Audi has taken the wraps off the replacement for its A4, and it is now being called the A5. Unlike the previous A5, which was a swoopy, four-door coupe, this new-generation model comes in sedan and estate body styles. The name change, from A4 to A5, is a part of the German company’s new naming strategy for its next-gen models, with EVs getting even numbers and internal combustion models having odd numbers.
The new A5 uses Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which replaces the current A4’s 17-year-old MLB architecture. Do note that this platform is not related to the Premium Platform Electric, which underpins the likes of the Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan EV. The A5 retains a longitudinal engine layout, but Audi claims it is capable of accommodating various electrified powertrains. Our sister publication Autocar UK has reported that the PPC can support range-extender EV powertrains; however, Audi doesn’t have plans to offer one in the A5.
Thanks to the new platform, the A5 is 67mm longer (at 4.83m) and 13mm wider (at 1.86m) than the outgoing A4. Its wheelbase, measuring 2.9m, is 68mm longer. In terms of looks, the A5’s design is an evolution of the A4’s and borrows some elements from the A6 e-tron sedan concept. Among the highlights are the flared wheel arches that Audi designers call ‘Quattro muscle’, OLED light units that can display up to eight patterns, and visible exhaust tips.
New Audi A5 interior highlights
On the inside, the new A5 shares its tech with the Q6 e-tron. The highlight is, of course, the large curved screen. It incorporates an 11.9-inch digital driver display and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, which houses all the climate control and seat heating/ventilation functions. As an optional extra, Audi offers a 10.9-inch front passenger-side touchscreen, which comes with a filter that obscures it from the driver’s vision.
The A5 will initially have ICE and 48V mild-hybrid powertrains. The hybrids use Audi’s new MHEV Plus system that utilises two motor generators – adding a centrally mounted powertrain generator to the usual integrated starter-generator – for better efficiencies and regenerative braking. The advantage of this system is that it can now recuperate up to 25kW – more than three times the 8kW limit of the old S4 – and puts out 18kW (24hp) and 230Nm of torque.
Audi offers the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in 150hp and 204hp states of tune, with the latter getting the Quattro AWD system as an option. The A5 diesel is powered by a 204hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that receives the MHEV Plus system. The range-topper is the S5, which has a 3.0-litre V6 engine combined with the mild-hybrid system, putting out 367hp. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected to join the A5 line-up next year in international markets.
In India, the A4 has been on sale in its current avatar since January 2021. Currently priced between Rs 46.02 lakh and 54.58 lakh, it was last updated in September 2022. Considering that Audi India has had the A4 in its line-up for many years, it is likely that the all-new A5 will come to India, though it is hard to say when. Also, it is expected to come only in the sedan body style with petrol engine options. When it arrives, it’ll rival the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series.