Audi A5 – old vs new compared

June 08, 2016 by carwow staff

The new Audi A5 has been announced as a replacement for the ageing yet successful outgoing A5. This handsome alternative to the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes C-Class Coupe found favour thanks to impressive refinement and excellent perceived quality.

The question is – will the new version prove to be a worthy successor? It promises to be more efficient, better equipped and even more stylish than before. We compare the two side-by-side to discover what’s new.

Before the new model arrives, Audi dealers are likely to offer progressively bigger discounts on the outgoing version. Put the current Audi A5 in our car configurator to see the deals carwow could help you get.

Audi A5 old vs new – styling

Audi states that, from a styling point of view, the new A5 is intended to offer a mild evolution of the look established by the outgoing model. As a result, the latest car bears a clear resemblance to the one it replaces.

Compare the two side-by-side, and a few new details become more obvious. The grille is lower and wider, the lights more angular and the bumper more heavily sculpted. At the rear, the taillights have slimmed down and now feature full-LED technology, while the edges of the rear bumpers feature extra creases to emphasise the car’s width. The overall result is a car that improves upon the overall handsome look of the old model, while looking a little sharper and less bloated, too.

The looks aren’t just for show, either. Time spent developing the shape in the wind tunnel makes the new model more aerodynamically efficient than before, which brings benefits to performance, refinement and fuel economy.

Audi A5 old vs new – interior

The outgoing A5 was based on its saloon equivalent, the previous-generation A4. As a result, it shared many components, including the design of its dashboard. Likewise, the new model part-shares with the A4, but this version borrows from the latest model, so it benefits from its newer, much more attractive cabin design.

The A5 interior is a lovely place to sit. The dashboard is clean and contemporary, the driving position is excellent and the dials are clear and easy to read – particularly when furnished with the optional Audi Virtual Cockpit 12.3-inch display.

The latest A5 gains a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, which is claimed to have improved legroom for rear seat occupants. In addition, the boot has grown slightly, from 455 litres to 465.

Audi A5 old vs new – driving and engines

Being closely related to the A4 should bring benefits from behind the wheel, too. Riding on a newer generation platform than the outgoing A5, the new model is constructed from stronger, lighter materials. As a result, refinement will improve to similarly impressive levels as the current A4, and the car weighs approximately 60kg less than the previous model overall bringing across-the-board improvements.

Like the rest of the car, the engine lineup has been overhauled for the new A5. The old car’s entry-level 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol has been replaced with a 2.0-litre unit. This not only lifts power from 175hp to 187hp, but should see claimed fuel economy figures rise noticeably. Three updated diesel engines are offered but the most powerful 3.0-litre V6 offers 282hp instead of 242hp. Despite the significant boost in power, it’ll use up to 22 per cent less fuel.

The top spec variant of the upcoming A5 range (at least until the RS5 appears at a later date) is the 3.0-litre turbocharged S5. Its 349hp output is 21hp more than the previous S5, and a 4.7-second 0-62mph time is 0.2 seconds faster than before.

Audi A5 old vs new – equipment

Along with the aforementioned Virtual Cockpit, the new A5 will gain a host of new tech additions. An adaptive cruise control function is capable of starting and stopping in heavy traffic, while lane assist can even gently steer the car between the white lines on a dual carriageway or motorway. The two systems can cooperate to allow the A5 to drive semi-autonomously.

Back inside the cabin, the A5 features the familiar and excellent MMI infotainment system, but the display screen now measures 8.3 inches, and sits on top of the dash. It’s connected to a SIM card installed within the cabin, effectively turning the car into a mobile WiFi hotspot.

Audi A5 old vs new – prices and release date

The previous-gen Audi A5 was priced from £29,190 for the 1.8 TFSI petrol, while the S5 was £43,790. Prices for the new model are yet to be confirmed, but are likely to climb marginally from those figures. The new model is due to go on sale in late 2016.