A5/S5 Sportback confrimed for North America

[JohnEnglish]

We all knew it was coming but still nice to see official confirmation. Will be arriving in the spring. Now we just need to see an announcement for the RS5 Sportback.

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/11/15/2...-9745-america/

2018 Audi A5 and S5 Sportbacks are coming to America

Fans of hatchbacks have cause for celebration, because Audi confirmed the 2018 A5 and S5 Sportback models are coming to the US. The five-door variant of the classy A5 coupe and convertible line will appear in America this spring. Pricing was not announced.

While we will be getting the hatchback, we won't get every powertrain option offered in Europe. Those versions will be offered with an array of gas and diesel engines, and some will be available with a manual transmission. We'll only get two engines here, and they both come with automatics. The standard A5 Sportback will come with the same turbocharged four-cylinder as the A5 coupe and convertible and the A4 sedan. It makes 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque of torque and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The S5 Sportback gets the same 354-horsepower turbocharged V6, which also makes 369 lb-ft of torque and sends power through a conventional 8-speed automatic. Both Sportback models are nearly as fast as their two-door siblings, reaching 60 mph in 5.7 and 4.5 seconds respectively. That's just a tenth of a second slower than either coupe. The Sportback also has one more difference compared with the European version. All American A5 Sportback models will come with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive.

The Sportbacks feature similar interiors to their coupe and convertible brethren, along with the same infotainment options. This includes the available Virtual Cockpit LCD instrument panel and MMI system. Of course the biggest difference between the Sportback and the two-door models is space. Audi claims the Sportback has twice as much cargo room as the coupe. And the back seat will obviously be much more comfortable and usable.

You don't sacrifice too much in style, either. The A5 coupe's distinctive, Coke-bottle character line has made the transition to a longer profile gracefully, and it's complemented by the greenhouse inspired by the bigger A7 Sportback. So if you've always wanted an A5 for its looks, but felt you needed something more practical, you won't have to compromise with the Sportback.

[AUDIMAN33]

Will the S5 and A5 arrive at the same time?

[JohnEnglish]

Will the S5 and A5 arrive at the same time?

That's what it looks like. The official press release announced both vehicles and it said that they would be arriving in the US in spring 2017.

[Loe]

i've already seen it on the roads in FL Audi test vehicle...I love living near Audi's test facility near Pinellas Park, FL

[mcbuck]

I'm sorry, I just don't love the B9. With 4 doors it looks even more like a Honda.

[JohnEnglish]

i've already seen it on the roads in FL Audi test vehicle...I love living near Audi's test facility near Pinellas Park, FL

That looks like the one that was shipped over by plane that people were posting pictures of a few months ago.

[dseag2]

Looks like a beauty to me!

[doug97gxe]

[JetCityQuattro]

Is anyone able to do a photoshop to the S5 SB to give it the mops treatment - spacers and an appropriate drop? I am thinking it's going to need 20's for sure....the 19's look a bit small?

[JohnEnglish]

20s are optional. They're 265/35 R20.

[JetCityQuattro]

Sweet! Would love to see what this will look like with appropriate drop and spacers.

20s are optional. They're 265/35 R20.

[JohnEnglish]

Sweet! Would love to see what this will look like with appropriate drop and spacers.

Well, this is what it looks like from the factory on 20s. I was mistaken, the tire size is 265/30 R20. You can see that in the close up.




Close up

[AppDevNJ72]

I know it may still be too early, but does anyone know whether the US version of the 2018 A5/S5 Sportback will have remote start and wireless charging? I will probably be cross-shopping this car with the 2018 Genesis G80 Sport, which is also coming out in the spring of 2017. It will probably come down to which car has the most value for the money based on features/cost.

[JohnEnglish]

I know it may still be too early, but does anyone know whether the US version of the 2018 A5/S5 Sportback will have remote start and wireless charging? I will probably be cross-shopping this car with the 2018 Genesis G80 Sport, which is also coming out in the spring of 2017. It will probably come down to which car has the most value for the money based on features/cost.

