AUDI A5 Sportback
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
Audi unveiled a mid-life cycle refreshed version for the A5 lineup, upgrading the multi-media system, the car’s look, and the powertrains.
The German carmaker introduced the second generation of the A5 Sportback in late 2016. Usually, the refreshed version should have come in late 2020, but Audi rushed a little and unveiled it in 2019. Behind that rush was a reason: the introduction of stricter Euro 6d emission standards in Europe, which forced more carmakers to adapt their vehicles.
Audi didn’t just update the powertrains. It also asked the design department to work harder and do some visual modifications. Thus, the front grille received a new honeycomb mesh grille instead of the slatted one from the 2016 model. The carmaker added a set of aerodynamically profiled side-sills from its sides, while in the back, it installed wide trapezoidal tailpipes, which made the car look wider.
Inside, the most significant difference was for the MMI (multi-media-infotainment) system. The new 10.1” touch-screen display made the formerly used rotary knob useless, and Audi removed it from the center console. With help from new technologies, the driver could use the car without having a physical key. It used its Android phone as a key to unlock and start the vehicle. The connectivity features offered new options for live-traffic information.
Under the hood, the A5 Sportback upgraded the engines with a new mild-hybrid system which lowered the fuel consumption and cut down emissions. A belt-driven starter generator helped the start-stop system.
Audi refreshed the first-generation of the A5 Sportback in 2011 and introduced several compact-sized four-door coupe improvements.
In the late ’70s, Audi used to have fastback versions for its cars, named “Avant.” Over time, the carmaker abandoned that shape and used the name only for station wagons. But as the trend returned to the sloped ends, which were now called four-door coupes, the German carmaker created a new name for it: Sportback.
The overall shape of the A5 Sportback was kept and followed the same proportions, but the details brought more appeal for the customers. Its sharper headlights and LED daytime running lights were more refined. The singleframe grille design signature increased in size and sported the piano-black look, regardless of the car’s color. Audi design team reshaped the LED taillights in the rear and created a thin, crisp lines signature pattern element.
Inside, there was a new design for the dashboard. While Audi kept the overall shape, it changed the instrument panel and the multi-media interface (MMI). Its new dials featured a crisp design with more prominent lettering. Audi moved the volume turning knob for the infotainment system from the center stack to the center console, next to the driver, while the MMI controls found a new home behind the gear-stick, closer to the center armrest.
Audi installed four turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline units in the lineup. All engines featured direct fuel injection that increased the fuel-efficiency. The engineers integrated the start-stop system on all versions.
With the first model of the Audi A5 being a great success since its launch in 2007, Audi decided to make it even better in 2017.
From certain angles, the sporty 5-door coupe looked like its bigger borther, the A7.
While still keeping the stylish look of its predecessor, the new model was sleeker, classier, smoothier and better-integrated. The shape-like coupe was designed for people wanting a sportier look and the versatility of a sedan with a great trunk size.
The interior was impeccably crafted and was borrowed from the Audi A4. Premium quality materials were used all across the cabin and the great attention to details was immediately noticeable.
The dial gagues were clear, nciely finished, along with an intuitive infotainment system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit was also available for the 2017 model.
Practicality wise, the A5 was impressively spacious inside. Of course, due to its coupe shape, compromises needed to be made regading the space available for the rear seats passengers.
Compared to the A5 Coupe, the rear seats could accommodate two adults and one child, whereas the coupe only offered seating for two.
The trunk size was more practical than the Audi’s A4 saloon, having a 480 L space.
Technology was a plus for the model, with a 7-inch color screen mounted on the dash. AppleCar Play and Adroid Auto was standard, as well as Bluetooth and 2 USB sockets.
Audi introduced the four-door coupe in the mid-size premium segment in 2009 and caught everyone its principal competitors by surprise.
The four-rings brand dared to unveil a new range in 2009 when the world struggled with a global financial crisis. But Audi played that well and offered a different bodywork for the Audi A4 platform. It was a bold move that proved successful and, four years later, its main competitors came to challenge it.
Audi built both models, the A5 and the A5 Sportback, on the same platform used by the A4 as well. At the front, it featured the same front fascia as its two-door coupe sibling, while the fastback bodywork resembled the one used on the legendary Audi Coupe Quattro from the late ’70s and early ’90s. It was not as tall as an Audi A4 and, due to its flowing lines and sloped rear windscreen, it looked much sportier.
Inside, the carmaker installed a similar interior like in the A5 coupe, but with rear doors and a much bigger trunk, thanks to its hatchback styling. The center stack was tilted toward the driver’s seat and formed, together with the tall center stack, an individual area, like in a sports car. Its bench was profiled for two in the back, while the seatback was split-folding, allowing the trunk to be increased from 480 liters (16.9 cu-ft) to 980 liters (34.6 cu-ft).
Under the streamlined bodywork, Audi installed a huge engine range, gasoline or turbo-diesel ranging from 136 hp up to 265 hp, with front or all-wheel-drive (Quattro) systems, with manual or automatic transmission.