Photo: SH Proshots
Audi is preparing the next generation of its mid-size sedans, the most important change being its naming strategy. The A5/S5 nameplate will get its own lineup, with Sportback as the four-door coupe and Avant as the station wagon. The latest spy pictures show the upcoming S5 Sportback winter testing in Sweden as a right-hand-drive prototype.
Much has been written about Audi's controversial naming strategy to separate electric vehicles from their combustion-powered variants. More specifically, Audi will use odd numbers for its ICE models, whereas even numbers will designate the electric cars in its lineup. As such, the current Audi A5/S5 Sportback will live on using the same name as gas-powered vehicles, but the A4/S4 would only have an electric powertrain. We'll also see Avant variants of the A5/S5, which will create a lot of confusion.
We've recently seen Audi giving much attention to the A5/S5 Avant, with many prototypes caught testing on public roads and race tracks. The Sportback variants of both models have been less conspicuous despite being much more popular as the successors of the A4/S4 sedans. Like the current A5/S5 Sportback, the upcoming model will retain the four-door coupe silhouette.
Our photographers have recently caught an S5 Sportback prototype undergoing winter testing in Sweden. This follows previous sightings showing the sporty mid-size sedan around the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. This time, the S5 is tested in the RHD guise, and some details point to it being closer to the production model. Until now, all the A5 and S5 prototypes looked almost the same, except for the quad exhaust pipes. This time, the S5 Sportback appears to have got the proper grille for the S5 model.
This appears to be wider and lower than the current model, a trend we've seen on all current Audi models. Looking at the front bumper, it's clear that it features larger ventilation cutouts than the regular A5 prototypes, although not as extreme as a performance model might require. Let's keep in mind, though, that the S5 is a middle-of-the-road sporty variant and not as extreme as the RS5 will be. For a 3.0-liter V6 engine, this should provide plenty of breathing.
Speaking of which, Audi is expected to retain the current V6 engines, with a diesel TDI developing around 350 horsepower in the European markets. The gas-sipping 3.0-liter V6 will get closer to 375 horsepower for US customers, courtesy of mild electrification. As before, the S5 engines will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard quattro all-wheel-drive system. Ideally, Audi should shave a few tenths from the current 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.
The new Audi A5 is expected to debut in the second half of 2024 as a 2025 model year, with the S5 variants to follow shortly after. Sportback and Avant body styles of both models will be offered. Unless Audi changes its strategy again, the upcoming A5/S5 will be the last generation to feature an internal combustion engine. Audi announced it would not launch new combustion-engine models after 2026.
We've recently seen Audi giving much attention to the A5/S5 Avant, with many prototypes caught testing on public roads and race tracks. The Sportback variants of both models have been less conspicuous despite being much more popular as the successors of the A4/S4 sedans. Like the current A5/S5 Sportback, the upcoming model will retain the four-door coupe silhouette.
Our photographers have recently caught an S5 Sportback prototype undergoing winter testing in Sweden. This follows previous sightings showing the sporty mid-size sedan around the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. This time, the S5 is tested in the RHD guise, and some details point to it being closer to the production model. Until now, all the A5 and S5 prototypes looked almost the same, except for the quad exhaust pipes. This time, the S5 Sportback appears to have got the proper grille for the S5 model.
This appears to be wider and lower than the current model, a trend we've seen on all current Audi models. Looking at the front bumper, it's clear that it features larger ventilation cutouts than the regular A5 prototypes, although not as extreme as a performance model might require. Let's keep in mind, though, that the S5 is a middle-of-the-road sporty variant and not as extreme as the RS5 will be. For a 3.0-liter V6 engine, this should provide plenty of breathing.
Speaking of which, Audi is expected to retain the current V6 engines, with a diesel TDI developing around 350 horsepower in the European markets. The gas-sipping 3.0-liter V6 will get closer to 375 horsepower for US customers, courtesy of mild electrification. As before, the S5 engines will be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard quattro all-wheel-drive system. Ideally, Audi should shave a few tenths from the current 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds.
The new Audi A5 is expected to debut in the second half of 2024 as a 2025 model year, with the S5 variants to follow shortly after. Sportback and Avant body styles of both models will be offered. Unless Audi changes its strategy again, the upcoming A5/S5 will be the last generation to feature an internal combustion engine. Audi announced it would not launch new combustion-engine models after 2026.
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