New Audi A5 Coming Soon: Specs, price and release info

The Audi A4 turns 30 this year and what better way could Audi mark this milestone than by bringing us an all-new model. However, there’s a twist. After three decades of the A4, Audi has decided this latest generation will wear an A5 badge. Confused? We were too, but there does seem to be method in the madness. With the introduction of an ever-increasing number of electric models, Audi is giving its naming conventions an overhaul. Going forward it plans to use even numbers for all-electric models, while cars with combustion engines will get odd numbers in their names. So, the new A5 will be powered by petrol and diesel engines and slot into the line-up slightly above the outgoing A4.
• Replacing the current A4, the new A5 will be available as a slightly larger mid-size saloon or estate • Packed with the latest tech it swaps buttons for a suite of screens • Available with petrol and diesel engines the A5 will also be joined by sportier S5 models • Order books are now open • Prices start from £41,950 for the Saloon and £43,850 for the Avant

The A5 will be available as either a Saloon or Avant, Audi’s word for an estate. Each body type will also be offered as a performance focused S5 version. The design of the new A5 is intended to look sportier than the current A4, with big wheels and an imposing front grille. The Saloon aims to emulate a coupe, with flowing lines sloping at the back towards an integrated spoiler. Yet, like the Skoda Octavia, it promises hatchback-like practicality with the rear window raising as part of the boot lid. The Avant cars will have more flexibility still with a larger boot to stow luggage. This provides a family-friendly alternative to SUVs like the Q5. At the front there’s a new design for the LED daylight running lights, with Edition 1 and S5 models getting a three-dimensional effect design. At the rear there’s a light bar across the width of the car and S5 models get a fancy OLED cluster. This creates a moving light show and can communicate things like locking and unlocking of the car or showing a warning to tailgaters behind.

Inside screens are the prominent feature. There’s a panoramic driver display seamlessly curving into the central touch-screen and some models provide a screen for the front passenger, too. This is designed so the driver can’t see it and get distracted. Additionally, there’s an optional head-up display providing information in the driver’s eyeline. It’s very similar to the interior of the new Q6 e-tron and is a lot more tech focused than the old A4, losing nearly all its physical buttons.

Under the bonnet of the A5 there’s a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol engine with either 150 horsepower or 204 horsepower. These are both front-wheel drive and available as an automatic. Audi is still offering a diesel option, providing 204 horsepower from a 2.0-litre engine. This will be equipped with mild hybrid technology allowing it to recoup braking energy back into a battery, using it to reduce emissions and provide a small boost of power. The diesel will be available as an automatic and with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Then there are the S5 models. These uses the mild hybrid system alongside a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine providing variable power to all wheels as required. Audi has refined the gearbox giving the S5 more get up and go and reducing the weight to improve the car’s agility. All models have had tweaks to the suspension and steering so Audi promises the A5 will have more dynamic handling over the previous A4.

The A5 is available to order now. Prices start from £41,950 for the Saloon and £43,850 for the Avant. S5 models for the Saloon and Avant will start at £68,700 and £70,600 respectively.

We’ve recently seen the updated A3 Sportback and had a go in the new Q6 e-tron. Meanwhile the RS e-tron has had a small refresh for 2025. Given the new naming convention we expect more updates from Audi as it rejigs its model line-up.

BMW’s 3 Series has long been the A4’s closest rival and it will remain the primary competitor to this upcoming A5 along with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Alternatively, buyers might consider the Alfa Romeo Giulia or Jaguar XE, at least for as long as the latter is still around.