It would be fair to say that Audi’s new A5 Sportback addresses a niche that very few outside of the Ingolstadt manufacturer considered necessary to fill. Is it a ‘slightly’ more versatile take on the A5 Coupe, or a new model in itself?

We suspect that many people will want to see it on the road before drawing their own conclusions, so to encourage this assessment Audi have chosen to reveal their most sporting version of the new Sportback model line, the S5 Sportback.

Engine and drivetrain

This five-door coupé is propelled by a three-litre V6 with a mechanical compressor as used in the S4 and S5 Coupe. From a displacement of 2,995 cc the compact turbo engine delivers 333PS and 440 Nm (324.53 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. The S5 Sportback is claimed to sprint from 0 to 62mph in 5.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 155mph. Fuel economy is stated as 29.1mpg (combined).

The powertrain of the Audi S5 Sportback incorporates a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. An optional sport differential can be specified, which variably distributes power on the rear axle between the rear wheels.

Standard features

The new S5 Sportback naturally features sports suspension and rides on 18-inch aluminium wheels fitted with 245/40 tyres combined with black brake calipers adorned with the now familiar S5 emblems at the front. Speed-dependent servotronic steering is also standard. Most of its remaining specification seems to follow the form set by the S5 Coupe, with electrically adjustable S sports seats fitted up front covered with Silk Nappa leather.

When will it be available?

Sales of the Audi S5 Sportback will start in Spring 2010 and its basic price in Germany will be 57,900 euros. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Audi S5 Sportback

audi s5 s5 sportback sportback