Facelifted 2019 Audi A5 breaks cover

The updated Audi A5 has been revealed. In a relatively small facelift, the new A5 gets similar lights to the new Audi A4 range and a new MMI touch system inside. The updated model will be available to order in autumn before arriving in dealerships in early 2020. UK prices are yet to be released but in Germany the car will start from €42,900 (around £38,500).

Audi’s nip and tuck has given the A5 new lights, which have broad LED elements to bring the look of the A5 into line with the A4 and S4. The grille is slightly wider and flatter, and if you look closely you’ll see three ventilation ducts at the top, which we’ve already seen on the latest Audi A1. At the back, there’s a new diffuser insert and redesigned exhaust finishers. A new metallic paint shade, District Green, brings the standard colour palette to 12. The Audi A5 Cabriolet, meanwhile, gets a different front bumper with a full-width lower air intake.

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Inside, there’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s much larger than the one used in the outgoing model. It loses the rotary controller of the old system and has more computing power than before. The sat nav learns the routes you take and suggests them in future, and a range of online services bring traffic sign and hazard information, help you find an on-street parking space and can tell you if local traffic lights are about to change.

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Available as an optional extra until now, the impressive Virtual Cockpit digital driver’s display is fitted as standard across the range, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot and LED headlights. Even entry-level models will live up to the premium tag; all will also feature three-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, heated seats and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - so you can use your phone’s functions instead of Audi’s infotainment system. Optionally, you can also have a head-up display, extended smartphone connectivity and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

The Audi A5 range will feature both petrol and diesel engines, predominantly of 2.0 litres. The diesel engine is new, and will be available with up to 202bhp - up 15bhp over the current engine - while a 148bhp 1.5-litre petrol may be introduced as the base engine. The powerful S5 now uses a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine with 342bhp, and all S5 models accelerate from 0-62mph in under five seconds.

Many models feature Audi’s mild-hybrid technology, which reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and helps to increase power slightly. The engine will completely cut off when you’re not using the accelerator, and four-wheel-drive quattro versions will seamlessly switch to two-wheel drive to save fuel.

Audi claims up to 48.7mpg for the 187bhp 40 TFSI petrol engine, 55.4mpg for the 45 TDI diesel (which may not come to the UK) and 46.3mpg for the S5, although these figures were achieved on the outdated NEDC emissions test. As a result, you’ll struggle to see these figures in real life - expect around 40, 50 and 43mpg respectively.

These changes will carry over to the Audi A5 coupe and convertible, and prices aren’t set to change too much. Entry-level models will start from just under £35,000, while the S5 will command around £10,000 more.

See how the Audi A5 compares to the Mercedes C-Class Coupe and BMW 4 Series.