Photo: SB-Medien
Audi has just made major changes to its range of compact executive cars, including a new look for the A4 and a 347 horsepower TDI going into almost half the cars that wear an S badge. However, we have fresh spyshots of an S5 Sportback getting ready to have a facelift.
This prototype is one of many A5 and S5 models seen in the past couple of weeks. However, the carparazzi were able to get much closer than before and snapped details we were curious to see.
Starting with the single shot of the interior, this is enough to reveal everything that's going on. The biggest upgrade is a 10-inch infotainment system that's controlled via touch and sits more like a tablet. This also means the MMI dial (and buttons) are deleted, their place being taken by a small storage bin. The climate control unit has also been refreshed here.
On the outside, Audi has played around with the bumpers and installed refurbished lights, which have an X motif at the front. Call us old-fashioned, but we still think an S5 is supposed to have horizontal bars in the grille and silver mirror caps. In this regard, the facelift seems just as pointless as the one for the TTS.
Normally, an automaker would only do that if it's developing a fresh powertrain. It's possible that a new TFSI setup is being developed. The one we're thinking about is the "55 TFSI e" from the Q5. It makes 367 horsepower from a combination of the 252 HP 2-liter turbo and an electric motor.
It sounds perfect for the S5 Sportback, with the model being expensive and all. Unfortunately, we don't see a charging door, which should be on the left rear fender. Another possibility would be the 2.5 TFSI. If we remember correctly, the Ur-S4 also had a 5-cylinder turbo.
Starting with the single shot of the interior, this is enough to reveal everything that's going on. The biggest upgrade is a 10-inch infotainment system that's controlled via touch and sits more like a tablet. This also means the MMI dial (and buttons) are deleted, their place being taken by a small storage bin. The climate control unit has also been refreshed here.
On the outside, Audi has played around with the bumpers and installed refurbished lights, which have an X motif at the front. Call us old-fashioned, but we still think an S5 is supposed to have horizontal bars in the grille and silver mirror caps. In this regard, the facelift seems just as pointless as the one for the TTS.
What's under the hood?
As we've already mentioned, the S5 just got a 3.0 TDI in Europe. It replaces the old single-turbo V6 and boasts the electric supercharger and a mild-hybrid system, both of which rely on a 48V electric architecture. So we find it a little strange that the Nurburgring test prototype features measuring equipment on all of its wheels.Normally, an automaker would only do that if it's developing a fresh powertrain. It's possible that a new TFSI setup is being developed. The one we're thinking about is the "55 TFSI e" from the Q5. It makes 367 horsepower from a combination of the 252 HP 2-liter turbo and an electric motor.
It sounds perfect for the S5 Sportback, with the model being expensive and all. Unfortunately, we don't see a charging door, which should be on the left rear fender. Another possibility would be the 2.5 TFSI. If we remember correctly, the Ur-S4 also had a 5-cylinder turbo.
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