SLEEK LOOKS A5 set to rival Mercedes Benz CLK and BMW 3 Series Coupe

By Justin Lee

AUDI DISTRIBUTOR PREMIUM Automobiles has received more than 60 combined bookings for the A5 and the sportier S5 before the cars’ local debut.

These models will enter the highly contested premium coupe market and do battle with established German rivals such as the Mercedes Benz CLK and BMW 3 Series coupe.

The cars sport a sleek low profile silhouette inspired by the Nuvolari concept study showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003.

The A5 will come with either 1.8 TFSI or 3.2 FSI engines. The former is mated to Audi’s multitronic CVT transmission with seven preset ratios while the latter is coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The S5 is equipped with the 4.2 FSI engine and six speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting. The A5 3.2 FSI and S5 also come with Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive system.

Power outputs for the A5 1.8 TFSI are 170bhp and 250Nm with 0-100km/h achieved in 8.4 seconds along with a top speed of 228km/h.

The A5 3.2 FSI weighs in with 265bhp and 330Nm with an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h and 0-100km/h timing of 6.1 seconds.

The hardcore performance oriented S5 has 350bhp and 440Nm of torque with 0-100km/h timing of 5.1 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h.

Pricing for the A5 and S5 is as follows:

A5 1.8 TFSI - $171,600

A5 3.2 FSI – $205,600

S5 4.2 FSI – $245,000