Audi A5: A bold successor to A4’s legacy

The Audi A4 has been more than just a car – it’s been a benchmark for compact premium sedans for nearly three decades. But the story goes back even further. Before the A4, there was the Audi 80, which defined the compact executive car segment from 1966 until 1994. That year, the Ingolstadt automaker tore up the rulebook and introduced the A4 – a clean-sheet redesign on the Volkswagen B5 platform that reset expectations for design, performance, and engineering. Thirty years on, the A4’s remarkable run has come to an end. But this isn’t the end of the story – it’s the start of a new chapter. Enter the all-new A5, a sharper, faster, and more sophisticated successor that carries forward the legacy while stepping boldly into the future.

And Audi isn’t holding back. The brand’s recent Middle East launch of the A5 and S5 was more than just a product unveiling – it was an experience. Over two days, media and automotive enthusiasts put the A5 and S5 through their paces on some of the UAE’s most dynamic roads, starting the city roads near Dubai Creek Harbour and heading to the open stretches of Al Qudra. Expert insights from Audi’s product specialists, an exclusive look at the brand’s latest innovations, and a curated Audi experience elevated the event to a masterclass in German automotive excellence.

Refined performance

Power and precision are at the heart of the new Audi A5 line-up. The A5 Sedan 35 TFSI houses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150 hp and 280 Nm of torque, launching it from 0 to 100 kph in a respectable 9.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 216kph. For those craving more punch, the A5 Sedan 40 TFSI steps up with 204 hp and 340 Nm of torque, cutting the 0 to 100 kph time to 7.8 seconds. Both models feature a 7-speed S tronic transmission, with seamless gear shifts that deliver a refined yet responsive drive.

But the real adrenaline rush comes from the S5. Its 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine delivers a blistering 367 hp and 550 Nm of torque, propelling it from 0 to 100 kph in a mere 4.5 seconds. Permanent quattro all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and adaptive damping sports suspension ensure that the S5 stays glued to the road, even when pushed hard through sharp bends or long, sweeping corners. Steering response is razor-sharp, with just the right amount of weight, giving drivers the confidence to explore the car’s limits.

The S5’s character reveals itself on fast stretches, with immediate and relentless power delivery, and the V6 growling with authority as the speedometer climbs. Switch to Dynamic mode, and the S5 tightens up – the suspension firms, the steering becomes more precise, and the exhaust note deepens, transforming it into a proper sports sedan.

Design that speaks volumes

Audi has long mastered the art of understated elegance, and the A5 embodies this philosophy with clean lines and an athletic stance. Measuring 4.8 metres in length, 2.0 metres in width, and 1.4 metres in height, the A5 strikes a poised silhouette. The wide Singleframe grille dominates the front end, flanked by Matrix LED headlights with customisable light signatures – a subtle but impactful detail that sets the A5 apart, especially at night.

From the side, the fastback roofline flows seamlessly into the rear, where optional OLED taillights create a signature light sequence when you unlock the car. Every crease and contour is purposeful, enhancing both aerodynamic efficiency and visual drama. The 2.8-metre wheelbase gives the A5 a balanced stance while also freeing up an impressive amount of cabin space.

A futuristic cockpit

Step inside the A5, and it’s clear that Audi’s interior game remains unmatched. The driver’s seat is command central, anchored by a curved digital display that integrates three key screens. The 11.5-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit delivers crisp, customisable driving data, while the 14.5-inch MMI touch display offers seamless access to infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. A separate 10.9-inch passenger display provides independent controls – perfect for long road trips where the front passenger takes charge of the playlist.

Material quality is unmistakably premium. Soft-touch surfaces, brushed aluminium accents, and contrast stitching elevate the cabin’s aesthetic. The seats strike the right balance between comfort and support, with bolsters that hold you in place during spirited driving without sacrificing long-haul comfort.

Cargo space is practical, too. The A5’s 445-litre trunk expands to 1,299 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it as functional as it is stylish. And for audiophiles, the available Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, which is standard in the S5, delivers concert-level acoustics, enhanced by optional seat-integrated speakers.

By retiring the A4 and introducing the A5, Audi isn’t just changing a nameplate – it’s redefining its compact luxury offering. The A5 captures the essence of the A4’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of design, performance, and technology. More than a successor, the A5 is a statement of intent.

The all-new Audi A5 range is now available for pre-order across the Middle East, with showroom arrivals under way. The A5 Sedan 35 TFSI starts at Dh198,300, while the A5 Sedan 40 TFSI is priced higher depending on spec. The range-topping S5 Sedan, with its V6 powerhouse, starts at Dh314,100. All prices are inclusive of VAT, service plan, roadside assistance, and registration. Future variants, including the A5 Sedan 45 TFSI quattro (272 hp) and the RS 5 performance V6 PHEV (exceeding 580 hp), will arrive in early 2026.