With Rear Window Opening, Spacious Trunk... Larger Audi A5 Proves "The Internal Combustion Engine Is Still Alive" [Tabolleo]

Test Drive of the New Audi A5 Sedan
Spacious Interior Compared to Competing Models
Practicality Enhanced with Trunk Opening to Rear Window
Equipped with Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio System

"The internal combustion engine is still alive."

Audi midsize sedan A5. Provided by Audi Korea

This is what domestic automotive journalists said after test-driving the newly launched Audi midsize sedan A5. The Korean press unanimously agreed that, even in an era dominated by electric and hybrid vehicles, the A5 allowed them to rediscover the appeal of internal combustion engine cars.

The third-generation Audi A5 has returned as a fully redesigned model after eight years. It features the latest platform and new digital technologies, while retaining Audi's signature internal combustion engineering prowess. Industry insiders are evaluating the A5 as a "state-of-the-art internal combustion vehicle," noting that it once again demonstrates technical excellence and a refined driving experience. To find out the true limits of Audi's internal combustion technology, we took the Audi A5 40 TFSI Quattro S Line Black Edition for a test drive around Paju, Gyeonggi Province.

The exterior design is striking, with a sleek sportback-style roofline and a robust body. Audi's signature sporty yet sophisticated design immediately stands out. The new A5 is larger than its predecessor, with its overall length increased by 65 mm, width by 15 mm, and height by 25 mm. It definitely appears bigger than competing models like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series.

The wheelbase, which determines the size of the interior space (the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels), is 2,892 mm. This is up to 40 mm longer than its competitors. While 40 mm may not sound like much, in midsize and smaller vehicles where interior space is at a premium, even a 10 mm difference can feel significant. For rear-seat passengers, an extra 40 mm means a much more comfortable ride.

Audi was able to expand the body and interior space thanks to the newly introduced "PPC (Premium Platform Combustion)." This platform was developed exclusively by Audi for internal combustion and hybrid models. The new A5 is the first model to feature the PPC platform.

Audi midsize sedan A5. Provided by Audi Korea

Another strength of the A5 is its trunk, which opens together with the rear window. The trunk itself is spacious, and its capacity expands from 445 liters to over 700 liters when the rear seats are folded down. The rear window opening makes it easy to load and unload large items, and you don't have to bend over as much when loading luggage. Although it is a midsize sedan, the rear seats and trunk are highly versatile. For a family of three, it could easily serve as a family car.

I sat in the driver's seat and took it for a spin. The stable ride typical of sedans, combined with Audi's precise handling, made for a lively and refreshing driving experience. Compared to larger vehicles or SUVs, the smaller body made it easier to navigate narrow alleys or winding underground parking lots in shopping centers.

The "A5 40 TFSI Quattro S Line Black Edition" I drove is equipped with a gasoline engine producing a maximum output of 204 horsepower and a maximum torque of 34.67 kg·m. The official combined fuel efficiency is 10.8 km/l. In real-world driving, fuel efficiency varied significantly depending on conditions, but on average, it recorded around 7 km per liter.

The interior is luxurious, and the infotainment system incorporates the latest technology. The 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit Plus serves as the instrument cluster, and the 14.5-inch MMI Touch Center Display, which functions as the navigation screen, is curved toward the driver. Next to it, there is a separate 10.9-inch display for the front passenger, who can use it to watch YouTube or listen to music.

Audi mid-size sedan A5 interior. Photo by Woo Suyeon

Audi mid-size sedan A5 trunk opened view. Photo by Woo Suyeon

Another impressive feature was the A5's audio system. The S Line trim I tested comes standard with the "Tech Package," which includes the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System. For a midsize sedan, a lot of attention has clearly been paid to the audio. In domestic cars, the sound can be inconsistent when navigation and music audio overlap, which can be inconvenient. In this car, the two audio sources blend harmoniously, making for a pleasant driving experience. The speakers installed in the driver's seat headrest deliver important driving information directly to the driver's ears, almost as if whispering, which was also a nice touch.

There were two minor drawbacks. The first was the "switchable panoramic roof," which allows you to adjust transparency with a button. However, during the midday summer heat, you could feel the hot air directly above your head. In midsummer, parking in an underground garage would be essential. The second was that the infotainment system, which handles navigation searches and voice recognition commands, felt somewhat slow to respond.

The domestic price of this car (A5 40 TFSI Quattro S Line Black Edition) is 67.71 million won. The base trim of the same model, the A5 40 TFSI Quattro, starts at 57.89 million won. Considering the options, it is competitively priced compared to imported rivals in the same segment. The third-generation A5 still seems to be a solid choice for consumers seeking the appeal of an internal combustion sedan.