latest Audi design language. The changes are particularly apparent in S line models, which now feature LED strip daytime running lights that virtually surround the headlight unit at the front, and newly designed LED strip lights at the rear. This striking light set-up can also be specified for all other versions at extra cost as part of a package that also includes adaptive swivelling headlights for improved corner illumination.

Inside, the A5 models have exceeded their own already regularly praised standards in their latest form. Among the detail changes to the premium quality cabin are new steering wheels, including an option for a flat-bottomed wheel, new steering column stalks and narrow chrome clasps framing the control elements. Also updated are the ignition key, the selector lever for the automatic transmission, the buttons for the optional Audi drive select system and seat heating/ventilation and the air conditioning and multifunction steering wheel controls. The bezels on the instrument cluster and centre console have a new finish, and there is also a new selection of upholstery and inlays.

The controls for the optional MMI navigation plus with its large hard drive, seven-inch colour monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player have also been improved. The number of hard buttons has been reduced from eight to four and the volume control now features a joystick cap for simpler track selection. Voice control and digital radio reception also received some fine-tuning.

Standard, SE and S line specification levels continue as before in Cabriolet and Sportback models, the latter now offering the extra cost option of three full seatbelts in the rear as an alternative to the existing two. The A5 Coupe previously offered a fourth Sport trim option, but now moves into line with its relatives.

An exciting new option available across the board is a high specification mobile phone interface offering online services, which not only brings a Google-powered Points of Interest search and navigation using Google Earth images, but also creates a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) hotspot within the A5 enabling occupants to connect phones and computers to the internet wirelessly.

February 2012

Sleek new generation midsize coupe and Sportback models become even harder to resist thanks to even more cost-effective TDIe versions and new specification.

Two Audi TDIe engines famed for their frugality, two body styles coveted for their curves and an attractive new SE Technik specification join forces to highly desirable effect in the latest A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback ranges. The beautifully proportioned pair share the latest 2.0-litre TDIe engine delivering 163PS with CO 2 output of as little as 115g/km and the potential for up to 64.2mpg. The Sportback also offers a 136PS version of this unit with a very similar blend of attributes, and combines this with a very attractive starting price of £27,320 OTR, making it the most cost-effective TDI in the new generation A5 range.

Both four-cylinder diesel engines are characterised by low internal friction for optimum operating efficiency, variable turbine geometry for the sharpest possible response across the rev range and a new centrifugal governor in a dual-mass flywheel designed to further boost refinement. The new, lighter flywheel also improves engine response at low revs and therefore permits earlier up-shifts for more efficient driving.

The A5 Sportback 2.0 TDIe 136PS can accelerate from rest to 62mph in 9.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 132mph where conditions allow and return up to 64.2mpg according to the official combined cycle test, equating to impressively low CO2output of 117g/km. The 163PS version reduces the acceleration time to 8.7 seconds, increases the top speed to 137mph and yet is still able to achieve up to 62.8mpg with a negligible increase in CO2output to 118g/km.

In the Coupe the 163PS engine fares even better, pushing the TDIe to 62mph in 8.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 140mph, raising economy to 64.2mpg and taking CO2to 115g/km, the lowest level in the revised range. In each case these engines are linked exclusively to six-speed manual transmission.

In addition to the new ‘e’ units the TDI range in the A5 Sportback continues to include 143PS and 177PS versions of the 2.0-litre engine, and the 3.0-litre V6 TDI in 204PS and 245PS forms, the latter linked to quattro all-wheel-drive without exception. The A5 Coupe is available with the 177PS 2.0-litre TDI and the two V6 TDIs.

In both Sportback and Coupe models all the four-cylinder TDI engines can be combined with a new, highly cost effective SE Technik specification seen first in the A4 Saloon and Avant ranges. At a premium of £1,000 on top of the SE model price for the Sportback or £500 on top of the SE price for the Coupe, it adds DVD satellite navigation, Audi Music Interface (AMI) iPod connection, the Audi Parking Plus system with front and rear sensors and cruise control to the familiar SE equipment list.

In both models SE specification already includes 17-inch alloy wheels, Milano leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a colour Driver’s Information System (DIS). Both TDIe engines are also available allied to Standard, SE and S line trim in the A5 Sportback, and Standard and SE in the Coupe.