Cheerio Audi S4, hello Audi S5 saloon and Avant

The Audi A4 and S4 are no more, but the new S5 four-door and wagon do get a 367hp petrol V6...

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 17 July 2024 / Loading comments

30 years after it replaced the Audi 80, the Audi A4 badge has been retired. From now on, the 3 Series sized cars will be the A5 saloon and Avant, with the respective ranges topped by S5 models.

Which, it should be said, look and sound pretty good. Largely because there’s nothing a whole lot more drastic to get your head around than the name change. These models are built on new architecture, sure, though clue’s in the name with Premium Platform Combustion - there are still engines and gearboxes here. We’re still getting over Capri, so that’s welcome. For the S5 that means a 367hp, ‘mild hybrid plus’ turbo V6 (including variable turbine geometry for the blower), with the electric side of the setup able to contribute more power, recoup more energy and run more of the car. So the air-con doesn’t require the engine to be on, and low-speed maneuvering can be done on electric ‘to a limited extent’. Audi says the pedal feel ‘remains unaffected’ during the switch from regen braking (used for the initial phase) to friction braking (when the pedal is pressed harder). There’s a joke in there about not being able to affect feel if there isn’t any in the first place, but you won’t find us making it.

The 3.0-litre engine is paired to a dual-clutch automatic in the S5 models. Exact stats haven’t yet been released, but encouraging details include that DCT being lighter than before (reducing mass over the front axle), revised progressive steering, plus a standard quattro sport diff and adjustable all-wheel drive clutch for ‘lateral dynamics at the highest level’. Which is sort of vague, yes, but Audi has shown with recent fast models like the RS3 and RS4 Competition that it can make properly engaging performance cars. So let’s hope that can continue with the new S5s.

Certainly they’ve got the fast Audi look nailed with this latest pair, the new platform lending a long wheelbase and short overhangs, with a low body draped on top. Perhaps it’s not revolutionary for the compact saloon and estate, but revolution can be overrated sometimes. Especially when the old ways are turned out this nicely, and on silver wheels as well. S5-unique elements include the lovely second gen organic LED rear bar, because it wouldn’t be a fast Audi without some snazzy lights, as well as four exhausts and a very subtle spoiler. Nice to see the legend of the S4 Q-car lives on in these new S5 models.

The interior is something pretty different, however. That new PPC platform means new electronic architecture means a totally overhauled cabin, complete with passenger display, a Digital Stage (first seen in the Q6) to ensure the infotainment screens are prominent and a ‘human-centric design’. Certainly it looks a lot more contemporary than some recent Audi interiors, and expect much improved responsiveness thanks to the ‘1.2 version of the E³ electronic architecture’. Your podcast will be playing before you know it. As far as numbers go, the S5s feature an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit for the driver (with head-up display), a curved 14.5-inch MMI screen (that’s also OLED), then a 10.9-inch front passenger display if for some reason the central display is occupied. Maybe it’s a lot of screens, but where aren’t there loads?

Gernot Döllner, Audi CEO, said of the new models: “In tandem with the expansion of our all-electric portfolio, we are launching a new generation of models with efficient combustion engines. The Audi A5 family with its athletic design, completely new interior and future-proof electronics architecture will be the first. The advanced MHEV plus technology enables partially electric driving and therefore even more efficient driving.” Jolly good. UK prices and specs are coming on August 13th; for reference, the likely closest rival - BMW’s recently revised M340i xDrive models - are from £59,835 as a saloon and £61,635 as a Touring. Or, if new models also tend to make you think about old ones a lot, check this out: an original Audi S5, with the 4.2 V8 and a manual gearbox, owned by the same person since 2010, for £6,990. Fantastic. Just don’t bank on it being as affordable to run as a mild hybrid V6…