car news

The new Audi A5: everything completely different

July 18, 2024

A new type name

Precisely in the year that the Audi A4 model line celebrates its 30th anniversary, the car will continue as the Audi A5. This is part of a new type name strategy from Audi. Basically, all all-electric models will have an even number and all fuel-engine models will have an odd number. The new model generation of the A4 will still have fuel engines and thus will be called A5.

What this will mean for the current model line currently called A5 is unclear. The A5 was already a kind of smooth-lined, slightly sportier version of the A4. It seems most likely to us that the two model lines will be merged again. We also expect that Audi will eventually come out with a new A4, but that will be an electric sedan (like) model.

A new design

In terms of design, the new Audi A4, er, Audi A5, for example, is already striking out in a different direction. While the previous A4 generations were mostly sleek and businesslike, the new one looks especially sporty and dynamic. Audi reveals that the new A5 is longer and wider than the outgoing A4 and comes standard with larger wheels. Exact dimensions are not yet mentioned.

Things are also a little different when it comes to body shapes. As before, there are a Limousine and an Avant. Yet despite its sedan-like silhouette, the Limousine is no longer a four-door sedan, but a five-door liftback. So an A5 Sportback actually, even though Audi does not use that name for it. The tailgate is electrically operated as standard.


A gray Audi A5 sedan parked on a wide outdoor surface with a cityscape and a body of water in the background at dusk.


A gray Audi A5 sedan is parked in a clearing with the skyline of a city in the background. The license plate reads


A blue Audi A5 station wagon is parked on a flat, paved surface with a picturesque background of trees and the sea under a clear sky.


A metallic gray Audi A5 station wagon is parked on an open asphalt surface near the coast, with the sea and blue sky in the background.

New technologies for Audi A5

In the spirit of “ahead of the curve,” the new Audi A5 is also packed with new technologies. For example, the car has advanced oled taillights, with car-to-x technology. This allows the new Audi A5 to communicate with other nearby vehicles and infrastructure. When a report of a dangerous situation comes in, the taillights alert rear traffic with clear light animations. What that will look like specifically is not yet clear based on current information.

In the interior, the dashboard is dominated by the Audi Virtual Cockpit. That consists of an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen, which together form a curved whole. Optionally, you can supplement this with a 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. Audi calls this the “digital stage” concept, or a digital stage for all on-board functions and technologies. The optional head-up display not only has a display that can be adjusted as desired, it is even possible to control vehicle and infotainment functions via the head-up display. That way, your eyes can always stay on the road.


Interior view of a modern Audi A5 featuring a sleek dashboard with a large central display, illuminated accents, steering wheel and front seats.





Interior of an Audi A5 with the features of a modern car, such as a digital dashboard, touchscreen controls, door handle and side mirror.


The interior of the Audi A5 includes front seats with black cloth upholstery, a center console and a dashboard with screen. Blue mood lighting accentuates the sophisticated interior.


The open trunk of an Audi A5 reveals a spacious, empty cargo area with a dark interior and a small light on the side.


Open trunk of a modern Audi A5 with a spacious and empty cargo area with a dark interior.

Engines new Audi A5

The Audi A5 Limousine and Avant use the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). At launch, the new Audi A5 will be available at least with the 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine, with output of 110 kW (150 hp) or 150 kW (204 hp) as desired. The most powerful variant is optionally available with Quattro all-wheel drive. Standard equipment on the new A5 includes progressive power steering; adaptive suspension is optional.


A sleek, gray Audi A5 sedan is parked on an asphalt surface with a background of green trees and rocky mountains under an overcast sky.





An Audi A5 blue sedan is parked on a paved surface with a mountainous landscape in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.


A sleek Audi A5 silver sedan is parked on a paved lot, with mountains and greenery in the background under a partly cloudy sky.


An Audi A5 drives along a winding road with a scenic hill and cloudy sky in the background.


An Audi A5 glides down a winding mountain road with cliffs and greenery in the background under a clear sky.

Immediately also as Audi S5 and S5 Avant

Audi also immediately pulls the virtual curtain off the sporty Audi S5 and S5 Avant. In addition to an even sportier appearance, these models feature a 270 kW (367 hp) powerful 3.0 V6 TFSI combined with an S Tronic automatic transmission, Quattro all-wheel drive and a sport differential. The V6 features what Audi calls “mild hybrid plus” technology. That means that the electric starter generator of the mild hybrid technology not only provides a temporary boost of 18 kW (24 hp), but also powers things like the air conditioning compressor. Normally, the fuel engine does that.


An Audi A5 drives across a modern cable-stayed bridge against a backdrop of rocky mountains.


A sleek blue Audi A5 sails across a modern arched bridge surrounded by hilly terrain.


Interior of the sleek Audi A5 with black and red leather seats, a digital dashboard with multiple displays and various control panels. Proudly displayed on the steering wheel is the iconic Audi logo.


A sleek black Audi A5 sportback drives on an open mountain road with a white bridge visible in the background.


The image shows the front interior of an Audi A5 with two seats. The seats are upholstered in dark red leather with a diamond stitch pattern. The dashboard and door also feature matching red accents.


A sleek black Audi A5 sedan drives down a highway, with blurred movements indicating speed. Mountainous scenery and trees are visible in the background.

Dutch market introduction Audi A5

The Dutch market introduction of the new Audi A5 is scheduled for this fall. By then, Audi will announce more about specifications and pricing. After introduction, more engines will be added to the range step by step.