Skip advert
Advertisement

Facelifted 2019 Audi A5 breaks cover

Minor styling changes for new Audi A5, plus diesel-powered S5 performance model

The updated Audi A5 has been revealed. In a relatively small facelift, the new A5 gets similar lights to the new Audi A4 range and a new MMI touch system inside. The updated model will be available to order in autumn before arriving in dealerships in early 2020. UK prices are yet to be released but in Germany the car will start from €42,900 (around £38,500).

Advertisement - Article continues below

Audi’s nip and tuck has given the A5 new lights, which have broad LED elements to bring the look of the A5 into line with the A4 and S4. The grille is slightly wider and flatter, and if you look closely you’ll see three ventilation ducts at the top, which we’ve already seen on the latest Audi A1. At the back, there’s a new diffuser insert and redesigned exhaust finishers. A new metallic paint shade, District Green, brings the standard colour palette to 12. The Audi A5 Cabriolet, meanwhile, gets a different front bumper with a full-width lower air intake.

Best executive cars on sale this year

Inside, there’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s much larger than the one used in the outgoing model. It loses the rotary controller of the old system and has more computing power than before. The sat nav learns the routes you take and suggests them in future, and a range of online services bring traffic sign and hazard information, help you find an on-street parking space and can tell you if local traffic lights are about to change.

Available as an optional extra until now, the impressive Virtual Cockpit digital driver’s display is fitted as standard across the range, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot and LED headlights. Even entry-level models will live up to the premium tag; all will also feature three-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, heated seats and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - so you can use your phone’s functions instead of Audi’s infotainment system. Optionally, you can also have a head-up display, extended smartphone connectivity and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The Audi A5 range will feature both petrol and diesel engines, predominantly of 2.0 litres. The diesel engine is new, and will be available with up to 202bhp - up 15bhp over the current engine - while a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol may be introduced as the base engine. The powerful S5 now uses a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 342bhp, and all S5 models accelerate from 0-62mph in under five seconds.

Many models feature Audi’s mild-hybrid technology, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and helps to increase power slightly. The engine will completely cut off when you’re not using the accelerator, and four-wheel-drive quattro versions will seamlessly switch to two-wheel drive to save fuel.

Audi claims up to 48.7mpg for the 187bhp 40 TFSI petrol engine, 55.4mpg for the 45 TDI diesel (which may not come to the UK) and 46.3mpg for the S5, although these figures were achieved on the outdated NEDC emissions test. As a result, you’ll struggle to see these figures in real life - expect around 40, 50 and 43mpg respectively.

These changes will carry over to the Audi A5 coupe and convertible, and prices aren’t set to change too much. Entry-level models will start from just under £35,000, while the S5 will command around £10,000 more.

See how the Audi A5 compares to the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and BMW 4 Series.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Hot car deal: premium Audi A5 Sportback for £287 a month
Audi A5 Sportback deal
Deals
29 Feb 2024

Hot car deal: premium Audi A5 Sportback for £287 a month

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

2025 Kia Sportage unveiled with striking new design
2025 Kia Sportage front quarter
News
5 Nov 2024

2025 Kia Sportage unveiled with striking new design

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024