Audi has finally introduced the new A5 in the country at Rs 54.02 lakh, while the S5 and the A5 Cabriolet are tagged at Rs 70.60 lakh and Rs 67.51 lakh, respectively (all prices ex-showroom). While a 2.0-litre diesel engine powers the A5 sedan and the A5 Cabriolet, the S5 gets the powerful V6 motor under its hood. With its tantalizing looks, the A5 is aimed at youngsters looking for something different than the usual bunch of luxury sedans.
First off, the A5. This is the most affordable pick of the lot and gets a front-wheel drive configuration. Powering the wheels is a 2.0-litre diesel motor which produces 190PS of power and 400Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The A5 Cabriolet is powered by the same motor and transmission, but power here is sent to all the four wheels via Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with self-locking centre differential and torque vectoring. The A5 gets to 100kmph in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 235kmph. The cabriolet shaves off 0.1seconds from the sprint and has the same limited top speed as the Sportback. Also, the soft top can fully retract in 15 seconds and be deployed again in just 18 seconds.
The S5, on the other hand, is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 block which produces a massive 354PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Here too, the power is sent to all the four wheels, but via an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. This beast gets to the 100kmph mark in just 4.7 seconds and goes all the way up to 250kmph.
Inside the cabin, you get the connected AC vents which run across the dashboard and the all-digital Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster. Also, where the A5 gets open-pore black wooden inserts around the cabin, the S5 has silver aluminium panels. All the cars get three-zone automatic climate control. The difference lies in the Audi MMI, which is the floating infotainment display. It gets media, maps, vehicle settings and Bluetooth connection for smartphones but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered as optional extras on the A5. Also, this is not a touchscreen unit so you will have to use the rotary controller in the centre, which also gets a scribble pad.
At this price, the A5 is pricier than even the A6, leaving it to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and the Volvo S60. The Audi S5 becomes a direct rival to the C43 AMG, while also coming up as a more premium offering against the Volvo S60 Polestar, with a higher price tag. The A5 convertible goes up against the open-top E-Class.
Source: ZigWheels.com
