Audi S5 Avant: The Gentleman Athlete

The power increase in the new Audi S5 Avant, now at 270 kW / 367 PS, may seem modest at first glance. But thanks to mild hybrid technology, the S5 Avant now boasts lower fuel consumption and an improved response off the line.

The first look at the S5 Avant might leave you wondering if you’re seeing an RS6 with its wide shoulders and robust stance. But on closer inspection, it’s clear: this is Audi’s refined S5 Avant, poised with elegance and packed with athletic potential.

A New Naming Strategy

Audi has made a notable shift in model designations. Odd-numbered models are now combustion-engine vehicles, while electric models are given even numbers.

Thus, the A5 name now carries more prestige, positioned just above the former A4, and occupying territory previously held by the A6. It’s part of Audi’s strategy to reassert its dominance and step out from the shadows of its Munich rival. And with its assertive styling, the top model S5 Avant shows it means business.

We’re excited to see what’s next for the lineup, particularly the RS5 Avant, which promises an even bolder look.

Powertrain and Efficiency: Strength in Subtlety

Under the hood, the S5 Avant houses a 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine producing 270 kW / 367 PS and 550 Nm of torque. While it offers a modest boost of 10 kW / 13 PS over its predecessor, the real improvements lie in the underlying technology.

The S5 Avant now runs on Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a fresh architecture built specifically for combustion engines with mild hybrid support. The 48-volt mild hybrid (mhev plus) system combines an advanced belt-driven starter-generator (RSG) with a new drivetrain generator (TSG) on the transmission output shaft, adding an additional 18 kW / 24 PS and 230 Nm of torque. This sophisticated setup also includes regenerative braking, with up to 25 kW of energy recovery, even down to a full stop.

With an energy-efficient 48V lithium-iron-phosphate battery, the S5 Avant even enables short stretches of electric-only driving. This setup helps trim fuel consumption by up to 0.74 liters per 100 kilometers. Audi claims a combined fuel economy of 7.6 liters per 100 km, making it both powerful and efficient.

Driving Dynamics: Effortless Power, Refined Agility

The S5 Avant isn’t just for looking at consumption figures; it’s built for driving pleasure. Priced at €80,150, this is a car you want to take out for a spirited drive. And it delivers – effortlessly.

With 367 PS under the hood, the S5 Avant exudes a quiet strength. It’s a gentleman-sportsman, equally comfortable on a Sunday drive or tackling winding roads. You don’t need to be a pro to handle its agility, thanks in part to its highly responsive steering, a noticeable improvement over previous Audi models.

Audi has fitted the S5 Avant with a sport suspension, lowering the body by 20 millimeters. A standard sports differential and brake-based torque vectoring enhance stability in corners, with improvements like drop-shaped suspension arms and increased camber on the front axle lending the S5 even more nimble handling. Cornering is neutral and controlled, but push too hard, and you’ll feel the limits of the all-wheel drive and the suspension. Still, even when you reach those limits, the S5 remains predictable.

Interior: Digital Luxury and Advanced Features

Inside, the S5 Avant boasts Audi’s new digital cockpit with curved displays. The driver has an 11.9-inch virtual instrument cluster, while the central 14.5-inch touchscreen handles infotainment and navigation. The updated head-up display is now 85 percent larger, with more prominent navigation arrows for easier guidance.

Audi has integrated a smart voice assistant, activated by pressing a button or saying “Hey Audi.” When the system reaches its knowledge limit, it seamlessly brings in ChatGPT to provide additional information. These features add modern convenience, but the true strength of the S5 Avant remains its agility and balanced driving experience.

Practicality Meets Performance

The S5 Avant balances style and substance with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. With rear seats down, it offers up to 1,396 liters of storage space, making it as practical as it is sporty. The build quality and materials uphold Audi’s reputation for refinement, with only a few hard plastics reminding you of its utilitarian side.

The S5 Avant combines power, practicality, and sophisticated design, proving itself as one of the most versatile members of the Audi lineup – a true gentleman-athlete.