Audi is accelerating its recovery in the Korean market with the premium midsize sedan "the new Audi A5." After several years of sluggish sales in the imported car market, Audi launched a large number of new models at the beginning of the year to counterattack.

Audi unveiled "the new Audi A5," ahead of its official launch in the second half of the year, on the 15th. Preorders began earlier this month, and it is expected to be released in the third quarter of this year. It consists of a total of seven trims, with prices ranging from 57.89 million won to 83.42 million won.

Steve Clotty, the representative, announces at the preview event of 'The New Audi A5' held at Aeropiece in Gimpo City, Gyeonggi on the 15th. /Courtesy of Kwon Yu-jeong

Steve Clooty, CEO of Audi Korea, noted, "The results of the first quarter, which has announced the most new car launches in history, are very encouraging," and added, "First quarter sales increased by about 85 percent compared to the same period last year, with electric vehicles accounting for 43 percent, ranking second among premium imported car brands."

Clooty stated, "Since the beginning of the year, we have introduced the new Audi A3, RS Q8 Performance, and Q6 ETRON one after another, and models that combine technology and emotion, such as the new Audi Q5, RS QT facelift, and RS3 facelift, are on the verge of release," adding, "The first star is the new Audi A5."

Steve Clotty, the representative of Audi Korea, introduces the vehicle at the preview event of 'The Audi A5' held at Aeropiece in Gimpo City, Gyeonggi on the 15th. /Courtesy of Kwon Yu-jeong

The new Audi A5 is the first sedan model to apply the "PPC" (Premium Platform Combustion) platform developed exclusively for internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. It is characterized by providing spaciousness and efficiency.

Thanks to the design of the PPC platform, the new Audi A5 has increased its length by 65 mm, width by 15 mm, and height by 25 mm compared to the previous model. As the body size grows, Audi explains that the front and rear seats, as well as trunk space, have become more spacious, making it suitable as a family sedan.

For the first time in an Audi model, it is equipped with a mild hybrid (MHEV) plus system, enhancing ride comfort and performance (18 kW according to European certification standards). It is expected to be a significant strength for the TDI model as it reduces the vibrations typical of diesel engines and the noise generated at low speeds.

Clooty stated, "Audi is preparing for the future by balancing the two axes of internal combustion engines (PPC platform) and electrification (PPE platform)," adding, "This technological change will strengthen Audi's presence in the Korean market and lay the foundation for a new leap forward."