Say Goodbye To The Audi A4, And Hello To The New Audi A5

A stalwart of Audi’s global product portfolio, the A4 sedan has always elevated the segment it competes in despite traditionally being the four-ring brand’s entry-level offering. Sadly, though, all good things must come to an end, and after roughly 30 years of faithful service, Audi is retiring the A4 lineup. But fear not, because this car is being replaced by something that sounds even better. Audi just shared details about the new A5 and S5 models that will be offered in the U.S.

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The gasoline-powered Audi A6 will be revealed on March 4.

Bigger And (Probably) Better

Based on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, these new cars are larger than the A4 they replace – 2.6 inches longer, 0.5 inches wider, and 1.6 inches taller. The wheelbase has also been extended by a whopping 2.8 inches. Additionally, the A5 and S5 both feature a Sportback tail where the trunk lid and rear glass are integrated as a single swing panel. Kind of like a hatchback but with a much more sloping backlight, this design increases the size of the trunk opening for easier access to the cargo hold.
Speaking of versatility, these new Audis should provide a generous 22.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk. That expands to 36.6 cubes with the rear backrests folded, an impressive amount, especially considering the dramatic, sweeping roofline.
Still A Design Leader

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When it comes to styling, the new A5 and S5 do not disappoint. As is tradition, they feature a derivation of Audi’s trendsetting single-frame grille, though this one is wider and flatter than before, and it’s filled in with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure.
That opening is flanked by a pair of leering headlamps that provide eight customizable daytime running lamp lighting signatures on the A5 Prestige and S5 Premium Plus and Prestige models. ‘Round the back, there are customizable OLED tail lamps, too, something Audi has been experimenting with for a number of years.
Providing a clean look, the new A5 range’s hood is mounted flush with the front bumper, a subtle detail that adds a dash of additional craftsmanship. The exterior door handles are also of a flush design, and the front and rear fender bulges, which were inspired by Audi’s legendary Ur-Quattro model, give these vehicles a brawny stance.
An Interior To Be Proud Of

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All that good taste continues inside, too. The dashboard is dominated by the curved Audi MMI panoramic display that incorporates OLED screens. This assembly consists of an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster as well as a 14.5-inch center touch panel. In case that’s not enough display real estate, there’s also an optional 10.9-inch screen on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Those screens incorporate Audi’s new E3 1.2 digital architecture that, according to the automaker, is designed “with the goal of seamlessly integrating the A5 into owners’ digital ecosystems via a personal connectivity experience.” This also includes the Audi digital assistant, an AI-powered voice-control system users can summon via a button on the steering wheel or by saying, “Hey, Audi.”
The A5 and S5 are also available with a new head-up display. This design has an 85 percent larger visible area than before, and this setup allows the driver to adjust infotainment functions right from the HUD itself. These cars can also be fitted with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system that has up to 20 speakers, including four mounted right in the headrests of the available front sport seats.
Familiar Powertrains

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Under the hood, there are no surprises, and that is not a bad thing. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter TFSI turbo-four that is rated at 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, more-than-respectable numbers for an engine of this displacement and configuration. The S5, however, features something more, a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that cranks out 362 hp and 406 lb-ft. Both of these powerplants are paired with a 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission that should shift with lightning speed.
Beyond those familiar mechanical bits, these new Audis ought to be even better to drive. Engineers supposedly made the steering sharper by mounting the rack and pinion assembly directly to the body and increasing the stiffness of the torsion bar.
The A5 and S5’s front suspension control arms have also been optimized, the front drive axles are stiffer, and the front camber has been increased. For a sportier look – and more importantly, feel – the S5’s suspension sits 20 mm lower than the A5’s.
For an even more engaging driving experience, the S5 is also offered with an adaptive S sport suspension system that incorporates electronically controlled dampers. This setup will provide three driver-selectable modes – comfort, dynamic, balanced. According to the automaker, there’s a pronounced difference between each of those settings, so drivers can really feel something when switching between modes, something that is not often the case in other vehicles.
Available In The Second Quarter

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The new Audi A5 and S5 models have some big shoes to fill since they’re replacing the entirety of the A4 lineup – the standard sedan, elevated Allroad station wagon, and sporty S4 – but based on these cars’ stats and styling, this shouldn’t be an issue.
If you like what you see, the 2025 Audi A5 should start at $48,995 including $1,295 in destination fees. That is, unfortunately, $3,600 pricier than the outgoing A4. Deliveries are expected to commence in the second quarter of the year, not too far from today.