In a world where luxury automobiles have to seek attention, the Audi A5 is unique by not trying too hard. The new generation, which silently replaces the A4 sedan and previous A5 Sportback, seems like a bespoke suit: it is refined, versatile, and so easily recognizable without having to scream. You can be in the city, or you may be going on a weekend trip in the country, or you may be going to a neighbouring country; the A5 makes it seem like it is the continuation of an elegant lifestyle.
On the outside, the A5 is nothing but Audi understated with a presence. The single frame grille signature is a bold but harmonious grille with razor sharp LED matrix headlights to fit every curve. The body has a coupé-like appearance due to flush door handles and a gently raked roofline and the full-width OLED rear light bar provides a hint of drama.
The A5 wraps you in cozy luxury in the interior. The cockpit of Audi is a masterpiece of modern minimalism: an 11.9 inch virtual cockpit before the driver, and a wide-spanning 14.5 inch central touchscreen, that is floating on a beautifully made soft-wrap dashboard. Lighting with different options allows you to capture the mood with an array of interior hues. The seats are luxurious, and on upper trims, they are heated and ventilated, upholstered in soft leather or environmentally friendly fabrics. The available Bang and Olufsen 3D audio system transforms any playlist into a personal performance. The rear space is actually large.
The A5 is a car on the road that emphasises smooth composure instead of crude aggression. The steering is accurate and beautifully weighted, ride swallows faulty roads with silent stature and cabin insulation is unparalleled – wind and tyre noise are hardly audible. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol (150 or 204 PS) is smooth and provides a rapid acceleration and smooth cruising.
The interface, which is heavy on touchscreen, does require some time to get used to, but once used to it is smooth sailing. The construction is perfect, the material is costly to touch and the whole atmosphere is that of silent assurance.
The Audi A5 car cuts its own fine line in a market that is already saturated with sportier and more up-scale models. It is not even striving to be the loudest or the fastest – it is a wonderfully sensible choice in the contemporary life. The Audi A5 is not just a car. It is an expression of good taste.