After its global launch in August this year, two months later, Mingjing Pro conducted the global premiere of the all-new Audi A5 in Nice, France. As the first product after Audi launched its new global naming system, the all-new Audi A5 is the first new car on Audi's new PPC platform, and it is not the same product as the previous old-generation A5. The PPC platform is Audi's new gasoline-powered vehicle platform. With this product, Audi showcases its latest thinking in gasoline-powered vehicles. The all-new Audi A5 comes in four models: A5 Sedan, S5 Sedan, A5 Avant, and S5 Avant, with significant upgrades or changes in exterior design, interior, space, power, cockpit, and more.

After the test drive, the all-new Audi A5's power, handling, smart technology, and other product highlights were also impressive. In particular, through numerous detailed improvements to the suspension and steering systems, the all-new Audi A5 provides precise, effortless, and ultimate handling, an experience that most electric vehicles cannot currently offer. The all-new Audi A5 family already has the potential to become a new benchmark in the luxury midsize sedan segment.

According to official information, FAW-Audi has confirmed that it will introduce and locally produce the all-new Audi A5L, with upgrades and developments tailored to the Chinese market and user needs. In addition, FAW-Audi will also introduce all four imported models to form a complete A5 family, meeting the diverse and personalized product demands of Chinese consumers. As a result, whether you're looking for high performance, a station wagon, or the authentic hatchback styling, FAW-Audi has a satisfying product for you.

What changes will there be on the locally produced vehicles that consumers are most concerned about? As a pioneer in the Chinese luxury midsize car segment, FAW-Audi will leverage its precise grasp of market trends and user needs to enhance the upcoming A5L in multiple dimensions. Firstly, as per convention, the expected dimensions of locally produced vehicles will continue to expand, potentially reaching the B+ segment. Simultaneously, it is anticipated that a sedan version will be launched, which is currently the mainstay product in the midsize luxury car market.

Mingjing Pro has learned that the locally produced FAW-Audi A5L will debut at this year's Guangzhou Auto Show. The vehicle is expected to undergo adjustments in terms of exterior design, interior, intelligent driving, and in-vehicle system ecosystem, with overall specifications far surpassing those of the European version. In the Chinese market, FAW-Audi has a 36-year history and boasts over 9 million users, making it the only enterprise to achieve this scale. In the luxury midsize sedan segment, FAW-Audi has successfully established the A4L as an evergreen product.

With the addition of the A5L, this product will become the new Audi A5L tailored to the Chinese market and user needs, becoming a new weapon for FAW-Audi in the B+ segment. In the midsize car segment, it is expected that FAW-Audi will form a "twin stars" new product layout with the A4L and A5L. With the launch of the all-new A5L, FAW-Audi will also kick off a large-scale product update. The all-new Q5 has already been launched this year, and products such as the all-new Audi A6L e-tron and Audi Q6L e-tron have also made their debut. It is expected that in the next two years, FAW-Audi will comprehensively upgrade its product lineup, creating the largest product layout in the brand's history.

As a solid foundation for Audi's development in China, FAW-Audi holds all products on Audi's core PPC+PPE platforms. It will continue to shape and further strengthen Audi's positioning in China's high-end market, driving innovative development for the Audi brand in China.

01 All-new exterior and interior

After understanding the product background, there will be a deeper understanding of the all-new Audi A5's product updates. Following the current trend of youth, the all-new Audi A5 adopts a coupe-like design with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, large wheels, and a low-slung, sporty body, making the entire vehicle more fashionable and sporty. At the front, the grille has been redesigned with a flatter design than the previous wide grille, giving it a sharper appearance. The front design incorporates many elements from the Audi e-tron GT. Below the recent grille, two millimeter-wave radars have been added, one long-range and one mid-range. This means that even the European version of the all-new Audi A5 boasts impressive intelligent driving capabilities.

As the "Light Factory," the all-new Audi A5 showcases Audi's new lighting technology. The headlights feature digital LED daytime running lights, giving the headlights a sharp appearance. The door handles adopt an internal-buckle semi-hidden design, clearly considering safety. A recent accident involving a well-known new force brand where the hidden door handles could not be opened after a car accident has led many consumers to prefer this semi-hidden design for door handles. Therefore, in terms of aesthetics and functional safety, the overall consumer trend seems to be returning.

At the rear, the all-new Audi A5 adopts a hatchback design, which is very fashionable. The rear lights are particularly eye-catching, featuring an integrated through-type design using second-generation digital OLED technology. This is the first gasoline-powered vehicle to adopt second-generation OLED taillights, and Audi is currently the only automaker to use OLED taillight technology. Each digital panel of the second-generation digital OLED taillights contains approximately 60 light-emitting units, allowing the taillights to display rich content like a display at the rear of the vehicle.

