The coolest Audi in a generation suffers silly interface
Before we start, we don’t blame you for being confused. Yes, this is the Audi A4 replacement. But now it’s called A5. The switch to electrification has even confused Ingolstadt to the extent that it’s forgotten what its core models are. So yes, while its now a far more convenient hatchback, A5 replaces old faithful A4 sedan.
Audi’s also lingered on a design plateau for a while. This new A5 ‘Sedan’ TFSI quattro S line however totally smashes it. Ingolstadt’s best-looking machine in many a year, ours was dressed in a striking grey-blue to help the bodywork dance brilliantly in the sublime Cape light. Sharp creases and balanced proportions bring commanding road presence.
Anchored by aggressive, prominent five-spoke alloy wheels, it’s best observed from the front three-quarters. A5’s muscular, wide stance and sleek coupe-sedan roofline command attention to strike a fine balance between executive maturity and sportscar aggression. As we say, its the best average Audi in quite a while
Looks the part, goes like a bastard!
Speaking of sportscar aggression, given its head on an open piece of tarmac, the A5 TFSI is a bit of a rocketship. Its 200 kW 400 Nm 2-litre 4-pot turning a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic box and quattro permanent all-wheel drive further benefits handy launch control. Which allows it to hook up and tear away with relentless efficiency.
Our VBox readily recorded acceleration significantly superior to Audi’s engineering department’s conservative claims. Power delivery is linear and unyielding; it overtakes with authority. And that quattro all-wheel-drive magic is omnipresent as it digs its claws into the tarmac for maximum propulsion.
However, if its performance fires you up, the A5’s digital ergonomics may leave you stone cold. Step aboard and it’s a triumph of modern packaging. A gorgeous, premium environment brings exemplary seating comfort and top-tier materials. Practical buyers will be pleased that Audi hasn’t sacrificed utility for beauty with a surprisingly utile boot.
The digital elephant in the A5 room
The honeymoon ends early, however. Audi has packed this car with an super-clever digital interface. Perhaps too clever. It simply tries too hard to be too avant garde. Which causes us to ponder if this complex infotainment layout and capacitive touch surfaces are perhaps a bridge too far for average human consumption?
Several other carmakers including Audi parent Volkswagen have long ditched dreadful capacitive touch surfaces. Ergonomically dire to the point of being foolish, they completely lack the tactile comfort required when driving. Add a menu logic that feels counter-intuitive and hidden behind layers of submenus for the most basic features.
It is a tech-heavy setup that alienates the user rather than augmenting a premium driving experience. Then there’s the passenger-side screen. A gimmick at best, I showed it to three passengers. Within sixty seconds, they were to a man and a woman, back to scrolling on their mobile phones.
A5 puts the sexy back in the C segment
All that said, the Audi system neither any better, nor any worse than BMW or Mercedes’ just as dilly and over-engineered iDrive and MBUX systems. Maybe it’s time that they all take a little step back and remember that us drivers are just human, after all…
Speaking of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, our A5 makes for most interesting comparison with 3 Series and C-Class. The Audi easily matches or beats both on sheer visual drama and straight-line launch competence. It certainly stands out in any executive parking lot.
And as noted, it also shares its compatriots’ modern sins of over complex cabin kit.
If anything, take that interface issue away and this sexy Audi steps a touch closer the unfiltered purity of the Alfa Romeo Giulia. And its job is made easier by the absence of the likes of the Lexus IS as we also mourn the passing of the great old Jaguar XF.
You will look back at it every time you lock A5
Ultimately, however, the Audi A5 TFSI quattro S line stands as a splendidly engineered automotive contradiction. Impressively fast for what it is, dynamically accomplished, and gorgeous to look at, this executive sedan is also severely hampered by its own over-engineered user interface.
It forces the driver to tolerate digital frustrations in exchange for a world-class chassis and powertrain. To be fair to Ingolstadt, this digital affliction currently plagues its closest German rivals too. So that should not be a dealbreaker in this segment. But even once you’re au fait with the system, you will need to look beyond those digital indulgences.
Arguably the finest all-rounder in its class today, this new Audi A5 TFSI quattro will reward the enthusiast driver and satisfy the aesthetic purist alike. It marks a return to Audi design form and a triumph for its chassis engineers in a car that makes you look back every time you lock it. Even if you roll your eyes every time you will interact with it. – Michele Lupini
Images & testing: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Audi A5 Sedan TFSI Quattro S Line
200 kW 400 Nm 2-litre turbocharged I4
7-speed DC automatic AWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 2.53 sec
0-100 km/h: 5.57 sec
0-120 km/h: 7.61 sec
0-160 km/h: 13.23s
400m: 13.8s @ 163 km/h
80-120 km/h: 3.77 sec
120-160 km/h: 5.62s
CLAIMED:
VMax: 245 km/h
Fuel: 8.1 l/100 km
CO2: 186 g/km
Range: 700 km
Warranty/Service: 2y unl/5y 100K km
LIST PRICE: R1.24M
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