The Audi A4 is dead, long live the new Audi A5

Audi has stopped production of the compact A4 sedan with a petrol engine. It is being replaced by the new Audi A5 sedan.

Audi

After 30 years at the top of Audi’s small petrol range for the upper middle class, the A4 is being discontinued. The A5 – previously reserved for style-conscious coupes – is now Audi’s petrol sedan for the world’s middle managers. Why is the A4 gone? Well, it’s not. quite dead; the even-numbered Audi cars will be electric and the odd-numbered Audi cars will continue to use squashed dinosaurs for propulsion.

The new A5 has fresh looks, updated tech and a pair of snappy internal combustion engines that Audi hopes will make drivers happy regardless of their budget. The base model has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends 268 horsepower to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Variable turbine geometry for the turbocharger increases the engine’s efficiency – but fuel economy figures have not yet been finalized.

If the S trim is more to your liking, the S5 offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that sends 362 horsepower to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch. It’s the first time Audi has used this transmission in an S5. Its Quattro all-wheel drive is connected to a Quattro sport differential with torque vectoring.

In combination with these more powerful engines, Audi says it has done “extensive detailed work on the suspension and steering (of the A5 and S5).” You can choose adaptive shock absorbers that allow you to tailor your ride to your liking.

In the US, the A5 and S5 will be available in a single sedan body style. Outside the US, there will be an Avant wagon version of both, but there are no plans for a coupe or convertible. It’s the first of many cars to use Audi’s shiny new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, which is designed for front- or all-wheel drive and pure gasoline or hybrid powertrains.

The Audi A5 is bigger, but not quite as curved as the old A5 Sportback. At the front, a wide grille is flanked by huge air vents, and at the back, the exhaust pipes are all real. The last generation Ford Focus, however, should perhaps be mentioned about the nose…

With the new exterior comes new exterior technology. In this case, LED daytime running lights illuminate the front end, while second-generation OLEDs illuminate the rear. Dynamic lighting effects are available with up to eight customizable options. In Europe, they can be adjusted while driving, but US regulations require you to make these lighting changes while stationary.

The same goes for the rear of the A5. The OLED panels can also be used as communication lights, alerting other vehicles to dangers through their unusual shapes. But as always, this isn’t available in the US.

Inside, Audi has built four pillars that anchor the A5’s new design. The first is “human-centered” design, which means “people can fit in here and drive safely.” There’s something called “Digital Stage,” which consists of two MMI infotainment displays that provide important information to both the driver and passenger. The third item on the list is “Material Driven Design,” a nod to the sense of space and comfort it provides. And finally, there’s “Visual Clarity,” which is the user-friendly design of the cabin.

Thanks to the longer wheelbase, there’s more room in the A5. And even with the raked rear profile, there’s ample headroom in the second row. US A5 and S5 models come standard with a tinted panoramic sunroof – a fixed roof isn’t available – while higher trim packages have a dimmable electrochromic roof that can be adjusted in six segments (it will be an option on lower trims).

The Digital Stage infotainment setup certainly looks impressive. It consists of a freestanding, slim OLED MMI display and uses an 11.9-inch screen for the virtual cockpit as well as a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. An optional 10.9-inch display is also available for passengers. There’s also a configurable head-up display that allows drivers to control vehicle and infotainment functions for the first time. It’s the same architecture and technology as in the Q6 E-Tron, and it will almost certainly appear in more places over the years.

Like any new car, the A5 and S5 have loads of extras. The optional passenger screen allows the co-pilot to operate navigation or watch streamed content while driving. But don’t worry, it has a special coating so the driver can’t see the screen. If you tick the right boxes, you can get a Bang & Olufsen sound system with speakers in the headrests. And not only that, they’re also dual-zoned, so the passenger can listen to music, watch movies or do whatever they want while the driver can take a call.

The new A5 builds on the legacy of the A4, with improved features, impressive tech and a slightly tweaked name. Audi’s push for internal combustion engines isn’t slowing down any time soon, which should reassure people convinced electric cars are being forced on them against their will.

If you’re interested, the A5 family is coming to the US in spring/summer 2025. Prices start at $49,400 in Germany (albeit for a trim level not available in the US). Prices, fuel consumption, option packages and equipment details for the US will be announced shortly.

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