Drive System and Suspension

Five TDI engines and three TFSI; four four-cylinder and three V6 units: Audi equips the upgraded A5 with a wide range of engines. The lowest model designator on the back of the car is 35, the highest 50. The output range begins at 120 kW (163 hp) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.5 – 3.7*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 118 – 98*) and ends at 260 kW (354 hp) (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.9 – 8.8*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 203 – 201*). All engines are characterized by their cultivation, power and efficiency, and they satisfy the Euro 6d-temp emissions standard.

At launch, four engine variants will use a mild hybrid system (MHEV) based on either a 12-volt or 48-volt electrical system. This increases comfort and reduces fuel consumption, thus helping to meet fleet targets. The MHEV system is installed in the Audi A5 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.5 – 3.7*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 118 – 98*) and in the A5 40 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.2 – 5.8*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 140 – 131*) and S5 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.2 – 6.1*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 162 – 160*).

Electrification: the MHEV system

The central component of the mild hybrid system is the belt alternator starter (BAS), which is connected to the crankshaft. When the A5 decelerates due to the driver taking their foot off the accelerator or light braking, the BAS can recover up to 5 kW of power and feed it into a separate lithium-ion battery with a rated capacity of 10 Ah in the rear of the car.

If the driver takes their foot off the accelerator between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 and 99.4 mph), the Audi A5 can coast with the engine switched off and the lithium-ion battery then powers the electrical consumers. With all MHEV variants equipped with automatic transmissions, the start-stop range already begins at 22 km/h (13.7 mph) (15 km/h (9.3 mph) with manual transmission. When the accelerator is depressed, the BAS restarts the engine quickly and smoothly. When stopped, this happens while the brake pedal is still depressed as soon as the vehicle in front begins to move. In real-world, everyday operation, the MHEV system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers according to Audi measurements.

From 120 to 140 kW: The 2.0 TDI

The 1,968 cc, four-cylinder TDI is available at two output levels in the upgraded A5 product line. In the Audi A5 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.5 – 3.7*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 118 – 98*), the basic version at market launch in Germany produces 120 kW (163 hp) and 380 Nm (280.3 lb ft) of torque. The latter between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm. The second version of the diesel engine is used in the A5 40 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.4 – 4.2*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 143 – 109*). It produces 140 kW (190 hp) and 400 Nm (295.0 lb-ft) of torque, the latter between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm.

The 2.0 TDI provides agile performance, regardless of the version. The Audi A5 Coupé 35 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 4.1 – 3.7*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 107 – 98*), accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 8.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 228 km/h (141.7 mph). The A5 Coupé 40 TDI quattro (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.2 – 4.8*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 137 – 128*) completes the standard sprint in 7.4 seconds and reaches 235 km/h (146.0 mph).

The version with 120 kW (163 hp) is latest evolutionary stage of the 2.0 TDI. The crankcase is made of aluminum rather than gray cast iron, reducing its weight by 20 kilograms (44.1 lb). The crankshaft is 2.8 kilograms (6.2 lb) lighter than before; the forged-steel pistons are extremely strong and particularly low-friction. The thermal management system is even more variable, and with a high system pressure 2,200 bar, the common rail injection system atomizes the fuel particularly finely. This provides for efficient combustion and keeps raw emissions low. All three versions of the four-cylinder diesel have two balance shafts in the crankcase of all three to ensure smoothness.

Top-of-the-line diesel: the 3.0 TDI

The most powerful diesel, the 3.0 TDI displacing 2,967 cc, is available in two versions for the A5 Coupé and Sportback. The V6, which weighs only around 200 kilograms (440.9 lb), also features a large number of high-tech solutions, including highly sophisticated thermal management, greatly reduced friction and a turbocharger whose turbine geometry can be adjusted particularly quickly and precisely via an electric motor.

