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Powerful and partially electrified: modern combustion engines impress with strong acceleration and higher efficiency thanks to advanced mild-hybrid technology MHEV plus Pure driving enjoyment: A5 and S5 models deliver a new interpretation of the brand's signature driving characteristics Digitalization in the interior and exterior: new operating concept with MMI panoramic display and second-generation digital OLED rear lights with communication light The new Audi A5 impressed numerous media representatives and many potential customers with its qualities at its world premiere. Now it is proving its qualities in the south of France: the model variants of the Audi A5 unfold their full potential on the winding roads of the Côte d'Azur. The scenery is straight out of a James Bond movie: a narrow road winds through the French Maritime Alps between rugged, overgrown mountains. It leads through tunnels carved into the rock and features bends of all kinds, alternating between tight turns and long sweepers. The hinterland of Nice, France, offers the perfect setting to get to know the character of the new Audi A5 models. The roads of the Côte d'Azur are particularly challenging for the chassis and drivetrain of the new mid-size models based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) due to their profile. Powerful and partially electrified gasoline and diesel engines with MHEV plus The new A5 model series marks the launch of the first engines with the new MHEV plus technology from Audi – a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with powertrain generator, belt starter alternator and lithium iron phosphate battery.

For example, this model marked the debut of the Audi virtual cockpit, a fully digital instrument panel with highly detailed displays that replaced analog instruments and the MMI monitor. In 2016, a new era for automotive lighting technology began in the Audi TT RS, when Audi used organic LEDs, known as OLED technology, for the first time. The car also used a 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine, one of the most exciting engines the Audi brand has to offer. With its 400 PS, this engine boasted a sporty sound and, on top of that, was named “International Engine of the Year” nine times in a row. With the special Audi TT RS Coupé iconic edition model, which came in Nardo Gray and was limited to 100 units, Audi combined the design and technology highlights from a quarter of a century of the Audi TT to celebrate the car’s 25th anniversary in 2023. The final Audi TT is a TTS in Chronos Gray Cloaked in Chronos Gray, the final Audi TT, a TTS, leaves the plunge pool at the paint shop at the Audi plant in Győr. The car’s journey continues along the assembly line to counting point 8 and through the hands of employees, some of whom have been building the Audi TT for 25 years. The final TT from Győr is one of 662,762 Audi TTs built over 25 years. It is destined for a special place in Audi’s historic vehicle collection in Ingolstadt.

The Le Mans quattro marked several technological milestones, such as LED headlights, the carbon fiber Audi Space Frame, the digital cockpit display, and Audi magnetic ride adaptive suspension. An absolute highlight was the double-turbocharged 5.0-liter V10 with gasoline direct injection. It had an output of 610 PS and a maximum torque of 750 Nm, making it a real automotive heavyweight. World premiere of the first Audi R8 in 2006 The first generation of the Audi R8 celebrated its world premiere at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, where its resemblance to the Le Mans quattro was almost perfect. However, there were some technical differences to the concept car. The first-generation production car used a 4.2-liter V8 FSI mid-engine mounted behind the passenger compartment. The engine had an output of 420 PS (later: 430 PS), and except for using dry sump lubrication, which is more suitable for the racetrack, it was almost identical to the engine from the then-current Audi RS 4 (B7). Later, a V10 variant with a maximum output of 570 PS was added, which used the 5.2-liter aspirated engine from the Group’s sister model, the Lamborghini Gallardo. For the suspension, Audi used the then-new Audi magnetic ride, which allows the driver to tighten the shock absorbers at the push of a button. The shock absorbers use a synthetic hydrocarbon oil containing microscopic magnetic particles in the pistons. When the magnetic coils are activated – which was the case in sport mode – the particles in the piston chambers align themselves perpendicular to the oil’s direction of flow, obstructing the flow. The first-generation R8 initially featured a manual transmission with an open gearbox. The all-wheel quattro drive transferred power to all four wheels, with a maximum of 30 percent going to the front axle. Other transmission options included the R-Tronic, an automatic transmission, and the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission from 2012.

The new Audi Q5 SUV: Dynamic design, high variability, new infotainment, and modern operating concept First SUV model on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) with efficient, partially electrified combustion engines Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG: "As the second model of our new generation of highly efficient combustion engines, this new edition of the successful model marks the next important step in the rejuvenation of our portfolio" The Audi Q5 SUV has been one of the most popular SUVs in the midsize-segment in Germany and Europe for more than 15 years. Audi is now presenting the latest generation of the bestseller: the Q5, which is even more modern and dynamic. It is the first SUV based on the PPC and is powered by petrol and diesel engines that have become even more economical thanks to MHEV plus technology. The Q5 impresses with a modern and infotainment system and operation concept, customizable digital light signatures and modern driver assistance systems. The sporty Audi SQ5 complements the new model series at its premiere. In future, models with plug-in hybrid technology will expand the model family. Gernot Döllner, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, sees the new Audi Q5 SUV as a guarantee of success: "The Audi Q5 has been our most successful and most important SUV model in the midsize class for more than 15 years. The new edition is a further development of its proven characteristics," says Gernot Döllner. "As the second model in our new generation of highly efficient combustion engines, it marks the next important step in the rejuvenation of our portfolio. I am certain that the new Audi Q5, as a sporty all-rounder with a dynamic SUV design, will continue its success story." With the new Q5, Audi is launching the third generation of its successful model.

