Audi has introduced the brand new 2017 A5 Sportback ahead of its public debut at the upcoming Paris Auto Show. The new Audi S5 Sportback, (a true mini S7) which so far is not coming to the US, shame……… is the sister to the S5 coupe due here in Spring 2017. Its newly developed, turbocharged V6 engine produces 354 hp up from the old car’s 333 hp and 368 pound-feet of torque. We have been promised an even faster model, the RS 5, which should show up a little later in 2017.
Audi claims a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.7 seconds thanks to it riding on the lighter MQB architecture. Weight is now 3,660 lb which is 187.4 lb lighter than its predecessor.

Exterior design

The Audi designers have brought together dramatic shapes and athletically taut surfaces in the design of the new A5 Sportback. The stretched wheelbase, the short overhangs and the long, wraparound front lid with power dome emphasize the dynamism of the five-door coupé. The three-dimensionally modeled Singleframe grille is significantly flatter and wider than on the previous model. The pronounced bulges over the wheel arches underscore the quattro DNA. The rear end exhibits horizontal, equally highly precise styling. The stretched luggage compartment lid terminates with a characteristic spoiler edge.

Interior

The new Audi S5 Sportback has grown significantly inside. Its interior length has gained 17 millimeters (0.7 in), the shoulder room for driver and front passenger up to 11 millimeters (0.4 in) and the rear knee room 24 millimeters (0.9 in). The sophisticated materials, precision of fit and color harmonies in the interior are typical of Audi. The horizontal architecture of the instrument panel creates a sense of spaciousness. The optional ambient lighting with 30 colors to choose from always evokes a fitting interior mood.
With 480 liters (17.0 cu ft) of luggage capacity, the S5 Sportback rates among the best in its class. Audi also offers the option of sensor control for opening and closing the standard-fit electric luggage compartment lid.

Display and controls

Thanks to the all-new operating and display concept, including free-text search, the driver can control all functions effortlessly and intuitively. As an alternative to the standard-fit analog instrument dials, there is the Audi virtual cockpit. The various display options bring the driver added convenience. The large, high-resolution TFT monitor (12.3 inches) presents richly detailed graphics. The optional head-up display projects all relevant information onto the windscreen as easily comprehensible symbols and digits, thus enabling the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
Infotainment and Audi connect
Audi’s top version is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. It includes such features as 10 GB of flash storage, a DVD drive, Audi connect services free of charge for three years, up to five free navigation updates and an 8.3-inch monitor with a resolution of 1,024 x 480 pixels. Audi MMI navigation plus works in close cooperation with many of the assistance and safety systems.

Driver assistance systems

The driver assistance systems cover a wide range of functions in the new Audi S5 Sportback. An intelligent combination of different technologies enhances safety, comfort and efficiency. Meanwhile Audi is also taking the next step toward piloted driving. Playing a central role here is the adaptive cruise control (ACC) Stop&Go system including traffic jam assist. It relieves drivers in slow-moving traffic up to a driving speed of 40.4 mph by assuming the tasks of braking and accelerating the car, and it also temporarily takes charge of steering it on better roads. The predictive efficiency assistant, which evaluates GPS information from the car’s immediate surroundings, helps to save fuel by giving specific driving advice – a unique feature in this segment.
Collision avoidance assist intervenes if the car needs to drive around an obstacle to avoid an accident. Based on data from the front camera, ACC and radar sensors, it computes a recommended driving line within a fraction of a second. The lineup is rounded out by other assistance systems such as turn assist, park assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning, camera-based traffic sign recognition, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist.

The new Audi A5 and S5 Sportback will roll into showrooms in Germany and other European countries at the start of 2017. The A5 Sportback starts from EUR 37,800. The price for the S5 is EUR 62,500.