cars news 10: Five-Door Audi A5/S5 Sportback Debuts for Europe

Audi has unveiled the five-door Sportback variant of the A5 and S5 for Europe. Though we still don’t have confirmation, the new 2018 Audi A5 Sportback is rumored to come to the U.S., which would mark the first time the body style is offered on our shores.

The A5 Sportback wears the front end of the A5 coupe, but features a wheelbase stretched by 2 inches to help accommodate the two extra doors. The rear uses taillights similar to those found on the coupe, but like the A7 gets a liftgate for the cargo area. Like the coupe, the Sportback receives a mixed-material body that makes it 33.1 pounds lighter than the previous generation, which wasn’t offered in the U.S.

2018 Audi S5 Sportback European Spec top view in motion

2018 Audi S5 Sportback European Spec front view 02

2018 Audi S5 Sportback European Spec front three quarter 02

2018 Audi S5 Sportback European Spec front view 01

2018 Audi S5 Sportback European Spec headlamp

In Europe, the A5 Sportback will come with two available gas engines and three diesel options. If it comes to the U.S., we’ll probably get the same 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI four-cylinder offered in the A5 coupe. That engine makes 248 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque in the A4 sedan. It’s unclear if a diesel engine will be offered for our market given the recent emissions scandal. The S5 Sportback is powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 as the S5 coupe, which makes 349 hp or 16 hp more than the previous supercharged V-6. With standard Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, the S5 Sportback is estimated to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155.3 mph.

Inside, traditional analog gauges come standard, but Audi’s Virtual Cockpit gauge display is available. That option includes a high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT screen that can be configured by the driver to show whatever info is desired. A head-up display is also available as is Audi’s MMI navigation plus infotainment system with MMI touch and smartphone integration.

The Audi A5 and S5 Sportback go on sale in Germany and other European countries in early 2017. If the rumors prove to be true, expect to see the Sportback arrive in the U.S. to do battle with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe sometime after.

Source: Audi