Audi dropped pictures and details of the 2012 A5 range – coupe, cabriolet, and sportback all at once! They’ve also revealed the 2012 S5, but we’ll be looking at that later on.
Although it’s not easy noticing the improvements just by looking at the car, but the 2012 Audi A5 has substantial differences over the previous model. It’s also more efficient, obviously, and as Audi says, more intelligent.
One of the major changes in the new model is the new design of head and taillights, optionally available in xenon plus technology with homogenous LED daytime running lights. The grille is also changed and is now more pronounced. What’s more, the new bumper features pronounced air inlets with massive struts, revamped grilles and flat fog lights.
The product improvement has added a millimeter (0.04 in) to each of the exterior dimensions. The Audi A5 Sportback is 4.71 meters (15.45 ft) long; the Coupé and the Cabriolet 4.63 meters (15.19 ft). The range of colors has been reshuffled and now comprises 16 colors. The fully automatic acoustic top of the Audi A5 Cabriolet is available in four colors. The S line exterior package is available for those who appreciate an even more dynamic look.
The interior of all Audis have always been incredibly clever, very well-built, but a bit cold. And this 2012 model in no exception. It comes with new steering wheels, including an option for a flattened ring, new steering column stalks and with narrow chrome clasps framing the control elements.
The ignition key, the selector lever for the automatic transmission, the button for the optional Audi drive select system and the controls of the high-efficiency air conditioning, are all redesigned and made better.
There is also a new selection of upholstery and inlays. The latter are available in Aluminium Trigon or in walnut or natural fine grain ash. Almost all of the interior colors are new. Fine Nappa leather replaces Valcona in the Sportback, and the armrests can also be covered in leather, if desired. The Audi A5 Sportback is also now optionally available as a five-seater.
You can also order the S line sport package. It drapes the interior in black and accentuates it with elegant applications. A sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in), and 18-inch wheels round out the package. Buyers looking for that special something will find many more customization options in the Audi exclusive range, including the stylish Audi exclusive line with two-tone seat coverings.
2012 Audi A5 comes with a range of three petrol and four diesel engines, all of which equipped with start-stop system and the recuperation system.
You get the 1.8 TFSI four-cylinder with 125 kW (170 hp) and average fuel consumption of 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (41.27 US mpg), the 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) and the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 with 200 kW (272 hp).
The diesel lineup include 130 kW (177 hp) 2.0 TDI with fuel economy of 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 km (50.05 US mpg), 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp), and 3.0 TDI with 180 kW (245 hp).
The quattro models come with a manual transmission or the lightning-fast, seven-speed S tronic, while a manual six-speed transmission and the continuously variable multitronic are available for models with front-wheel drive. Members of the Audi A5 family equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the S tronic transmission also feature the crown-gear center differential with torque vectoring.
The car comes as standard with 17-inch wheels with 225/50 tires. Options include wheels up to 20 inches and 265/30 tires as well as four new wheel designs. The price increase for the Audi A5 Coupé 2.0 TFSI is only €200, for example. The base model, the Audi A5 Sportback 1.8 TFSI, costs €33,350
