2024 Audi S5 and A5: pricing and specs

Will there be an all-electric Audi A5 and S5?

That means that no, there will not be a 100 per cent electric A5 or S5 in this generation. Electric power in Audi’s re-jigged lineup will be the preserve of the even-numbered models. This means that an all-electric range of A4s will join the petrol and diesel-powered A5 and S5 range in the small executive segment. 

The same is expected to be repeated for the A6 and A7 ranges, with the former previewed by a pair of attractive EV concepts underpinned by Audi’s upcoming PPE platform. 

We can also look forward to petrol engines, potentially in tandem with a hybrid system, powering near-future RS 5 and RS 7 saloon and Avant models. For those who do want a bit extra electrification and a bit more versatility in their A5s, a plug-in hybrid version is coming with over 60 miles of WLTP-certified range.

Our two cents? It’s the most common-sense approach to diversifying and electrifying dealer forecourts, without alienating a large subset of buyers, that we’ve yet seen.

2024 Audi A5 and S5: performance and specifications

So, what does power this new generation of Audi A5s? Well, at the non-sporty end, two petrols and a diesel will open the range. The petrols are developments of the Group’s EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, for 150PS (110kW) or 205PS (151kW). 

The diesel is a 205PS (151kW) 2.0-litre turbo with Audi’s new MHEV Plus system, which uses two MGUs for a three-fold increase in regeneration performance and efficiency. Audi reckons the regen element is so strong that the discs and pads won’t see too much action in normal braking scenarios. The juiced-up MHEV element also improves torque-fill for a smoother power band.

What we really care about however, is the S5, which praise be to Piëch, has returned to petrol power, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6. That engine is mated to a version of the MHEV Plus system for 368PS (271kW). Here’s hoping the brake feel has been carefully calibrated, in terms of the step from MGU regeneration into disc-on-pad braking.

Exact performance is not yet known, but expect the S5 range to be rapid with 62mph coming up in under five seconds on the way to a limited 155mph top speed, or unlimited 170mph+ top speed.

Dynamically Audi has put a focus on making the new A5 and S5 range satisfying to drive, with “precise, effortless and largely neutral handling” being the focus of “extensive detail work on the suspension and steering.” Adaptive dampers will be an option on all A5s and standard on the S5s.

The name is associated with a sportier look and feel, and its buyers will likely be in the subset not willing to part emotionally and dynamically with ICE, so it makes sense that this should be an area that receives special attention.

2024 Audi A5 and S5: design

This is the first totally new-generation ICE model in Audi’s range to adopt wholesale its new styling language and consequently, that new corporate snout. Gone is the central grille that runs the height of the nose, with a wider, shorter hexagonal item taking its place. 

Audi has been careful to sculpt the A5’s proportions and graft the muscular forms and surfacing of a coupé onto a traditional four-door saloon. It’s a sleek, well-judged thing with strong shoulders – Ur Quattro-inspired – and a swooping window line at the rear. 

Of course, typically, it isn’t quite as effortlessly elegant as the traditional two-door coupés that precede it but it’s a good-looking thing all the same. The Avant is a very sleek attractive thing, which should come as no surprise given we don’t think there’s been an ugly Audi estate for the last 20 years.

In terms of lighting, there’s new OLED items front and rear that have eight configurable signatures and can even go into a dynamic mode. Audi even goes as far to say that “they are increasingly becoming a display at the rear of the vehicle.” The S5 gets more hexagonal mesh elements in vents, highlighted side vents at the front, a spoiler, a diffuser, and the ubiquitous quad exhausts.

2024 Audi A5 and S5: interior

On the inside, the instrument and infotainment binnacle is familiar from the recently-revealed Q6 e-tron and features OLED display technology. The streets are 11.9 inches for the virtual cockpit and 14.5 inches for the touch-sensitive MMI infotainment display. Completing what Audi calls the ‘digital stage’ (read ‘dashboard glazed in pixels) is the 10.9-inch passenger MMI display. A new optional head-up display now integrates vehicle and infotainment controls, allowing drivers to do so without taking their eyes off the road.

The S5 will obviously be denoted by a liberal lashing of aluminium or carbon, S5 badging and sportier seats, with luscious diamond stitching.

2024 Audi A5 and S5: pricing

The new Audi A5 and S5 will be available to order from the 13^th August, with pricing set to be announced then. Educated guesses put the A5s as starting from the £40-£50,000 bracket, with the TBA PHEV jumping significantly from that. Expect most S5s to land on driveways for no less than £60,000.