All-new Audi A5 officially launches in Singapore

Think of Audi in 2025, and its SUVs and e-tron models - which have rapidly become recognisable pillars of its modern lineup - may be among the first cars to come to mind. Still, in a world that's going electric quickly, the brand hasn't forgotten about one of the cornerstone-models that helped put it on the automotive map - even if its name has been changed slightly in step with the changing times.

Previewed initially at the grand opening of the House of Progress, the all-new Audi A5 Sedan has finally been launched in Singapore. Here's where you'll have to bear with some confusion for just a moment: Despite its name, the A5 Sedan is positioned as a successor not just to the previous five-door A5 Sportback, but also to the previous-generation A4 Sedan.

The A5 Sedan is the first Audi model to built atop of the PPC, and serves as joint successor for both the A4 Sedan and A5 Sportback. Despite its 'Sedan' billing, the car is actually a liftback

Also noteworthy is the fact that despite its 'Sedan' billing, the car is actually a liftback, with its electronic tailgate opening up to reveal a healthy 445 litres of capacity.

Before getting into its styling, the headlining act worth highlighting first and foremost is that the A5 marks Audi's first model to be built on its all-new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).

Audi states that the new platform allows for better integration of the technology required for mild hybrids and plug-in hybrids with large lithium-ion batteries, while allowing new models built atop of it to also adopt the E³ electronic architecture responsible for all of its latest-gen digital wizardry.

The A5 Sedan's width is emphasised with its new Singleframe grille, which is flatter and slimmer than the one on the A4 Sedan. As standard (in Singapore), the car also gets LED Matrix Head Lights that offer eight different daytime running light signatures

That's the technical stuff out of the way first. And as complex and advanced as all that may sound, the A5 should still strike longtime fans of the brand with its reassuring sense of familiarity.

While the traditional Audi-face hasn't evolved drastically, the car does get a slimmer and wider 'Singleframe' grille meant to emphasise its width and give it a sportier look. At the same time, while blurring the lines between coupe and three-box sedan, the new A5 also maintains a low-slung profile - especially when viewed from the side. The sleekness of the car is accentuated by its flushed electronic door handles.

Those who can appreciate a bit more individualisation will also be delighted to note that LED Matrix Head Lights are offered as standard equipment in Singapore, giving you eight selectable daytime running light signatures to choose from. In typical Audi fashion, expect an elaborate light show to greet you at the rear as well, with the car's new LED rear combination lights. 

The A5 Sedan's LED rear combination lamps put on a dazzling light show when you lock or unlock the car

Concurrently, the car has gotten quite the growth spurt over the previous A4 sedan, measuring a good 67mm longer, while boasting a generous wheelbase of 2,892mm. Apart from improving rear passenger legroom, Audi states that the extra length also raises the car's long-distance ride quality.

As mentioned earlier, the latest A5 also packs on all the newest advancements in digitalisation on the inside that we first saw on the Q6 e-tron.

Its dashboard is now crowned by a new 'Digital Stage' panoramic curved panel, comprising a full OLED digital driver's display and a 14.5-inch touchscreen, which jointly run Audi's latest-generation MMI.

The A5 Sedan also gets Audi's latest 'Digital Stage' dashboard, which houses both the driver's display and infotainment touchscreen on the same curved panel. With the Audi App Store now integrated, drivers can also download apps directly into the native infotainment system

New layout aside, this now opens drivers up to the option of downloading apps such as Spotify and YouTube directly into the native infotainment system via the Audi App Store. When Sgcarmart tinkered around with the car, we already saw the likes of Stingray Karaoke and sports-streaming service app, DAZN (announced just last week) had been made available.

Like the Q6 e-tron, the A5 can even be equipped with an optional passenger display - said to be a $3,400 upgrade - so that whoever is riding along up front can be savour all the entertainment options on offer. (Fret not about the driver being distracted; the passenger display comes with an active privacy shutter that is activated when the car is on the go.)

Offered in two trims, the A5 also arrives with a generous sweep of features as standard. 

Standard equipment - already found on the Advanced trim - includes a tri-zone automatic air-conditioning, and a full suite of driving assistance systems

On top of those LED Matrix Head Lights and LED rear combination lights, the 'entry-level' Advanced trim already gets a wireless phone charger up front, tri-zone air-conditioning, and crucially, a full suite of driving assistance systems. Beyond the standard fare features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning, the list also includes Side Assist and Exit Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Assist (inclusive of Rear Turn Assist).

Stepping up to the Edition 1 - a $15,000 premium - packs on Audi's S line package, giving the A5 Sedan not just more aggressive styling and 19-inch wheels (one size larger than on the Advanced trim), but a sports suspension that lowers the car's ride height by 20mm. Likewise, the interior gets the S line treatment, a head-up display, and even a Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound system to take enjoyment of your Spotify playlists to the next level.

Regardless of which trim they go for, drivers should be easily satisfied with the performance available. 

The A5 Sedan is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that sends 201bhp and 340Nm of torque to the front wheels

Under the A5's long hood lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that sends a healthy 201bhp and 340Nm of torque to the front wheels, with the latter already arriving between 2,000 and 4,000rpm. Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the A5 Sedan will complete the century sprint in 7.8 seconds. Raw power aside, the car should also be more engaging from behind the wheel thanks to its enhanced progressive steering.

If it's more power that you want still, however, don't look away just yet: The all-new S5 Sedan has also been confirmed for Singapore, with its eventual arrival and pricing to be announced at a later date.

Audi Singapore has already teased the fact that the S5 will pack on a more generous list of standard equipment - but its most tantalising asset will unsurprisingly be its mild hybrid, turbocharged V6, which can punch out a maximum of 362bhp and 550Nm of torque. Equipped with Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, the performance sedan can also crack the 100km/h mark from rest in just 4.5 seconds.

The Audi A5 Sedan is now on sale in Singapore, and can be viewed in person at the Audi House of Progress Singapore at Cross Street Exchange, where it now holds the honour of the space's 'hero car'. Prices start at $287,999, inclusive of COE.