Audi A5 Avant, the test on the streets of Rome

Picking up the baton of an iconic model such as the Audi A4, sold for 30 years and a model capable in the mid-1990s of marking a real renaissance for the Four Rings brand. This is one of the main objectives of the Audi A5, which has become bigger than in the past and for the first time is also offered in a station wagon version. Because in addition to the name change dictated by the division between 100% electric and hybrid models, with even numbers for the lithium-ion cars and odd numbers for those with pistons under the bonnet, the A5 Avant stands on a higher step than the A4. Increased by 7 centimetres to 4.83 metres in length and 1.86 in width, it is based on the PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) platform developed for cars with a longitudinal front combustion engine.

Characterised by a sportier image, the A5 Avant does nothing to hide a greater propensity for dynamism than in the past, starting with the front grille and bolder lines. At the front come second generation Oled headlights, with eight light signatures if you opt for Matrix Led, while at the rear they are able to communicate thanks to 60 light segments with other cars and pedestrians through Car to x technology and graphics reproduced directly on the headlight.

If the exterior already shows the leap forward compared to the past, getting on board we find the interior brought to debut by the Q6 e-tron with the three screens filling the entire dashboard. In detail, there is an 11.9" digital instrumentation in front of the driver, a head-up display, a 14.5" screen with a curved panel from which to manage the MMI infotainment system and a third 10.9" touch screen in front of the passenger. Ample space is available, thanks to the extended wheelbase.

Driven through Roman traffic and the Lazio countryside, the A5 Avant was appreciated for its high balance between comfort and driving pleasure. Now the Ingolstadt mid-size car seems to have closed that dynamic gap with its Munich rivals, thanks to steering that is decidedly more communicative than in the past and a set-up designed for sporty driving. Tested in the 2.0 Tdi version with 204 bhp and 400 Nm of torque in combination with Quattro traction and the S tronic double clutch gearbox, it convinced us by the operation of the 48-volt hybrid system with 1.7 kWh battery that adds 24 bhp and 230 Nm thanks to the Ptg unit) and can recover up to 25 kW of energy during braking. When possible, the car starts in all-electric mode and the transition to the thermal always felt smooth. Prices? The tested version in S line Edition trim starts at 66,650 euro.