The grille design is integrated into the front bumper, with the engine hood edge line running continuously across the front. The protruding "quattro blisters" lines above the front and rear wheels evoke memories of the Audi Ur-quattro, which is also one of the core elements of Audi's design DNA. Additionally, the all-new Audi A5 retains the time-tested design concept of the door rail mirror from the Audi A4. The mirror base is mounted on the outer door panel instead of the window triangle area. This means that air turbulence does not hit the side window but stays on the door shell, minimizing wind noise.

The entire cockpit has undergone a brand-new construction and design. The most noticeable change is the increased number of screens. The wraparound screen consists of an 11.9-inch instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central display, and a newly added 10.9-inch entertainment screen for the front passenger. The driver's door armrest has been enhanced with a control panel integrating various functions, including mirror adjustment. The traditional gear lever has been replaced by electronic buttons, reflecting the trend towards electrification. Inside the cabin, the most eye-catching feature may be the variable optical glass roof. With a press of a button, the glass can transform into a frosted state, achieving a shading effect, adding a touch of technological sophistication.

The all-new Audi A5 also introduces a head-up display that can show various information, such as speed, active assistance systems, navigation instructions, or media data. The visible image area is over 85% larger than before, with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, ensuring smooth display.

The all-new Audi A5 utilizes the latest E31.2 electrical and electronic architecture, with five domain controllers managing the entire vehicle, significantly enhancing core computing power and improving overall vehicle intelligence. However, adjustments will be made to the in-vehicle system ecosystem and intelligent driving features for the domestic market. For example, the locally produced FAW-Audi A5L is likely to incorporate an intelligent driving system from domestic suppliers. The final partnership has not been announced, so we will not delve into this aspect further. Instead, let's look forward to the launch of the locally produced model in November.‍

02

Precise and Ultimate Driving Experience

The focus of this section is the test drive. The all-new Audi A5 features significant changes in its powertrain and chassis.

For the powertrain, the European version of the A5 offers three engine options: 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, and 3.0 TFSI. Specifically, the 2.0 TFSI low-power variant produces 110 kW (150 hp) with a combined fuel consumption of 6.6-7.6 liters per 100 km and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 9.8 seconds. The 2.0 TFSI high-power variant churns out 150 kW (204 hp) with a combined fuel consumption of 6.6-7.9 liters per 100 km and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds. The S5, equipped with a 3.0 TFSI engine, boasts 270 kW (367 hp) and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

In terms of power, it is expected that the locally produced version will start with the high-power option upon introduction, though specific arrangements are yet to be confirmed.

Concurrently, the all-new Audi A5 offers 48V mild-hybrid technology. As a result, the A5 can harness up to 18 kW (24 hp) of power output from the driveshaft motor to assist the internal combustion engine. During deceleration, the driveshaft motor can recover up to 25 kW of energy into the battery, enabling the vehicle to operate purely on electric power during start-stop situations and parking. Even when the internal combustion engine is turned off at traffic lights, the air conditioning system continues to function normally.

Regarding driving experience, Audi claims that the overall driving feel has been enhanced in multiple dimensions, particularly through numerous detailed improvements to the suspension and steering systems. The all-new Audi A5 offers precise, effortless, and ultimate handling. If equipped with an adaptive suspension, the difference in comfort and sportiness will be even more pronounced. For instance, during the test drive on the winding mountain roads of Nice, characterized by steep slopes and numerous curves, the vehicle's chassis performance was put to the test. It is no exaggeration to say that some domestic new force products would easily experience significant body roll on such roads.

Overall, the all-new Audi A5 maintains its excellent driving quality, with a smooth chassis control and effective filtration of rough road vibrations. The seats barely transmit any vibrations from the chassis, and road impacts are well-damped with minimal aftershocks. Handling is also impressive, with minimal body roll and confident steering during lane changes and turns. The steering is precise, with a smooth and responsive return-to-center action, and a slightly heavier feel during sharp turns. Braking is linear, effective, and stable. In summary, the driving quality remains top-notch, with enhanced comfort.

Considering the addition of MHEV PLUS, electric power can be utilized during start-up, parking, and at traffic lights, bringing a sense of electric driving that adds dynamism to the overall driving experience. Although equipped with a small battery, safety concerns are minimal due to its lightweight, which does not compromise the overall driving feel – unlike some electric vehicles that suffer from unstable chassis due to their heavy bodies. Driving the all-new A5 will undoubtedly reignite the joy of driving.

03

Summary

In the fiercely competitive Chinese luxury midsize car market, the all-new Audi A5 has comprehensively upgraded its competitiveness. For instance, the new mild-hybrid system enables energy savings and electric propulsion, while the advanced intelligent driving and in-vehicle systems are highly practical. In the European and American markets, such product capabilities are highly competitive. However, in the Chinese market, this is not enough. Therefore, FAW-Audi's locally produced A5L will continue to enhance product capabilities, focusing on areas that Chinese consumers prioritize, such as interior space, exterior design, premium interior feel, and intelligent driving.

The FAW-Audi A5 family is poised to become a new force in the midsize car market, and we will witness its charm at the Guangzhou Auto Show in just over a month.