Seven years in the making, the A5 and S5 Sportback are A7 mini-me’s, or four-door versions of the A5 and S5 coupes…depending how you look at it.
Mercedes-Benz really became a pioneer of the popular four-door coupe until the moment when Audi had its own competitor A7.
Subsequently, other competitors followed the lead of leading car manufacturers producing their own four-door coupe-like sedans. In the end, they just took the look completely.
As this formula turned out to be one of the largest in car slicing bread, automakers also began to produce four-door coupes of all sizes. BMW led the way with the 4-Series and 6-Series Gran Coupe. Mercedes introduced the CLA-class.
Audi now has the new A5 and S5 Sportback. And a second-generation model was recently shown before its Paris debut.
The new Audi A5 engine selection ranges from two TFSI gasoline engines to three TDI versions. The numbers start at 190 horsepower and peak at 286 horsepower, with Audi claiming a 22 percent reduction in fuel consumption while an overall 17 percent increase in power.
Transmission options include a six-speed manual gearbox, a seven-speed ironic double S clutch, or a traditional automatic with eight advanced beers. Front-wheel drive is standard on the entire A5 line with Quattro all-wheel drive in two versions. Quattro is standard for version 3.0 TDI with 286 hp.
Audi S5 Sportback is the choice of enthusiasts with a 3-liter turbocharged TFSI V6 gasoline. It propels the S5 from 0-62 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Quattro four-wheel drive and eight-speed tiptronic are standard.
-Jack Wilson