2017 Audi A5 coupe and S5 revealed

Read our Audi A5 3.0 TDI quattro 286 S line review here 

Beyond its familiar appearance, the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupé rival adopts a brand new version of Audi’s MLB platform, providing it with wider tracks, a longer wheelbase and a similar increase in size to that of its recently introduced four-door sibling, the A4.

Up to 60kg lighter than predecessor

Audi is yet to provide details of the exterior dimensions. However, Ingolstadt officials revealed that additional high-strength steel and aluminium in the body has helped to trim kerb weight by as much as 60kg over the old model. Advancements in aerodynamics have also netted an impressive drag co-efficient of 0.25.

The interior adopts a similar look that that of the latest A4, with a layered dashboard helping to visually widen the cabin and high-quality materials providing a similarly premium impression as that of the old A5.

Audi claims increased interior accommodation through the adoption of a longer wheelbase, although it is yet to go into specifics. The boot, which comes with optional gesture-control opening via foot motion, is also claimed to offer a 10-litre increase in capacity over the old model, at 465 litres. Levers in the boot can be used to lower the rear seat, which divides 40/20/40, without having to climb inside.

As with the A4, buyers get the choice of an optional virtual cockpit function, which includes a 12.3in high-definition digital instrument panel as well as the latest evolution of Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) Plus infotainment system, which uses an 8.3in monitor, touch-sensitive rotary controller and LTE connectivity for up to three years free of charge via a SIM card permanently installed in the car. 

Further options include the Audi smartphone interface with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, a wireless smartphone charging pad and a Bang and Olufsen sound system.

A choice of two petrol and three diesel engines

The A5 coupé will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines. They are claimed to provide up to 17% more power and economy savings of up to 22% over the units used in the outgoing model. 

Included is the latest evolution of Audi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA888 petrol engine. It comes with 187bhp in high-compression guise, in which it adopts an Atkinson cycle combustion process for added fuel savings, or a gutsier 248bhp in a more conventional state of tune.

On the diesel side is an 187bhp variant of Audi’s widely used EA288 2.0-litre four-cylinder oil-burner. It lines up alongside Audi's 3.0-litre V6 diesel, which is offered with the choice of either 215bhp or 268bhp.

The four-cylinder engines and 215bhp six-cylinder diesel come as standard with a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox in both front and four-wheel-drive forms. The range-topping 268bhp six-cylinder diesel, which comes as standard with four wheel drive, receives an eight-speed torque converter-equipped automatic gearbox as standard.

The range-topping S5 coupé adopts a newly developed turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. With 349bhp, it delivers 21bhp more than the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 used by the outgoing model.