Competition in the premium car segment has just moved to a whole new level with the launch of the new Audi A5 in India. The A5 range is available in three iterations - A5 Sportback, the A5 Cabriolet and the S5 Sportback. The Audi A5 sits between the A4 and the A6 and is available in Sportback and Cabriolet versions. On the other hand the new Audi S5 Sportback is a louder and dramatic version of the A5.
The A5 in Sportback and Cabriolet body styles share the 2.0-litre TDI Ultra engine which generates 190bhp of power at 3800-4200pm and 400Nm of torque at 1750-3000rpm. The engine comes mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission. As for the Audi S5 Sportback, it gets a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that generates 351bhp of power at 5,500rpm and 500Nm of torque at 2,900rpm. The powerful engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s signature Quattro AWD technology.
The new-gen A5 gets most of the features from the new A4. It also gets stretched wheelbase, short overhangs, wraparound domed hood, and a single frame grille. The grille is flatter and wider than its predecessor and this brings out the character of the car. The Sportback models get a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights with ‘four-eye design’ and LED rear lights with dynamic indicators. As for interior, it gets leather steering wheel in a three-spoke design, 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT monitor and MMI Navigation plus with MMI Touch. The optional list of equipment includes three colour ambient lighting in 30 combinations, Audi Smartphone interface and Bang and Olufsen Sound system with innovative 3D sound.
In terms of safety, the A5 Sportback, the A5 Cabriolet and the S5 Sportback get six airbags, four airbags and eight airbags respectively. As for standard safety features, the cars get ABS with EBD, traction control, cruise control, parking aid plus with rear view camera, tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX child sea mounting and anti-theft wheel bolts. On the pricing aspect, the A5 Sportback, the S5 Sportback, and the A5 Cabriolet are priced at Rs 54.02 lakhs, Rs 70.60 lakhs and Rs 67.51 lakhs respectively.
Competition Check
In terms of competition, the Audi A5 competes against the likes of the Volvo S90, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 3 Series GT and the Jaguar XF. The Audi A6 is indeed priced slightly lower than the A5, however the model is due for a facelift and since it is almost similarly priced, it emerges as a good choice for car buyers in the country.
All of the A5 competitors are available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine option. While most of them produce between 177bhp to 190bhp, the Mercedes E220 d delivers a slightly better performance than the rest as it generates 192bhp of power at 3800rpm and 400Nm of torque at 1600rpm. However, the Audi A5, BMW 5-Series and the Audi A6 claims to be the second best as they generate 190bhp of power output figures.
All the cars on the competition list get premium leather upholstery, large infotainment systems and modest set of safety equipment. However, the Volvo S90 goes a step ahead as it offers a list of driving aids like City-safe, emergency braking function, electronic stability program, traction control and more.
Premium luxury cars in the country get more or less the same amount of luxury features. As for potential customers, it all about your personal taste which will further be decided on factors like performance and safety equipment.
