Audi has unveiled a major shakeup to its mid-size car lineup. Replacing the A4 is the all-new A5, which ditches the previous generation’s sleek, four-door coupe style in favor of more conventional sedan and estate body styles. This name change reflects Audi’s new naming strategy – even numbers for electric vehicles and odd numbers for gasoline-powered models.
A5 Ushers in New Platform Era
The A5 rides on Audi’s latest platform, the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), marking a significant departure from the 17-year-old MLB architecture that underpinned the A4. While PPC shares no connection with the electric-focused Premium Platform Electric (PPE) platform that supports cars like the Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan EV, it retains a longitudinal engine layout and the potential to accommodate various electrified powertrains in the future. Reports suggest that the PPC might support range-extender EV setups, but Audi has no immediate plans to offer one for the A5.
This new platform translates into a larger footprint for the A5. Compared to the outgoing A4, the A5 stretches 67mm in length (to 4.83 meters) and 13mm wider (to 1.86 meters). The wheelbase also sees a significant 68mm extension to 2.9 meters. Design-wise, the A5 adopts an evolutionary approach, borrowing cues from the A6 e-tron concept car. Prominent features include muscular wheel arches, customizable OLED lighting units, and exposed exhaust tips.
Tech-laden Interior Inspired by Q6 e-tron
Stepping inside the A5 reveals an interior heavily influenced by the Q6 e-tron. The centerpiece is a large, curved display that integrates an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This touchscreen handles all climate control and seat adjustments, while an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger comes with a privacy filter to prevent the driver from getting distracted.
New Engine Options with Mild-Hybrid Boost
At launch, the A5 will be offered with internal combustion engines and 48V mild-hybrid technology. Audi’s new MHEV Plus system takes center stage here, utilizing two electric motors – a central motor generator in addition to the usual integrated starter-generator – to improve efficiency and regenerative braking. This system boasts a significant improvement in energy recuperation, capable of recovering up to 25 kW, which is more than three times the capability of the previous S4. Additionally, it delivers 18kW (24hp) of power and 230Nm of torque.
The A5’s initial engine lineup will include a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor in two states of tune – 150hp and 204hp. The higher-powered option gets the Quattro all-wheel-drive system as an option. On the diesel side, a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit producing 204hp will be available, also equipped with the MHEV Plus system. Topping the range is the S5, featuring a 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to the mild-hybrid system for a combined output of 367hp. A plug-in hybrid variant is expected to join the A5’s international lineup sometime next year.
India Launch Prospects
The A4 has been a familiar face in the Indian car market since 2021. While an official launch date for the A5 in India remains unknown, its arrival seems likely considering the A4’s long-standing presence in Audi India’s portfolio. When it does arrive, expect it to be offered solely in the sedan body style with petrol engine options. The A5 will likely compete with established rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series.