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First Look

This is it: the brand new Audi S5

All-new A5 and S5 Coupe revealed; range-topper gets turbocharged 349bhp 3.0-litre V6

Published: 02 Jun 2016

Watch out, BMW 4-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: Audi has revitalised its A5 and S5 Coupes, and the results are thus. They are faster, more efficient and lighter than before.

But then you expected as much, right? Unveiled today on an Internet not very far away, you'll notice it's a handsome thing, following Audi's new design DNA with a flatter grille, long bonnet and shorter overhangs. We'll start with the one you're most interested in; the one with the most power. The new S5.

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The newly-developed 3.0-litre V6 is now turbocharged to the tune of 349 horsepowers - 20 horsepowers more than the outgoing S5 Coupe - and paired up with an eight-speed auto and standard fit four-wheel-drive. Because quattro, obvs. So equipped, said S5 will accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. For reference, the closest BMW gets is the 440i, which provides 322bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.2s (5.4s for the auto). Mercedes-Benz? Well, step forward the more powerful AMG C43 - this gets 362bhp, and a 0-62mph time of 4.0s flat.

But enough with the numbers. Well, nearly enough. Regular A5s (the ones more of you will buy) get the option of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol or 2.0-litre diesel, and a pair of 3.0-litre TDIs, with power outputs ranging from 187bhp to 282bhp. A six-speed manual and seven-speed auto is also available on the lesser cars, but only the big boy diesel and S5 get the eight-speed 'box. Those currently ironing their nomex will be glad to hear Audi offers up a diff, too.

The chassis, said to be 'all-new', can be specced with adaptive dampers and dynamic steering, but in either case, we're promised the A5 will be able to handle "narrow, winding mountain roads and long trips on the Autobahn with equal aplomb". If you don't live near a mountain or an Autobahn, we'll have to wait until we drive it to see how it fares in the so-called 'real world'.

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But, it should be pointier. Audi has managed to carve out 60kg over the old A5. From where we have no idea. There's also more space inside, in what we imagine is an impeccably built cabin with internal acoustics apparently on a par with 'luxury' models, and a bigger boot. Most importantly, it comes with Audi's rather excellent 'Virtual Cockpit' (though as an option), which packs in a 12.3in TFT display, and an 8.3in MMI nav system. We're told it follows the logic of a smartphone, and there's even voice recognition, lots of Internet and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Assistance is up, too. There's a fuel-saving assistant, lane assistant, adaptive cruise control and lots more, including camera-based traffic sign recognition.

No UK pricing has yet been announced, because it's not yet on sale. But we'll keep you posted.

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