New Audi A5 previewed ahead of winter release

Audi has unveiled the all-new A5, ahead of its UK launch in November. The coupe will be larger and lighter than its predecessor, while a new range of petrol and diesel engines will provide more power and improved economy. Order books open in August and prices are expected to start from £30,000.

The Audi A5 will be offered with two TFSI petrol engines and three TDI diesels, with power outputs ranging from 190PS to 286PS. There are no official fuel economy figures yet, but Audi claims the new powertrains will be 22 per cent more efficient than those found in the outgoing car. 

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with 190PS will be identical to the 72.4mpg unit found in the A4, linked to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed S tronic gearbox. The eight-speed tiptronic will be reserved for the 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 286PS and front-wheel drive will be standard across the four-cylinder range, while the more powerful variants will get quattro all-wheel drive. 

As well as more power and lower running costs, the A5 will weigh 60kg less thanks to a new longer and lighter platform built from aluminium. The interior will mirror the upmarket and modern cabin found in the A4, with a minimalist dashboard and a large rotary controller for the colour infotainment system. 

The virtual cockpit system - as seen in the TT and A4 - will be available as an option and standard equipment level are expected to be high, with navigation, cruise control and parking sensors all included. 

Audi is promising significant increases in head and legroom in the A5, while the boot will be 10 litres larger with 465 litres on offer. The rear seats will also split 40:20:40 via a lever in the boot and the options list will include an automatic boot opening, operated via a foot motion towards the rear bumper.

The A5 will be available with Audi's latest autonomous driving kit, which will include park assist, automatic emergency braking and an intuitive cruise control system that will control the car's speed in heavy traffic. 

UK pricing and specs are yet to be confirmed, but expect the new Audi A5 to available from £30,000, while a performance-focused S5 will most likely set you back £44,000 and be powered by a turbocharged V6 engine with 354PS.