Well the new A4/S4, A3/S3/RS3, TT/TTS/TTRS, Q7, and Q5 all have wireless charging (Qi) so I don't see why the A5/S5 wouldn't. None of them have factory remote start as an option though.

[JetCityQuattro]

Very cool. Thanks! a drop and some spacers and that thing is going to look spot on.

Well, this is what it looks like from the factory on 20s. I was mistaken, the tire size is 265/30 R20. You can see that in the close up.




Close up

[Stratman22]

Will the S5 and A5 arrive at the same time?

That's what my dealer said too. Both will be available in March 17'. I can't decide between the sports back and coupe. It definitely needs 20's either way. He also said it will have wireless charging. I didn't ask about remote start. Not a fan of that.

[JohnEnglish]

That's what my dealer said too. Both will be available in March 17'. I can't decide between the sports back and coupe. It definitely needs 20's either way. He also said it will have wireless charging. I didn't ask about remote start. Not a fan of that.

Yes, all new Audis have Qi wireless charging. No idea if it's standard or an option. No remote start. You'll be able to lock/unlock doors, check vehicle status, maybe roll windows up and down. In Europe you'll also be able to turn the auxiliary heater off and on but that option isn't available in North America.

[doug97gxe]

the sportback is on audiusa.com now https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s5-sportback

oh the new Q5 is up too https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-q5/2018

[dseag2]

the sportback is on audiusa.com now https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s5-sportback

oh the new Q5 is up too https://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-q5/2018

Thanks!

[doug97gxe]

Thanks!

no prob

[MrSkimo]

That's what my dealer said too. Both will be available in March 17'. I can't decide between the sports back and coupe. It definitely needs 20's either way. He also said it will have wireless charging. I didn't ask about remote start. Not a fan of that.

I called my dealer to ask about ordering for European Delivery in late May and was told that "because of their low allocation, it won't be available to order for ED until Aug/Sep". Wouldn't it make sense that it would be available for pickup in Germany earlier than it would be in US dealerships? And...I always thought that ED was outside of dealer's allocation. Can anyone confirm?

[Stratman22]

I called my dealer to ask about ordering for European Delivery in late May and was told that "because of their low allocation, it won't be available to order for ED until Aug/Sep". Wouldn't it make sense that it would be available for pickup in Germany earlier than it would be in US dealerships? And...I always thought that ED was outside of dealer's allocation. Can anyone confirm?

Hmm, you would think so!?

I spoke with my dealer last week and he said orders in March/April with delivery in June/July. Which is later/delayed than what he told me in November. I wonder if something's gone wrong in the supply chain....

[plat]

For all those who are interested, the B9 A5 & S5 configurator (Coupe, SB, and Cab) is already up and running in the Audi Canada website. Enjoy!

[Maxxis]

At a private screening in Munich have shown RS5 Sportback. Information deemed reliable.

[JohnEnglish]

http://ca.motor1.com/news/133453/aud...-specs-leaked/

[plat]

At a private screening in Munich have shown RS5 Sportback. Information deemed reliable.

Do you know if the next RS5 will only be in Sportback form or will it also be in coupe and cab form?

Update: The link in the post by JohnEnglish above just answered my question. I can't wait to see which version North America will get. Will it be an RS5 Sportback or Coupe?

[JohnEnglish]

Do you know if the next RS5 will only be in Sportback form or will it also be in coupe and cab form?

Update: The link in the post by JohnEnglish above just answered my question. I can't wait to see which version North America will get. Will it be an RS5 Sportback or Coupe?

Audi suggests both, but not the RS4 Avant. The RS5 is already confirmed as a 2018 launch from the release guide that was leaked in the spring along with the RS3 photos:




From a Car and Driver interview with the head of Audi Sport:

The more pressing question is whether the new RS4 will make it to the U.S. He confirmed that it will launch as an Avant station wagon, saying, “that is what people expect from the RS4.” Based on past experience, that means Audi America is likely to deny it to us. So will there be a sedan? He suggested not: “we have to think of where we want to sell cars, and what is expected there. The potential in China and the U.S. for RS models is getting us thinking about body styles that may work there—maybe a hatchback, like the RS7.”

