The All-New Audi A5: Test-Driving a New Benchmark in Bahrain

Gulf Insider

14-04-2025

Bahrain's roads offer a unique kind of testing ground. From the sharp turns of city streets to the long, open stretches cutting through desert and coastline, they demand versatility from any car worth its salt. Enter the all-new Audi A5—an executive sedan that doesn't just show up, but shows what's next for the brand.
Replacing the long-standing A4, the A5 signals a bold new direction for Audi. It's sharper in design, smarter in technology, and engineered for a driving experience that feels thoroughly modern. Whether navigating roundabouts in the capital or gliding down the highway towards the causeway, the A5 brings confidence, clarity, and a touch of understatement to every drive.
One of the first things you'll notice is the exterior design. The proportions are sleeker, the edges more defined, and everything feels more aerodynamic and deliberate. Even the Audi badge has been flattened—literally. A subtle change, perhaps, but one that symbolises the brand's evolution towards minimalism and precision.
The new front and rear LED lighting systems (yes, fully electric and adaptive) are more than just aesthetic upgrades. They're functional, striking, and part of Audi's ongoing mission to turn lighting into art. The taillights, especially the optional OLED versions, give the car a distinctive signature that stands out whether you're parked in the Seef district or gliding down the highway at dusk.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a digital command centre that doesn't overwhelm. The massive curved display incorporates three key screens: a 14.5-inch MMI infotainment system, an 11.5-inch digital driver display, and a passenger-side 10.9-inch screen with a privacy mode to keep distractions to a minimum. The system is intuitive, fast, and actually pleasant to use—something that can't be said for every touchscreen-heavy car in this class.
It's the little things that make the biggest impression. Audi hasn't just gone digital—they've gone practical. Boot space is vast for this class, offering 445 litres of storage with the seats up and over 1,200 litres with them down. For weekend escapes or a family grocery run, it's more than enough.
Now for the fun bit. Driving the A5 in Bahrain is a reminder that good engineering doesn't have to scream for attention. The 40 TFSI variant, with 204 hp and 340 Nm of torque, has enough punch to make merging onto the highway a thrill, without turning every drive into a performance test. It's refined, confident, and predictably smooth—ideal for navigating through the tight corners of Manama or cruising along the open causeway.
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But if you're after something more visceral, the S5 delivers in spades. Its 3.0L V6, producing 367 hp, launches the car from 0–100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It's fast—no question—but it's also composed, thanks to quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension. On the sweeping bends near Bahrain International Circuit, it felt at home. Controlled, planted, and ready to play.
This isn't just a facelift. The all-new Audi A5 sets the benchmark for what future Audis will look and feel like. It's premium, yes—but not in a showy way. It's smart, elegant, and very aware of what modern drivers value: technology that works, performance that excites without draining fuel tanks, and design that feels as good to live with as it does to show off.
Whether you're tackling rush hour in Juffair or heading out on a scenic drive along the coast, the A5 makes every trip feel like a proper drive. As for Charlie's verdict after a full Audi Day Out? This one's not just good—it's the beginning of something great.