Audi has been somewhat lethargic when it comes to new models in recent years, but now it seems the Ingolstadt-based company is back. There is still a lot to come in the next few months. But despite the obsessive electric optimism of its own boss Gernot Döllner ("The future of the car is clearly electric"), one of the most important Audis of the next few years will still be burning petrol.
We are of course talking about the new Audi A5 , which made a rather strong and pleasing debut at the beginning of the week. So things are finally happening in the premium D-segment, probably still the German motorist's favourite child. Can the new A5 Avant (which will account for 80 per cent of all A5 sales in Germany) hold its own against the top dogs, the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate ? We dare to make an early comparison.
All three car manufacturers can produce beautiful estate cars, so there should be little disagreement. The new A5 Avant sets itself apart from the competition with its very modern lighting design. Whether the many configurable light signatures are a real reason to buy is another question.
More importantly, the A5 has grown considerably and, at 4.83 metres, is now a good deal larger than the Benz and, above all, the BMW. It also leads the field in terms of wheelbase.
This provides significantly more space in the interior than before. After an initial seat test, it is clear that the four rings are now ahead in the rear. The predecessor A4 certainly ha.