[plat]

Audi suggests both, but not the RS4 Avant. The RS5 is already confirmed as a 2018 launch from the release guide that was leaked in the spring along with the RS3 photos:

I don't get it but I understand consumers' shift from 5-door wagons (e.g. Mazda 3) to Compact/Mid-size/Full-size SUV's. Even Subaru ditched their 5-door wagon WRX. However, I still feel they should make the Avant available for those who want it, even if it incurs a slight premium. The Avant can be Audi USA/Canada's 'unique selling proposition' that (virtually) has no other competitor. They can make the RS4 Avant some sort of marketing tool that communicates Audi's passion for sporty and cutting-edge vehicles.

[JohnEnglish]

I don't get it but I understand consumers' shift from 5-door wagons (e.g. Mazda 3) to Compact/Mid-size/Full-size SUV's. Even Subaru ditched their 5-door wagon WRX. However, I still feel they should make the Avant available for those who want it, even if it incurs a slight premium. The Avant can be Audi USA/Canada's 'unique selling proposition' that (virtually) has no other competitor. They can make the RS4 Avant some sort of marketing tool that communicates Audi's passion for sporty and cutting-edge vehicles.

The problem is the millions it costs to certify and import the Avant for the North American market. It didn't make sense before and now with dieselgate it makes even less financial sense.

[plat]

The problem is the millions it costs to certify and import the Avant for the North American market. It didn't make sense before and now with dieselgate it makes even less financial sense.

I agree with you about the cost of certifying and importing the Avant. However, I don't think diesel-gate has hurt Audi sales compared to VW's. Audi sales is going strong in North America. Here's a sales chart that covers the 2006 to 2015 period:


Sales in 2016 grew 4% from 2015 sales. https://www.audiusa.com/newsroom/new...record-in-2016

[JohnEnglish]

I agree with you about the cost of certifying and importing the Avant. However, I don't think diesel-gate has hurt Audi sales compared to VW's. Audi sales is going strong in North America. Here's a sales chart that covers the 2006 to 2015 period:


Sales in 2016 grew 4% from 2015 sales. https://www.audiusa.com/newsroom/new...record-in-2016

You're right. However, since Audi is part of VAG the fallout from dieselgate impacts them too. That's why Audi pulled out of LeMans and why Audi is rumoured to be stopping future development in its own platforms and instead share platforms with VW and Porsche. All VAG divisions have been order to drastically reduce costs.

[MrSkimo]

Anyone seen/heard confirmation on US release date yet? It is still listed as a future model on the audiusa website.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Anyone seen/heard confirmation on US release date yet? It is still listed as a future model on the audiusa website.

We're supposed see the S5 SB first of June. But with the S4's still at port/other delays, we might not see until a month or so later.

[CARGUYROB]

Any information on length and dimensions? Just wondering how much larger it will be than a S5 or S4.

[plat]

B9 Audi S4 Sedan Dimensions:


B9 Audi S5 Coupe Dimensions:


B9 Audi S5 Sportback Dimensions:

[JetCityQuattro]

I don't think 20's are available to order??

[MrSkimo]

Mops - I was told today that it is the A5 Sportback that is being released in June, but the S5 Sportback will not be released until later in the year. Anyone else hear that?

[JohnEnglish]

I don't think 20's are available to order??

The Paris Autoshow had an S5 Sportback on 20s with a 265 width. Maybe it's a Europe only thing or something that'll be available later on.

[MrSkimo]

So - just an update. Clearly the information I received about the S5 being released later in the year was not correct. The plan as I understand it is to release the A5/S5 Sportback pretty much simultaneously. The colors and options for the 2018 S5 Sportback have been released to dealers in the US. Target release is June 1. They are taking orders from dealers now.

FWIW - Bradley Boyer, Marketing Coordinator for Euro Delivery at AoA, has been extremely helpful in me getting things sorted out with my local dealer. If you are considering a Euro Delivery, I highly recommend that you loop them in as soon as reasonable.

- MrSkimo