What is it?
The second-generation of Audi’s executive coupé has been given a facelift for 2020, although you might be hard-pressed to tell at a quick glance. The Ingolstadt firm’s exterior designers have been sparing in their efforts, with only the likes of a slightly restyled grille differentiating the updated version from its predecessor.
Given this generation of the A5 Coupé has only been around since 2016, you can understand why the firm hasn’t felt the need to force a design revolution, especially as Audi has long traded on pushing premium feel through restrained design. Certainly, unless you have particularly strong feelings about ventilation slits above grilles, there’s little here that will spark opinion and debate like the grille of the rival BMW 4 Series. Whether that’s a good thing or not is for you to decide.
Besides, the A5 Coupé’s minor external changes hide more progress elsewhere: the interior has been updated to bring it into line with its more modern sibling models, including the latest version of Audi’s infotainment system.
While most of the A5 Coupé’s mechanicals remain unchanged, Audi has revamped the engine range with the addition of 12V mild-hybrid technology across most of the line-up, including the 188bhp 40 TFSI tested here. The system uses a belt-driven alternator to harvest energy under braking, which is then used to boost efficiency - with a resultant slight increase in fuel economy and general refinement.
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Meaningless...
I just don't understand Audi's naming system, and I doubt if anybody else does either. "40 tfsi". What the hell is that supposed to mean? Whoever came up with this system should be taken out and shot.
A real grilling
As expected, much droning on by Autocar about the 4Series grill. But the A5's grill is actually bigger!
The mild-hybrid setup also seems to be fairly low tech. 12 volt, belt driven motor alternator and despite what the article says, it doesn't drive the car on the over-run. Both Jaguar and BMW run 48 volts and have a much more powerful unit built into the gearbox. Voorsprong? I don't think so.
Not for me either.
I agree with Peter C. I know the car makers have to recoup what looks like a wasted investment in hybrid technology, but £40K+, with the resulting high road tax bills for 5 years??