Audi prefers specialised platforms: behind the wheel of the new A5 based on the PPC chassis

Beatles or Rolling Stone. Milan or Inter Milan. Multi-energy platform or dedicated platform. The currents of thought are not only in music or football, but also in the industrial world. Especially when it comes to electrification in the automotive field, where there is no standardisation as demonstrated by Audi's, and the entire Volkswagen group's, approach to electrics. Because while several manufacturers have preferred a multi-energy strategy, where the same platform and the same production line can be used to make ice or bev cars, the brand is focusing on dedicated architectures on which it is producing internal combustion models starting with the new Audi A5 Avant built on a PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) platform and recent electrics such as the Q6 e-tron based on an EPP (Premium Platform Electric). It has to be said that this is Audi's way of fighting back in the face of falling sales of electrics and the closure of the Brussels plant.

Audi A5 brings a long list of innovations to the road, starting with the PPC platform, built to bring future internal combustion models to life. Getting on board increases the points of contact with the Q6 e-tron, thanks to the three-screen dashboard controlled by the E3 1.2 electronic architecture. The name E3 stands for End-to-End Electronic Architecture. With five digital modules controlling all vehicle functions, the new architecture debuted by the Q6 e-tron forms the basis for the digitisation of future Audi models. It also makes possible the application of artificial intelligence to voice control and the new infotainment system's adoption of the Android Automotive operating system.

The main objective in developing E3 version 1.2 was to create a scalable and future-proof electronic architecture that could be used throughout the group, thus avoiding delays as happened with the Cariad division. 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. On the driving dynamics front, the PPC platform provides for two different types of set-up with lowered suspension or adaptive dampers and progressive steering with variable power-assistance and damping.

Road-tested in Barcelona and Vairano, it showed what the Ingolstadt engineers announced, especially in terms of driving precision and steering communication. All amplified by a technology and safety package in line with the times. The notorious range includes a 150 hp 2.0 Tfsi with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered in the 204 hp configuration, and the new 2.0 Tdi, also with 204 hp, a 48-volt mild hybrid. Prices? Starting at just over 50,000 euros for the saloon and 52,550 euros for the Avant.

Audi is pushing the business world, where long-term rental accounts for 42 per cent of registrations and business-related contracts will account for 65 per cent of deliveries in 2024. All supported by the Audi for Business programme.