- The 2020 Audi A5 ushers in the second generation of the A5 model lineup.
- Two different engines are on offer, as well as Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive.
- Numerous tech and connectivity features decorate the inside of the new A5.
When Audi first rolled out the A5, they were all over the place up here in Seattle. I put that down to three factors: 1 – Audis and their quattro system have always been popular in the Pacific Northwest; 2 – there’s lots of Microsoft money in the Pacific Northwest; and 3 – these things are very good looking cars. Even in other locations, everybody I ever heard mention them always said how sharp the cars are. I know stuff like this is subjective, but there’s no way anyone is going to call these cars unattractive.
So Audi has a lot riding on the 2020 A5. They don’t want to do anything to screw up this moneymaker. And they haven’t.
One Hot Tamale
Although the engine and tech features are impressive, let’s look at the A5’s strongest point, its design. This second gen of the A5 model line is updated with Audi’s new design language to highlight its handsome body. For 2020, Audi has significantly updated the exterior with the front end baring a more powerful presence on the road versus the previous model. The grille, with its Singleframe design and honeycomb lattice, is flatter and wider for 2020. The ventilation slits above the grille are a throwback to the 1984 Audi Sport quattro.
Every A5 model is standard with LED headlights and LED taillights, while Matrix-design LED headlights are included on the Premium Plus trim. The Prestige trim gets Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi laser lights that also feature leaving and coming home animations. The video below from AutoMotoTV explains more.
Additional Style Points
If you want even more bling, that’s actually anti-bling, there’s an available Black optic package that adds black exterior trim and 19-inch, 5-arm-pylon design, titanium-finish wheels wrapped in summer tires. Body color door handles and Aluminum Ellipse Dark inlays are also included on Sportback models.
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Available for the coupe (and coupe only) is the S line interior package. It includes a flat-bottom steering wheel with an S badge, Alcantara seats, brushed aluminum inlays, and stainless steel pedal caps.
What Engine Does The 2020 Audi A5 Have?
As good looking as the A5 is, it’s also got the stuff under the hood, literally. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter TFSI unit that puts out 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft. of torque. When hooked to the seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, the new A5 coupe hits 60 in 5.6 seconds. The siblings are a little slower, with the Sportback clocking in at 5.7 seconds and the Cabriolet doing it in six.
- Related: Here is what you might pay to maintenance a new Audi.
The optional plant is a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 that cranks out 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. It can run from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds; the Sportback does it in 4.5 seconds and the Cabriolet in 4.8 seconds. The transmission for the V6 is better too. It’s an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic that has lower gears with shorter ratios and longer upper gears to reduce engine revs. The combination helps with acceleration and gas mileage.
2020 Audi A5: Essential Foundations
Audi drive select is standard with four different modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, and individual. A sport suspension is available for a firmer setup, and S5 models have a Sport adaptive damping suspension available as part of the S sport package. That offers an upgraded suspension, red brake calipers, and a sport-rear differential. Dynamic steering is available with its variable ratio that adjusts based on speed and the Audi drive select settings.
- Related: A complete look at the changes and updates for 2020 Audi lineup.
Interior Themes: Virtual Assistant
The interior features a large MMI touch display and a large 10.1-inch touchscreen with the all-new and faster MIB 3 infotainment system. The MIB 3 system, available for every A5, helps out with route planning and traffic forecasts, and features “acoustic feedback” to enhance ease of use. Audi says drivers can speak both commands and questions, to which the A5 will provide feedback through on-board stored data or available information from the cloud. The 2020 Audi A5 can also recognize hand-written commands.
The second-generation Audi virtual cockpit is available with three viewing modes. Audi says the 12.3-inch display (1920 x 720 pixels) increases the navigating experience through Google Earth imagery and/or 3D city maps.
Interior Themes: Lights & Sounds
Other highlights include a panoramic sunroof; three-zone climate control; ambient LED interior lighting; or the available multi-color LED interior lighting plus package. Tunes are handled via the available Bang & Olufsen sound system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier that puts out a whopping 705 watts.
How Much Is The 2020 Audi A5?
With destination, starting price for the 2020 Audi A5 is $43,895. The chart below shows the pricing by trim level. Seriously, this is a good looking car and probably worth every dime.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
Photos & Source: Audi of America, Inc.
Video: AutoMotoTV.
