The new Audi A5 has to meet even more expectations, since it replaces both the previous gen A4 and A5. But in our books, we think Audi have found that sweet spot
Singapore – As legacy luxury car brands feel their way in a time where the Chinese are now taken seriously, they are pushed to get innovative in the forming of their next generation of product lines. Audi has displayed this with their new A5 Sedan, which is the result of the streamlining of their stable.
Just a generation ago, this very entry executive lineup included the A4 Sedan, A4 Avant, A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback. Strictly speaking, Audi’s 2025 A5 directly replaces the previous Sportback. But in a broader sense, the new car does more, as it now needs to do both the job of the previous A4 Sedan and A5 Sportback. For those who need more utility, or who simply have a preference for something a little more left of field, there is also an Avant model (estate car in Audi talk). Will they be dropping a coupe or cabriolet? For now, the answer from Audi is ‘no’, since these would only feed a niche market.
The new Audi A5 sports purposeful lines, rounder edges, but more importantly, stronger road presence. As it now has to do sedan things, the roofline is noticeably taller to provide for more head space. It is more grown-up and also more luxurious. And it is a very good looking car.
Perhaps, if I were to fuss, I am not entirely sure about those large scoops along the edges of the front front bumper, but overall it is a design that easily grows on you, and will definitely age well.
Its wheelbase has grown by some 70mm. Which makes it 36mm longer between the wheels than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, and 27mm more than the Mercedes-Benz C Class.
An executive lounge at heart
That cliche that Audi makes very good interiors plays true with the new A5, as most of its touchpoints strongly hint of a quality build. There are however a few bits of trim along the dash, which do not feel as solid as they should be, but none of these are going to be deal breakers.
The Audi MMI panoramic curved display, which houses a 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display, takes center stage with the cabin. There is now Chat GPT-powered voice assistance, which adds an additional layer of functionality to the infotainment setup. The voice recognition is pretty accurate, and while it doesn’t have BMW’s extensive list of capabilities, I believe that over time, things will get better.
As this A5 is the Edition 1 variant, it comes equipped with a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, complete with speakers embedded in the headrest. The higher-end MMI experience pro package adds a heads-up-display, and more choices for your external light signature. To further differentiate the Edition 1 car, it also has larger rims, S-line trim, larger 19-inch rims and also a fixed S Sport suspension.
For more coin, you can opt for a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display, which has an Active Privacy Mode, to block out content from the driver, when the car is stationary.
The wraparound experience also includes a new control panel on the driver’s door card, which puts seat, mirror and lighting controls right at your fingertips. In a time where some automotive brands are beginning to bury their light switches within the infotainment, Audi’s approach of having the lighting functions within easy reach is a welcome feature, especially if you are one who lives in a country where foggy weather is a norm.
The A5’s larger exterior dimensions translates to more interior space. This is quite obvious at the rear, where a taller-than-average adult need not worry about leg space. Despite its sloping roofline, the A5’s interior headroom is comparable to that of the previous A4… call it designer’s sleight of hand if you may.
The electric trunk lid opens liftback style, just like in the previous A5 Sportback. This makes for easier loading and unloading. At 445 litres, the boot is the smallest among the “German Big Three”, but it is in my books still practical enough, even for loading up a set of golf clubs.
Made to be more relaxed than its peers
The 2.0 litre VGT four-cylinder engine is now common furniture within the group. With this new A5, Audi has done away with the Mild-Hybrid technology, where the previous generation A4 and A5s were equipped with 12-volt systems. Perhaps this is a cost thing? But MHEV tech would notably improve the car’s fuel efficiency.
With that said, I managed to average just under 12km/l, which is a little short of the A5’s official 14.5km/l figure. But for a car of its size these numbers are actually quite fantastic, especially with more city driving.
As with its predecessors, Audi has stuck with its preferred longitudinally mounted engine, but front-drive format. This Edition 1 variant’s lower and firmer sports suspension, adds a little more in cornering confidence. But when pushed harder, the A5 rears its characteristic, but easily manageable understeer.
If you are expecting that same razor-sharp handling the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe delivers, you’d be barking up the wrong tree. Instead, this “bread-and-butter” A5 is designed more as a comfortable cruiser… which it does with absolute flying colours.
Size matters
If you are one to prioritise space and a comfortable drive, over handling or even hooning, the Audi A5 is quite the ideal Junior Executive sedan. And by price, the “base” A5 Advanced at $313,999 is also the most attainable among its peers.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Drives beautifully | No fuel-sipping MHEV tech |
| Spacious cabin and tech | Interior can be a fingerprint magnet |
| Edition 1 loaded with plenty of kit | Some bits of trim could be better executed |
2025 Audi A5 2.0 Edition 1 TFSI S tronic
| Drivetrain | Petrol |
| Layout | 1,984cc, in-line 4 |
| Motor power / torque | 201hp / 340Nm |
| Transmission | 7-Speed S tronic |
| Efficiency | 14.5km/l |
| Fuel Capacity | 56 Litres |
| 0-100km/h | 7.8 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 248km/h |
| VES Band | B |
| Dealer | Audi Singapore |
| Price | S$287,999 without COE, with VES |
| Verdict | A more grown-up Junior Executive experience. Loads of tech, superbly comfortable. |
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