In the Audi A5 Coupé 45 TDI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.4 – 5.1*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 142 – 134*), the six-cylinder diesel engine puts out 170 kW (231 hp) and produces 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) of torque between 1,750 and 3,250 rpm. The result is a standard sprint of 6 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph). In the top-of-the-line A5 Coupé 50 TDI (combined fuel consumption in
l/100 km: 6.0 – 5.6*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 158 – 147*), the 3.0 TDI produces a hefty 210 kW (286 hp) and 620 Nm (457.3 lb-ft) of torque (from 2,250 to 3,000 rpm). Performance is at a sports car level: 0 – 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 5.2 seconds and a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

From 140 to 180 kW: the 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine

The 2.0 TFSI, which displaces 1,984 cc, is available in the updated Audi A5 product line as a 40 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 6.2 – 5.8*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 140 – 131*) and as a 45 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.0 – 6.3*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 160 – 144*). The 40 TFSI version of the four-cylinder produces 140 kW (190 hp) and 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft) of torque. The latter between 1,450 and 4,200 rpm. The Audi A5 Coupé 40 TFSI (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.9 – 5.8*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 136 – 131*) sprints in 7.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph); top speed is 241 km/h (149.8 mph). In the top-of-the-line Audi A5 45 TFSI quattro (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.0 – 6.3*; combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 160 – 144*, the values are 180 kW (245 hp) and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft), which is available between 1,600 and 4,300 rpm.

The four-cylinder gasoline engine features numerous technical refinements. In the version with 140 kW (190 hp), these include an additional intake manifold injection, which complements the FSI direct injection in part load operation and reduces particulate emissions. The gasoline particulate filter captures the remainder. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) optimizes gas exchange by switching the stroke of the outlet valves between two levels. The thermal management system includes a rotating core module for controlling coolant flow and an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head for greater efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI with 140 kW (190 hp) uses an additional efficiency technology, the B-cycle combustion process, which also involves the AVS. With its abbreviated compression stroke and long expansion stroke, it is designed specifically for part load operation – the most common operating mode. During moderate driving, the engine achieves the fuel efficiency a small displacement engine; during sporty driving, drivers experience the dynamic performance of a large engine.

* Figures depend on the tires/wheels used

S tronic or tiptronic: power transmission

S tronic or tiptronic, front-wheel or quattro drive: a wide range of powertrain options is available for the updated A5 family. Automatic transmission is standard at launch. Six of the eight engine variants have the seven-speed S tronic on board. The two V6 diesel models uses an eight-speed tiptronic.

Both the dual-clutch transmission and the automatic torque converter transmission offer the pinnacle of efficiency and comfort. There are integrated into the engine’s thermal management system to warm the transmission fluid as quickly as possible following a cold start. Drivers can use the automatic modes D, S and E, or shift gears manually using the selector lever or the paddles on the steering wheel. In both cases, the commands are transmitted electrically (by wire). Both the S tronic and the tiptronic feature sporty ratios for the lower gears, while the upper gear ratios are long to reduce rpm and fuel consumption.

The two multi-plate clutches of the seven-speed S tronic are arranged axially one behind the other, which reduces drag torque. A centrifugal force pendulum on the dual-mass flywheel compensates for engine vibrations and enables very low rpm while driving. The dual-clutch transmission is designed for efficiency-enhancing operation with the MHEV system – i.e. for coasting, freewheeling and extended start-stop operation.

The eight-speed tiptronic is an automatic torque converter transmission that shifts quickly and smoothly. The layout of its gear sets and shifting elements provide for low drag torques and thus high efficiency. Thanks to an rpm-adaptive damper, the V6 TDI can be operated comfortably even at low speeds.

Two technologies: the quattro drive

In models with up to 140 kW (190 hp), the seven-speed S tronic sends the power to the front wheels. quattro all-wheel drive is available as an option with all by the entry-level TDI and TFSI, and is standard with the most powerful gasoline engine and the two V6 diesel units. It is configured differently depending the type of automatic transmission.

quattro with ultra technology is used in combination with the S tronic. With this all-wheel drive system, power to the rear wheels can be switched on or off imperceptibly as needed. The intelligent operating strategy works predictively, so all-wheel drive is always ready when needed. This allows for the efficiency of a front-wheel drive system in relaxed driving situations without sacrificing the dynamics of a quattro drive. quattro drive with ultra technology is highly efficient with no discernible differences compared with permanent systems in terms of traction and handling.

