While on the outside, the 2017 Audi A5 Coupe looks like the old, it is completely new underneath
Audi unveiled the 2017 Audi A5 and S5 coupe today and it looks a lot like the outgoing model. However, under the hood so to speak, are many changes.
Starting with the exterior, Audi wanted to give the A5 coupe lighting that is different from its A4 brethren. They also wanted to give it more sex appeal than its four-door cousin. This was done with new headlights with a cleaner shape and a more curvy body because as a coupe, it needs a muscular design.
While similar in appearance to the outgoing model, the new A5 has many mechanical differences including construction on the MLB evo platform. As a result, Audi claims a weight savings of 132 pounds/60 kilograms despite a wider track and a longer wheelbase. It also features a class-leading 0.25 drag coefficient.
The range of available power plants include two gasoline and three diesel units in Europe. Available power ranges from 187 horsepower for the base 2.0-liter gasoline and diesel models to 248 horsepower for a second version of the 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Also offered is a 3.0-liter V6 TDI unit with a choice of 215 or 268 horsepower. Topping the lineup is a new S5 coupe powered by a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine putting out 350 through all four wheels.
The top-of-the-lineup S5 sprints from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.7 seconds while returning a combined 32.2 miles per gallon in fuel consumption.
The four-cylinder models and the reduced power 3.0-liter TDI V6 engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The eight speed automatic gearbox is available only with the more powerful 268 horsepower version of the 3.0-liter TDI V6 and S5 models. The rear-axle sport differential is an option on both models.
Audi’s legendary all-wheel drive Quattro system is offered initially as an option on only four cylinder models with a manual transmission.
Because of the larger dimensions compared to the outgoing model, the interior is more spacious. Sharing the dashboard with its A4 brethren, it has an 8.3-inch infotainment display controlled with a touchpad and rotary pushbutton.
Last but not least is safety equipment and the A5 / S5 is packed with them starting with the Stop&Go adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist, collision avoidance assist, turn assist, cross traffic rear assist in addition to the Audi Pre-Sense systems.
The New Audi A5/S5 will launch in Germany and the rest of Europe this fall. No word yet on pricing or release in the United States.
Source: Audi
