2025 Audi A5: Audi’s Confusing Transition from A4 to A5

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By Car Brand Experts


Audi A5 Sedan

Audi

Audi is revamping its naming strategy, assigning even numbers to its electric vehicles while odd numbers are reserved for those with internal combustion engines. Consequently, the familiar Audi A4 will transition to becoming the A5.

The 2025 Audi A5 coupe may also be phased out. The new Audi A5 will be available globally in two body styles: sedan and Avant, also known as a wagon. However, the Avant will not be offered in North America, leaving just the sedan option. The sedan resembles a typical Audi, featuring a roofline reminiscent of the previous A5 Sportback, the front end of the outgoing A4, and a rear design similar to the current Audi e-tron models. It’s as if an AI image generator was asked to blend all current Audi models into one sedan.

While its appearance isn’t off-putting—featuring interesting design aspects like a subtle ducktail spoiler, flush door handles, and dynamic hood lines—it comes across as a standard modern Audi. At least it distinguishes itself from competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class by incorporating a rear hatch rather than a conventional trunk, akin to the previous A5 Sportback.

Inside, the layout closely resembles that of the Q6 E-Tron. The steering wheel, three-screen dashboard, and center console are nearly identical, and even the door panels share similar aesthetics. This may be one of Audi’s most conspicuous instances of reusing designs since the late 1990s. Like the Q6, the new A5 showcases Audi’s latest digital gauge cluster, infotainment display, and passenger screen from left to right.

Since the new Audi A5 will be limited to internal combustion engines in the United States and will not include any of Audi’s mild-hybrid options, the vehicle will feature a single engine choice: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 268 horsepower. In contrast, the sportier Audi S5 will come equipped with a more powerful 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, generating 362 horsepower. Both models will utilize seven-speed dual-clutch “S-Tronic” transmissions, a change from the previous S5’s eight-speed automatic. While European markets will have front-wheel-drive configurations, the U.S. version of the Audi A5 will come standard with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Essentially replacing the previous A4, the new Audi A5—a sedan variant—will debut in the U.S. in spring or summer 2025, though an exact launch date has yet to be confirmed.

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