The world premiere of the Audi Q6 e-tron in spring gave the green light for Audi’s model initiative: In 2024 and 2025 alone, Audi will launch more than 20 new models – over ten of them are all-electric. CEO Gernot Döllner talks about the model launches in the coming weeks and shares a first look at the new Audi A5. A future-proof portfolio “Over the coming years, we will expand our range of electric models step by step. At the same time, we will rejuvenate our portfolio of models with combustion engines. This will give us a robust and flexible position as we transition to an all-electric portfolio.” Upcoming model launches “In just a few days, we will introduce the next model family: the Audi A5. The Audi A6 e-tron will follow in late July, and the new Audi Q5 in fall.” Audi A5 – Modern sportiness meets premium proportions “The new Audi A5 family will celebrate its world premiere on July 16 and represents the beginning of the next generation of combustion engines, which will be more efficient thanks to partially electric driving.” Audi A6 e-tron – Rethinking the upper mid-size segment “The A6 e-tron is the first electric Audi available to our customers as a Sportback and Avant at market launch. Its striking design and outstanding performance, efficiency, and range offer plenty of reasons to switch to electric mobility now.” Audi Q5 – Third-generation recipe for success “The Audi Q5 has represented the success of Audi for over 15 years. With the third generation of our most successful SUV, we will begin rejuvenating our SUV portfolio with combustion engines and partially electrified versions in fall.” Vorsprung durch Technik “We have a clear vision for redefining “Vorsprung durch Technik”, focused on design, UI/UX, driving dynamics, and efficiency. With our new Q6 e-tron, A6 e-tron, A5, and Q5 models, we’re leaving no room for doubt about the direction we’re headed.”

The progressive face looks high-tech and futuristic due to the inverted Singleframe and the highly accentuated daytime running lights. When you look at the face of the A6 e-tron, it looks right back at you with two eyes – thanks to the most progressive and slimmest lights we’ve ever designed at Audi. The main technological light features in the headlights take up space. They would have visually increased the car’s height, so we integrated them in the dark mask encircling the Singleframe. We used the same trick for all the functional elements in the lower part of the car, our ‘technical unit’. This approach lets us continue the concept car’s very flat silhouette to the front and rear. Wolf Seebers: Very progressive, very new. And still typically Audi. Sascha Heyde: We wanted the design of the A6 e-tron to echo the imposing, almost sculptural appearance of the concept cars – that is new. At the same time, we are transferring the familiar Audi genes, such as our quattro muscles, the Singleframe, and the light language, to the fully electric, digital world. Wolf Seebers: The great thing is that these design tools enabled us to give the Sportback 95 percent of the show car’s basic proportions. Sascha Heyde: Yes, what you see here is practically the study 1:1. We are really happy.

It also marks the launch of our new generation of efficient combustion engines" Audi is opening the next chapter in its successful history in the mid-size segment with the new A5 family. Launching 30 years after the first Audi A4, the sharpened design language of the latest generation, now called the Audi A5, captivates with premium proportions. Both body styles, Sedan and Avant, perfectly embody the sporty essence of the Audi design philosophy. A new design language in the interior creates a generous feeling of space and places the displays on a digital stage. The new operating concept increases interaction with the vehicle. Efficient, partially electrified combustion engines and thrilling S models round off the range. With the expansion of its model range, AUDI AG has restructured the naming of its vehicles since 2024. The numbers in the names of electric and combustion-engine models are the differentiator. Going forward, even numbers stand for electrically powered models, odd numbers for vehicles with combustion engines. With the debut of the latest generation, the Audi A4, a long-standing bestseller, will be called the Audi A5 and will be produced in Neckarsulm. It is offered in four new variants: as the A5 Sedan and S5 Sedan and as the A5 Avant and S5 Avant. These versions are the first models to be launched on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). Audi CEO Gernot Döllner on the new model family: “In tandem with the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines. The Audi A5 family with its athletic design, completely new interior and future-proof electronics architecture will be the first.

It marks the biggest distinction from Audi’s earlier MHEV technology, which works exclusively with a belt alternator starter. The powertrain generator can contribute up to 18 kW (24 PS) of electrical power to the drive. It sits in a compact unit with integrated power electronics directly on the transmission's output shaft. The position directly behind the gearbox offers several advantages: The power supplied or recuperated by the powertrain generator does not have to go through the transmission. This arrangement means it can be used for both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. It also makes it possible to move the vehicle purely electrically, even without a combustion engine, when driving slowly – for example, in slow traffic. This is also possible when parking or maneuvering at low speeds. It additionally results in significantly improved vehicle acceleration, as the powertrain generator is the first drive component to deliver torque to the wheels. As a result, the new Audi A5 offers noticeably better responsiveness, and a clear gain in agility is evident, especially during the first few meters when pulling away. The powertrain generator can support the combustion engine in the speed range between 0 and 140 km/h. This means that MHEV plus briefly provides additional electrical power, enabling the combustion engine to operate as efficiently as possible. Over the entire speed range, the powertrain generator can recoup energy through regenerative braking until the vehicle comes to a standstill. The recuperation power of the powertrain generator is up to 25 kW. The integrated blending-capable brake control system ensures frictionless braking and the best possible recuperation without using the friction brake. This makes it possible to cover some distances electrically in city traffic with frequent recuperation phases and when moving along in traffic.