Following the revamp of its A5 Coupe, Audi is further expanding the range by introducing a 4-door liftback version of that car as the A5 and S5 Sportback. Making their debut at the Paris Motor Show, the hatchback duo offers the functionality of the larger A7 in a more compact and affordable package.
The new range will likely be sold in the U.S. as 2018 models when they finally come to market here sometime during the 2017 calendar year. The new Sportback represents the second generation of this body style in Europe, where liftbacks are more common. Until now, however, the U.S. only saw the coupe version of the A5.
Elegant lines
Incorporating the graceful new lines of the revamped A5 Coupe, the A5 and S5 Sportback continues that flowing theme with a wave-pattern shoulder line and steeply raked rear hatch. The new model has a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the car it replaces, which also results in a slightly larger cabin with nearly a half-inch more front shoulder room and nearly an inch more of rear knee room. The A5 and S5 offer up to 17 cubic feet of cargo space beneath there liftback.
In Europe, the A5 will be launched with two turbocharged gas engines and three diesels making from 190 to 286 horsepower along with a choice of 6-speed manual, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmissions. The A5 will be offered with a choice of front- or Quattro all-wheel drive. The most likely engines for the U.S. will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine making nearly 250 horsepower mated to the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The S5 model will be offered in Quattro form with a 350-horsepower turbo V6 and 8-speed Tiptronic automatic. It will be capable of 0-62 mph acceleration of 4.7 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph. There are no plans for a manual version of the car. Pricing is expected to start in the mid-$40,000 range for the A5 Sportback and the mid-$50,000 range for the S5 variant.
More New and Redesigned Models for 2018
