- Audi has face-lifted its A5 and S5 ranges in the European market.
- New engines are among the hardware updates.
- New interior colors and materials are featured.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Audi has modestly face-lifted its A5 and S5 ranges in Europe, updating engines and offering new interior colors and materials.
The S5 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback now feature a 329-horsepower supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6, in place of the 354-hp 4.2-liter V8. The smaller engine provides considerably better fuel economy — averaging 29 mpg in Europe — while still enabling 0-60 acceleration in less than 4.9 seconds.
Hardware updates include a new electromechanical power steering — also standard on the A5 — as well as Quattro all-wheel drive with a crown-gear center differential. The S5 models also get new lamps and crystal-effect paint finishes.
The rest of the A5 range is being offered in Europe with a choice of four TDI diesel and three TFSI gasoline engines, all equipped with stop-start systems. Transmission choices include six-speed manual, multitronic and seven-speed S tronic.
The top engine is a 268-hp supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6, while the entry-level unit is a redesigned 168-hp 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder.
Among the interior features are new steering wheels, including a flat-bottomed sport wheel. New upholstery and trim are also available.
Inside Line says: We'll miss the V8 in the S5.
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lucien4 says:
06:05 PM, 07/13/2011
I drove the A5 sportback last year. I loved it but unlikely we'll see it in the US. I'd prefer that over the bulky expensive A7.
smallfield says:
03:32 PM, 07/13/2011
"dedalus - the 4-door in the back is the S5 Sportback (it's actually a 5-door hatchback like the A7). Unfortunately, it is not coming to America."
- Really? I find the A7 uglier in person than the pics that I wasn't fond of. The only current unattractive US market Audi IMO.
I say leave the sportback and A7 in Germany. Send the BMW 5 series GT back and bring the Avants
lookatmyshoes says:
02:04 PM, 07/13/2011
I think is a good move to have a lighter and more fuel efficient S5 to compete vs. 335 and new C Class coupe. At least this is the trend in the market, on the other side I assume will help to cut some costs and keep strong sales
The RS5 is a different story if they leave the V8 will be a big mistake. If fact I would improve the performance and exterior in order to really make it really different from the S5.
frommx5tomz3 says:
12:28 PM, 07/13/2011
dedalus - the 4-door in the back is the S5 Sportback (it's actually a 5-door hatchback like the A7). Unfortunately, it is not coming to America.
While I like the modest styling changes on the S5 coupe OK, I'm glad I got the pre-updated version (especially the V8 part).
ktoepke says:
11:21 AM, 07/13/2011
typesh: You're correct, supercharged, not turbocharged. The correction has been made, thanks. - Kelly
dedalus says:
10:46 AM, 07/13/2011
Is that a four-door hatchback S5 that I see in the background??
billymay says:
10:33 AM, 07/13/2011
Agree with Blkamg, it's still beautiful. I have a 2010 A5, and always turn back to look at it when I'm walking away after parking.
aston_dbs says:
10:16 AM, 07/13/2011
While I'm up for A5/S5's mid-cycle update,
Slapping on the SAME EXACT headlights from the new A6, IMHO, is just LAZY.
Congratulations to Audi who just demote the A5/S5 from a gorgeous coupe in its own class to a
"Oh, so this is the new 2-door? A6"
Such stupidity...
blkamg says:
09:30 AM, 07/13/2011
Still a beautifull coupe..
ddark13 says:
09:08 AM, 07/13/2011
youll have to assume this is the new face (more or less) of the a4/s4. i think it looks good. i much prefer these LED headlights to the mustache-esque ones of the a4