Audi waited for the second generation of their A5 and S5 Sportback models to introduce them to the US market where they will compete against the BMW 4-Series GC, while also nabbing buyers from the likes of the regular Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and other premium compact sedans.
Like the new A5 Coupe range, the Sportback models made their debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show and retain the updated design of the Euro-spec cars. They will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the spring of 2017.
In the States, the new Audi A5 Sportback will be offered with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 252 hp and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) of torque. When joined with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, it will accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.7 seconds, just 0.1 slower than the A5 Coupe.
The more potent S5 Sportback features a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 engine delivering 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the A5, it has an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that helps to achieve a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds.
Key mechanical similarities between the duo is quattro all-wheel drive, a self-locking center differential, wheel-selective torque control, redesigned front five-link suspension and an optimized position for the steering-rack.
Just like the variants offered elsewhere around the world, U.S.-bound A5 and S5 Sportback models are offered with the same 7.0-inch or 8.3-inch infotainment systems alongside Audi’s ever-impressive 12.3-inch virtual cockpit.
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