In 2007 Audi launched the A5 and set a stylish benchmark in its class. Especially the design and styling of the Coupé and Cabrio pleased many, and as a proud owner of a 3 liter TDI A5 Cabrio I count myself amongst the admirers. Honing a good car to even more appealing design and mechanical perfection is the way Audi conceives car making, and now the new generation A5 fulfills all these promises. It has a new chassis for even better handling, the engines have been improved and are smoother, more powerful and frugal, and last but not least infotainment and driver assistance systems have been further improved.

Just read on….

Hans Knol ten Bensel

The balanced proportions of the coupé with its long hood, stretched wheelbase and short overhangs underscore the sportiness of the new A5 Coupé. The sculpted Singleframe grille is significantly flatter and wider. The LED rear lights and optional LED or Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals make high-end technology visible even after dark.

State of the art cabin

The instrumentation has been adapted to the virtual age and sports now variable size digital instruments, together with map display between the instruments in your central line of sight. It consists of a 12.3-inch TFT display with a resolution of 1,440 x 540 pixels.Together with the MMI navigation plus including 8.3-inch monitor on the center console, it forms the central information unit.

The focal point of the MMI terminal is the round rotary pushbutton. Its surface is home to the touch-sensitive touchpad. The touchpad is used to input characters and also for multifinger gestures, enabling the driver to zoom in on the map, for example.

The new dashboard shape and layout accentuates an impression of spaciousness, with the classic Audi layout of handles and knobs thankfully retained. The ambiente of the cabin was further improved with the optional light module, with amenities like lighted door panels, foot space lighting, etc.

Smooth and powerful

The 2 liter TDI engine has been further perfected, and it is unbelievable how a 2 liter Diesel can reach such refinement and power nowadays. Compared with the previous model, they offer up to 17 percent more performance while consuming as much as 22 percent less fuel, the manufacturer claims. To tell you right here, we achieved a fuel consumption around 6 liters and below that with no effort. The manufacturer quotes a combined consumption of 4,3 liters.

Besides the uncanny smoothness of this engine, there is also the impressive stream of power, thanks to the generous torque of 400 Nm over a wide rev range between 1750 and 3000 rpm. This state of the art engine with a Variable Turbo Geometry Turbo, DOHC and direct injection is mated to the 7 speed dual clutch transmission, and this is a very good combination, marrying smooth changes with ultimate efficiency. 0 to 100 is absolved in 7,7 seconds, top speed being 238 kmh. Mind you, this is just as fast as the original Jaguar E-type…

New chassis

The The all-new chassis is among the strengths of the Audi A5 Coupé. Damper control is offered optionally, and this is integrated into the dynamic handling system known as Audi drive select, which enables the driver to modify the basic characteristic in multiple steps.

Needless to say this A5 coupé corners beautifully, also thanks to the new electromechanical power steering. It adapts according to the vehicle’s current speed and provides highly precise road feedback.

Is this A5 coupé fun to drive? You bet… The hallmark is thereby the harmonious way in which it puts itself through its paces… and the acoustic comfort one gets. Indeed, this A5 Coupé is virtually as silent as top of the range cars.

Infotainment and Audi connect

Our test car came with the choosing MMI navigation plus, which means you automatically also get the hardware module Audi connect and the new Audi connect SIM, a SIM card permanently installed in the car. The new Audi A5 Coupé* uses this to connect to the Internet via the ultrafast LTE network. Use of the versatile Audi connect services is free of charge of three years, both in Germany and in most European countries. The respective national provider is selected automatically as needed.

Practical

The Audi A5 Coupé is quite practical too, and boosts good luggage space, as a true Gran Turismo befits. The luggage compartment offers a volume of 465 liters (16.4 cu ft), 10 liters (0.4 cu ft) more than with the previous model. The rear seat has a 40:20:40 split and can be easily folded forward using levers in the luggage compartment. Audi also offers the two-door coupé with optional gesture control for opening the luggage compartment lid via a foot motion. The optional trailer hitch is electrically released at the press of a button.

Conclusion

Indeed, we can say at the end of our test, excellence was delivered. A very harmonious and timelessly styled car, quality built with excellent materials, designed to give you years of excuisite driving pleasure, thanks to its dramatically refined drivetrain. We would say, a car to own and to cherish…

Hans Knol ten Bensel