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2018 Audi A5 and S5 Preview

2018 Audi S5 Coupe front quarter left photo
2018 Audi S5 Coupe front quarter left photo

Fast Facts:

  • Redesigned coupe and convertible models based on Audi A4 platform

  • A5 and S5 model series with Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim

  • More powerful engines, improved transmissions, standard all-wheel drive

  • Updated and upgraded infotainment and driver-assistance technologies


Introduction
In advance of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi has taken the wraps off of the redesigned 2018 A5 and S5 models. Offered in coupe and convertible format, Audi plans to continue a three-trim strategy including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige equipment groups.



Exterior Features
With the new 2018 A5 and S5, Audi drapes sharper, more dramatic styling onto a familiar shape. Standard equipment includes Xenon headlights with LED running lights, LED taillights with dynamic turn signal feature, and 18-in. aluminum wheels for both cars. Options include full LED headlights and 19-in. wheels, as well as an S-line appearance package for the A5 model.

2018 Audi S5 Coupe interior photo
2018 Audi S5 Coupe interior photo

Interior Features


Inside, standard equipment for both cars will include aluminum cabin trim, ambient lighting, triple-zone automatic climate control, 8-way power front seats with 4-way power lumbar, and a height-adjustable center armrest that also slides forward. The coupe will come with a panoramic sunroof.

Upgrade to the performance-tuned Audi S5 for standard sport seats with adjustable side bolsters, contrast diamond stitching for the leather, and a massage function. This version of the car also has a flat-bottom sport steering wheel design.

Optional Features
In addition to optional equipment discussed elsewhere in this preview, this redesigned Audi is available with 30-color interior ambient lighting, wood trim (A5) or carbon atlas trim (S5), and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Under the Hood
Both the new A5 and S5 benefit from additional horsepower, more torque, and improved performance, according to Audi.

A turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is installed in the A5. It makes 252 horsepower from 5,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm, and 273 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a new 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automated manual transmission with shift paddles.

The 2018 Audi S5 features a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 354 horsepower between 5,400 rpm and 6,400 rpm, and 369 lb.-ft. of torque from just 1,370 rpm all the way to 4,500 rpm. It comes with the manual gearbox or an 8-speed automatic transmission.

A torque-vectoring Quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard, and with the manual transmission it features new Ultra technology, referencing fully variable torque distribution. Add the S Sport package to the new S5 and the Quattro system includes a sport differential that can direct the majority of engine power to a single rear wheel as is necessary. Audi claims the A5 will accelerate to 60 mph in as few as 5.6 seconds, while the S5 does the same run in 4.4 seconds.

Audi Drive Select is standard for both the A5 and S5. It gives the driver four driving modes from which to select, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual settings. These adjust the behavior of the transmission, steering, available adaptive suspension, and available adaptive cruise control system.

A redesigned, lightweight suspension reduces unsprung weight for more athletic ride and handling qualities, Audi says. The A5 is offered with an optional sport suspension or an optional comfort adaptive damping suspension. The S5 is equipped with a standard sport adaptive damping suspension.

Audi also says that it has placed the A5/S5 steering rack dead center between the front wheels for improved precision. An optional dynamic adaptive ratio steering system is available for the S5.

2018 Audi S5 Coupe rear quarter right photo
2018 Audi S5 Coupe rear quarter right photo

Safety


Audi Pre-Sense City is standard for both models. This is Audi’s name for its forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking system with pedestrian detection. The system operates at speeds under 52 mph, Audi claims.

Premium Plus and Prestige trim packages add blind-spot warning with vehicle-exit assist and rear cross-traffic assist, as well as Audi Pre-Sense Rear to help ready the cabin and its occupants for an impending rear-impact collision.

An optional Driver Assistance package equips either car with traffic sign-recognition technology, Audi Active Lane Assist (lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist), and Turn Assist. Turn Assist is designed to prevent a driver from making an unsafe left turn across traffic.

Technology
Standard equipment for both the 2018 A5 and S5 includes smartphone-projection technology that supplies Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability via the USB port. Audi MMI Touch is also available, complete with handwriting-recognition technology.

For 2017, Audi has upgraded its Audi Connect subscription services with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection, Siri Eyes Free compatibility, online traffic and weather, internet radio streaming, Twitter alerts, and more. A Care package equips the car with automatic collision notification, SOS emergency calling, and stolen-vehicle locator service. Audi is also offering new curfew, speed, and valet alerts to U.S. customers, as well as a car-finder feature.

Audi Virtual Cockpit is available for the A5 and S5, a 12.3-in. digital instrumentation display supplying a wide range of customization and even Google Earth imagery for the navigation function. A head-up display is also available for this redesigned Audi, along with an adaptive cruise control system featuring full stop-and-go capability as well as a Traffic Jam Assist function that operates at speeds under 40 mph to help reduce stress and effort when the driver is stuck in traffic.


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Abstract:

In advance of the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi has taken the wraps off of the redesigned 2018 A5 and S5 models.

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2 018

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