The eight-speed tiptronic is connected to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive that operates on a purely mechanical level. Designed as a planetary gear, its self-locking center differential sends 60 percent of engine torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front during normal driving. When necessary, as much as 85 percent flows to the rear and up to 70 percent to the front.

Both quattro drivetrains operate in conjunction with wheel-selective torque control, a software feature of the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC). During sporty driving, it perfects the handling by minimally braking the wheels on the inside of the curve, thus making the vehicle turn into the curve. The system is also included with engine variants having front-wheel drive, although then it only acts on the front wheels.

The V6 TDI with 210 kW (286 hp) is equipped with a sport differential featuring two electro-hydraulically controlled internal gears. It actively distributes the torque between the rear wheels during dynamic cornering. The sport differential literally pushes the car into the curve, nipping understeering in the bud. During sporty cornering, the sport differential ensures that steering commands are carried out precisely and stably, providing for outstanding agility.

The electronic chassis platform (ECP) controls the sport differential quickly and precisely. This central controller computes the ideal distribution of torque with respect to dynamic driving for the sport differential. The sport differential is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. This allows the driver to experience a range of chassis settings in the vehicle.

Harmonious and balanced: the suspension

All A5 models roll on a sportily tuned standard suspension. It closely connects the body to the road without compromising comfort. It senses the asphalt with a precision that literally places the car in the driver’s hand. Both the front and rear axles feature five links so that they can respond separately to the longitudinal and transverse forces. The links and the subframes are made largely of aluminum. All body and engine variants with 17-inch wheels have a track width of 1,587 millimeters (5.2 ft) at the front, and 1,568 millimeters (5.1 ft) at the rear.

Dynamic steering is available for all engine variants except the entry-level TDI. Depending on speed and the mode selected in the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, it uses a superposition gear to vary its ratio by as much as 100 percent. If necessary, lightning-fast, automatic steering inputs increase stability and driving safety. Audi offers two alternatives to the standard suspension: the sport suspension with tauter characteristics for springs and dampers and the suspension with damper control. The latter is managed via the electronic chassis platform (ECP).

The suspension with damper control, together with the steering, the optional dynamic steering, the automatic transmission, the throttle valve and additional systems, is integrated into the Audi drive select dynamic handling system (standard with 140 kW (190 hp) models and above). It enables the driver to specify the mode – comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual – in which these modules should operate. The efficiency mode is available only for engines with more than 300 Nm (221.3 lb-ft) of torque, while the MMI plus is a prerequisite for the individual profile.

Audi also updated the range of wheels as part of the product line update. On the German market, the A5 Sportback and A5 Coupé roll on 17-inch wheels with 225/50 tires. The advanced and S line exterior packages include 18-inch wheels. Audi also offer wheels up to 19 inches in diameter, and wheels up to 20 inches are available from Audi Sport. The 17- and 18-inch wheels come standard with tires featuring particularly low rolling resistance to further reduce fuel consumption. In this case top speed is electronically limited to 210 km/h (130.5 mph). A wide range of brakes is also used. Models with the top-of-the-range engines are stopped by lightweight, 17-­inch aluminum fixed caliper brakes. The internally ventilated brake discs on the front axle measure up to 350 millimeters (13.8 in) in diameter. Audi offers red calipers as an option. 

* Fuel/power consumption and CO₂ emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment

All terms in blue in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The specified equipment, data and prices relate to the model range on offer in Germany. Subject to changes and errors. Figures on the fuel consumption and the CO₂-emissions (found from page 2 onwards) vary in case of given ranges depending on the used combination of wheels/tires.