There's plenty to find familiar with the Audi A5 advanced, the successor to the A4 and A5 Sportback.
With electrification taking the world by storm, legacy car brands have reacted differently to the rise of the Chinese automakers and their deluge of EVs.
In many ways, it's a perfect storm of epic proportions that has confounded and flummoxed automotive brands that have been in business for the better part of half a century.
It shouldn't come as a big surprise, especially for those who regard the cheaper Chinese brands as the automotive equivalent of fast fashion. They keep up a relentless pace at a hard-to-resist bang-for-buck for as long as the respective brands continue to exist and haven't been absorbed/combined/divested/cancelled.
The objective is clear. Flood the world with relatively cheap and cheerful EVs and make the legacy brands sweat (and possibly go out of business?).
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If anything, Chinese EVs have democratised the automotive playing field, with edgy designs and glitzy cockpits slapped over electric 'skateboard' platforms. As tech appliances for A-to-B commutes, the average consumer is looking at snazzy features and bang-for-buck first, brand name second.
This goes some way towards explaining why consumers flock to the tech-laden Chinese brands over the electric offerings from the legacy brands.
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The most important asset that a legacy brand has is history and a recognisable brand identity. Instead of trying to compete in terms of being the cheapest (it is a zero-sum game), brands like Audi should play up their strengths, which includes maintaining a diverse assortment of models that includes EVs and ICE, like the A5 we're testing.
Besides, without the design language and UI 'baggage' that comes with a long legacy like the established brands, the Chinese brands effectively work with a clean slate, and can redefine and shape the brand identity as they choose.
Like BMW and Mercedes-Benz from the Teutonic triumvirate, Audi has undergone trial by fire, but we're glad to see it is moving ahead with a clearer direction. It's not going all-in with regards to EVs and it has decided to abandon its most recent model naming convention, which saw the use of odd numbers for ICE and even for EVs naming convention (to us, "e-tron" for EVs is easy enough to understand).
For long-time car enthusiasts like this writer, the important thing brands like Audi have over the newcomers is its strong brand identity and a sense of familiarity that can only come with many years of pedigreed history. We reckon this is something all the newcomers aspire to, not that we can blame them.
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There's an instant familiarity with the latest 'B10' A5, a model that is intended to succeed the previous A4 and A5 Sportback models. The mid-sized 'sedan' is underpinned by the Group's modular Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform and features a commodious 2892mm wheelbase.
The flexible PPC platform allows the integration of the technology required for hybridisation of the drivetrain and is also designed for future plug-in hybrids that feature a large lithium-ion battery.
The new A5 is a smart and sporty looker, with the front-end dominated by a wide, but flatter-proportioned "Singleframe" grille, complete with three-dimensional honeycomb structure.
The clean lines of the A5 are nicely complemented by inductive operated flush-mounted door handles, although the subtle musculature down its flanks gives it plenty of definition.
Towards the rear, the coupe-like roofline and liftback tailgate make for a dynamic impression, so it isn't just about making an executive statement. There's a sleek sophistication to the A5's design, so you'll never accuse it of being too much of one or the other.
Even at night, the A5 has a distinct visual identity that is augmented by the Matrix LED headlights and LED rear combination lights. The car practically comes alive when you unlock it, with the headlights performing a mesmerising lightshow rendition.
It's discreet, understated posh, with nothing too OTT or flashy to grab the eyes. Compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi has always been referred to as the "thinking man's" choice and the latest A5 is no exception.
Starting from just under $290k, the new model is offered in two trim levels for Singapore: the "A5 advanced" entry model that we're driving and the "A5 edition one", which costs $15k more, but features plenty of sporty "S Line" bits and bobs, as well as additional equipment over the "advanced".
The cabin's aesthetics are recognisably Audi, with digital elements integrated into the brand's design language. We like the continuity, not least because it is cohesive and consistent with the rest of its stablemates.
The twin screens segue with the cabin design language, rather than serve as focal points. We particularly like the four-spoke steering wheel, which is modern and nostalgic in equal measure.
It's been awhile since we've been in something that isn't a crossover, so the A5 is a welcome breath of fresh air. It feels nicely planted at speed and there's a smooth shove from the 2.0-litre engine to the tune of 204hp and 340Nm.
The pace is more leisurely than lightning quick, but with a 7.8 seconds 0-100km/h sprint time, the A5 is no slouch. For one thing, the power delivery is smooth and assured, especially since the accelerator pedal doesn't react like an EV's on/off switch.
This means the full complement of five occupants can enjoy a cossetting ride without the occasional heart-in-mouth sensation that often accompanies an EV's acceleration.
It isn't a hard or challenging car to drive, because the A5 lends itself naturally and easily to smooth motoring, especially with its supple suspension. It'll hustle reasonably briskly on demand, but it's happiest cruising around in an unhurried fashion.
Are you looking for an automobile or an appliance? We're deeply entrenched in the former camp, which could explain why we're hugely enamoured of any legacy brand's products.
An automobile not only boasts a long tradition, because the essence of this legacy can be appreciated in the design and nuances of its products, as opposed to a car built around a tablet.
As far as the A5 is concerned, familiarity certainly does not breed contempt.
Audi A5 "advanced" TFSI 150kW
Engine 1984cc, inline4, turbocharged
Power 204hp at 4300 - 6000rpm
Torque 340Nm at 2000 - 4000rpm
Transmission 7spd dual-clutch S tronic
0-100km/h 7.8secs
Top Speed 248km/h
