Audi A5 Series: Creating Distinctions

Exploring the Audi series has always been a fascinating task for me. Knowing the Audi more keeps my knowledge about cars increasing. After working for Audi A4 series for long and comparing that to BMW 3 Series, lets move on to the next level of Audi, the A5 Series varying in three models; the Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback and A5 Cabriolet. All of these models are created with same base and engines with different outlooks to suit every preference. The power and features are almost common to all, only the looks and exterior have a major difference.

Under the deck is the powerful engine which varies from 2.0L to 3.2L in TFSI petrol variant whereas the diesel engine varies from 2.0L to 3.0L TDI engine. The max power thus produced also varies from 160ps to 334ps, a long variation to choose from. The servo-ronic electrically controlled power steering eases the drive with its good sense of driving information and is adjustable for height and reach options.

All the three models in standard base versions are equipped with Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), including that of EBD, ABS, ASR and EDL with slip differential in Front Wheel Drive models. The halogen daytime running lights are equipped differentiating Audi from others and are changed from halogen to LED in the higher trim levels. Heated, electrically controlled side mirrors assist the trips in cold areas where fog covers them and increases the risks. Traditional parking brake is changed to electromechanical brake ensuring more safety.

Audi A5 Coupe and A5 Cabriolet come with exterior aluminum package as a standard in all models. The seats are designed to plush the person with luxury, although not much in the standard models, but in the SE and Sportback models, the seats are bucket shaped which maximizes comfort due to its sporty shape and feel. The rear seats are split folding seats with one touch automatic operation in the A5 Cabriolet.

The electric windows are standard in all models. The standard version of the whole A5 series comes with an intelligent key enabling to access the car easily. One can opt for Smart keys which facilitates the driver not to take out the key to open or even run the car.

Driver Information Center, also known as DIS provides info on fuel saving tips, gearshifts and some more adequate information to keep the drive out of risks. The audio system is seamlessly integrated at the center with single CD loader and MP3 compatibility connecting to 6 active speakers of total 80W. The player also includes colored information console, card reader and AUX-in socket for maximum compatibility. The higher trim levels upgrade the audio system to higher quality with 10 speakers including a subwoofer to create a good surround effect.

The above were the main features of the complete Audi A5 series which are common in all the models. Now let’s consider going on one by one in all the three variation of A5 series.

Audi A5 Coupe

Audi A5 Coupe

A two-door coupe gives a feel of sporty feel and distinctive styling to the person driving it. Audis are always good in providing adequate space at every step, whether it is front or rear legroom or let it be the rear boot space, all have larger capacities to keep the things, smartly. The boot space has a generous capacity of 455 liters, which can be extended to 829 liters on folding rear seats flat. This 2 door coupe is targeted for youngsters for its distinctive image. A family guy would not opt for a two door car as it can be inconvenient while driving with children and her (I hope everybody understands who is ‘Her’).

A5 Coupe is divided in 5 variants, the largest number of variants in the whole A5 series. The first trim model is Standard containing all the features already specified in few previous paragraphs, so lets move on to the next variant, Audi A5 SE, smartening the base model with additional 10 speaker audio system including a subwoofer, stylish alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers and acoustic rear parking system. Also the single zone climate control AC upgrades to 3-zone with individual controls to maximize the comfort to the occupants. The standard 3-spoke steering also gets equipped with common controls like volume control, radio/mp3 switcher, and gear shift pedals in S-tronic transmission.

The next trim level is the Audi A5 Sports, which adds more comfortable sitting with its unique sports seats. Also the alloy wheels are changed to bigger ones from 17” to 18” that makes the car look sportier. The last change is the modification of suspensions to stiffer ones that gives the car a good balance on uneven roads.

Audi A5 Coupe Interior

The next line of Audi A5 Coupe is the S line, which has major changes in looks rather than the functionalities. There are S line badges in the car in side skirts, bumper, rear diffuser and wings. The seats come with the option of black or silver stitching as per your preference. The seats are also embossed of S line again focusing mainly on looks.

Audi A5 Coupe Rear

Next is the higher level of Audi A5 Coupe, the S line SE, which adds a 19” alloy wheels, creating a very distinct identity on road. The audio system is also upgraded to the Bang & Olufsen sound system, which is one of the purest sound systems in the world and it comes with Bluetooth connectivity to connect with mobile devices.

Audi A5 Sporback

Audi A5 Sportback

Next to after the Coupe is Sportback model, which can be used as a family car or a family wagon with a lot of boot space in the rear. The overall length of a normal A5 Coupe gets increase by 86mm creating a good space throughout the car. A5 Sportback was launched to fulfill the facilities which were lacking in the Coupe segment. Two doors at the rear were added to make it a comfortable car for family. Its large opening tail gate covers a wide boot space of 480 liters which extends to 980 liters on folding the rear seats, a quite larger space than that of Coupe.

Audi A5 Sportback Interior

Rest of the interiors and functionalities resemble the Coupe, except that the Sportback is available only in 3 trim levels: Standard, SE and S line. There is no Sport model in this trim level as it already carries a sports badge in its name so as its functionalities.

Audi A5 Sportback Rear

Audi A5 Sportback behaves as a very good family car and provides many useful features to attract a sincere customer.

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Audi A5 Cabriolet Front

Open top driving is a lot of pleasure for everyone whether it be a family, or a couple or group of young guys. Churning the road with speed and feeling the air passing through creates a good excitement of driving. Its fully automatic hood can be operated up to the speeds of 31mph which is an advantage over the cars where the car has to be stopped to do so.

Audi A5 Cabriolet Interior

The dimensions of Audi A5 Cabriolet are all same in length and width, there is only a slight change in the height of 11mm. The boot space in the Cabriolet after roof down still maintains a generous 320-litre. The rear seats in the Cabriolet is not divided into the traditional 60:40 concept, instead they are divided into 50:50 ratio, which are pre-tensioned with springs letting the seats fold down automatically with a button and extending the boot space to 750-litres.

Audi A5 Cabriolet Rear

It’s specially treated seats keeps you cool during extreme solar conditions. Its special color pigmentation reduces the surface temperature by 20 °C below an untreated seat. These are available as standards in SE and S line models in the options of Alcantara, Milano nad Fine Nappa leather.

Audi A5 Cabriolet is also divided into three trim levels: Audi A5 Standard, SE and S line which differ in the same way as the lastly briefed A5 Sportback. Overall the target is people with open mind who love to carry excitement always and when there is no excitement, just close the hood.

For more details on engine and options please refer to the brochure download from the Audi Company Site.