Audi
MUNICH—Though the world’s automakers are within the midst of a terrific electrification, a number of the extra formidable timelines for ditching the interior combustion engine are actually trying fairly unrealistic. That is resulting from plenty of components, however the relative lack of charging infrastructure and the still-high price of lithium-ion batteries are each contributors. With ICE nonetheless on the menu for a minimum of the subsequent decade, Audi has developed a brand new platform, and the primary mannequin to debut would be the subsequent Audi A5, due in US dealerships by subsequent summer season.
Now it’s a sedan
Audi’s long-term mannequin nomenclature not too long ago went by way of a little bit of a change. Previously, even-numbered vehicles just like the A4, A6, and A8 have been (principally) sedans, and odd-numbered fashions (the A5 and A7) have been completely different physique kinds, together with five-door fastbacks—often called sportbacks in Audi-speak—but additionally coupes and convertibles. (The exception to this has been the station wagon variants, aka Avants, which have been A4s and A6s.)
Neglect all that. Any further, all even-numbered Audis are battery-electric automobiles, with odd-numbered Audi designations reserved for fuel, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. (The identical applies to the Q-designated SUVs and crossovers, however extra on these in just a few weeks.)
There has additionally been a rationalization of physique kinds, one thing Audi is looking “idea sedan 2.0.” So there’s not going to be an A5 coupe, nor an A5 convertible. Nor a conventional “three-box” sedan, both; as a substitute, the A5 is obtainable as a five-door fastback, in addition to an A5 Avant station wagon (however with no plans for a lifted all-road Avant).
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The design staff needed the automotive to have a light-weight and shadow interplay, and it is fairly completely different to the slab-sided A4 you in all probability bear in mind.
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The brand new roof is extra curved than the outdated A5, Audi including further peak moderately than taking away rear headroom.
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The ability bulges on the hood are as a lot about leaving room above the engine block for pedestrian security rules as they’re about making the automotive look highly effective.
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Audi was at pains to level out that the A5 has actual exhaust suggestions, not faux ones. The truth is, all of the vents and ducts are purposeful.
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The S5 will get quad pipes.
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The recessed door handles assist the A5 obtain a drag coefficient of 0.25.
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It is a bigger automotive than the one it supersedes, including half an inch (13 mm) in width, 0.9 inches (24 mm) in peak, 2.6 inches (67 mm) in size, and maybe most noticeable for occupants, an additional 3.1 inches (79 mm) to the wheelbase, which interprets as a good enchancment in area for rear-seat passengers. The drag coefficient is a really respectable 0.25.
Software program-defined
Earlier than creating this new platform, known as Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), Audi developed the Premium Platform Electrical (PPE) structure, for higher-end BEVs carrying the Audi badge, in addition to Porsche and, in time, Bentley and Lamborghini, beginning with the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron.
Audi’s engineers informed Ars that PPC has no carryover from PPE by way of chassis or suspension design, nevertheless it does profit from the identical trendy digital structure that debuted in PPE.
The brand new platform is known as E3 1.2, and troubles with its growth delayed the arrival of the PPE vehicles and resulted in a change of management at CARIAD, VW Group’s software program division. However these kinks have been labored out, and it means the brand new A5 has a totally trendy electronics suite, the place 4 highly effective computer systems known as area controllers substitute the handfuls and dozens of discrete black containers that every deal with a single perform in older vehicles.
So the brand new A5 options the identical “Digital Stage” infotainment system because the Q6 e-tron we examined not too long ago, with a pair of OLED screens (one for the primary instrument show, one other for the infotainment show), with an non-compulsory third display for the front-seat passenger; due to a intelligent display coating, this third display just isn’t viewable from the motive force’s seat, to reduce distraction.
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Audi has lengthy been good at inside design, and the A5 and S5 are but extra proof. It is a comparable format to the Q6 e-tron, however you’re feeling extra enveloped by the automotive.
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A separate infotainment display for the entrance passenger nonetheless looks as if overkill to me.
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There is a respectable quantity of room within the again, together with rear headroom.
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This is a take a look at a unique trim inside.
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The Sportback physique fashion means it appears to be like prefer it has a little bit of a trunk however really it is bought a hatch.
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The door has various buttons.
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There’s additionally the identical intelligent lighting tech in and out, in addition to a full complement of superior driver help methods and an augmented actuality heads-up show. However, identical because the Q6 e-tron, there is no UI setting to have a map on the primary instrument show, simply the infotainment display. It was a characteristic that Audi launched to the business, and we’re unhappy to see it lacking in motion in E3 1.2.
