The new A5 will have a turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder engine, while the S5 gets a V6.Roman Raetzke/Courtesy of manufacturer
It’s a sea change for the Audi A5 line starting with the all-new 2025 model, which we sampled on a rainy day in the south of France. The biggest change of all sees the latest A5 become a combination of the outgoing model and the discontinued A4. The A4 is currently a four-door sedan while the A5 was first a two-door coupe and convertible and then also a four-door fastback.
Moving forward, all Audi models with an odd number will be powered primarily by internal combustion engines, while even-numbered models will be all-electric. The gas-powered A4 and A5 coupe and cabriolet will be discontinued, leaving only the sole body style for the A5, which is a fastback-ish sedan, meaning there is a hatch-style trunk lid. In other markets, there will be an Avant (read: station wagon) version, but this model is not slated to come to North America as of yet, if ever. As a result, the new A5 looks more like a new and slightly bigger A4.
The fastback hatch trunk lid on the 2025 Audi S5.Mark Hacking/The Globe and Mail
The A5 is the nominal entry-level version of the line; the one that comes to Canada will launch with a turbocharged two-litre, four-cylinder engine that’s augmented by a new 48-volt mild-hybrid system. This combination produces 268 horsepower, is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and sends motivation to all four wheels via the quattro all-wheel-drive system. (On the drive event, we sampled the Euro-spec A5, which developed 201 horsepower, so the driving experience was muted.)
The S5 is a much different car, although it shares the all-new platform and many of the same components. Under the hood, there’s a turbocharged three-litre V6, which also utilizes the mild-hybrid amplification, but produces 362 horsepower. The transmission on the S5 is the same seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
The new fastback body style is both sleek and space efficient.Courtesy of manufacturer
The turbocharger on both the A5 and S5 is a new design with variable turbine geometry to create smoother power delivery and efficiency. The new platform, which was engineered specifically for “gradual electrification,” sets the stage for a vehicle that’s longer, wider and taller than the A4.
The A5/S5 chassis has been designed to accommodate a more robust suspension system and the steering is calibrated for more immediate response. For those interested in attacking the corners only once in a while, the new drive modes represent a wider spread of capabilities, from super-sporty to supremely comfortable. Two different sports suspension systems – one that’s standard on the S5, another with adaptive dampers – bring even more capabilities into sharp focus.
More details on the Audi A5 and S5 will become available as we get closer to next summer, which is when these dynamic entries are expected to hit Canadian soil.
The rear seats on the new S5.Mark Hacking/The Globe and Mail
Tech specs
- Price: To be announced
- Engines: A5: Turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder; S5: turbocharged three-litre V-6
- Horsepower/torque (lb-ft): A5: 268/251; S5: 362/407
- Drive: All-wheel drive
- Fuel consumption: To be announced
- Alternatives: BMW 4 Series, Cadillac CT4, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Looks
In almost all paint and package selections, the Audi A5/S5 is a handsome, well-proportioned vehicle – the new fastback body style is both sleek and space efficient. A few of the Euro-spec models in white with black-ringed air dam and air inlets looked a bit lame … so just don’t order that combination.
Interior
Comfortable, spacious and luxurious, the A5/S5 should offer prospective owners much pride of ownership. While it won’t be the most expensive Audi in the fleet – not by a long stretch – there’s clear evidence of trickle-down ergonomics and material selection here. The models tested featured high-quality fabrics, metal and leather in muted tones. The net effect: tight.
The passenger screen on the new S5.Mark Hacking/The Globe and Mail
Performance
When sampling a non-North American-spec vehicle on foreign tire compounds in inclement weather, it’s difficult to come to binding conclusions. For example, the A5 model tested seemed to stick to the wet road better than the S5. But it also suffered from something akin to turbo lag, which did not affect the S5. What was eminently clear: The new Audi platform seems easily capable of handling a very high-horsepower vehicle. Fingers crossed for the possibility of an all-new RS5 down the road.
Technology
The interior of the new A5 is comfortable and spacious with clear evidence of trickle-down ergonomics from more expensive Audis.Courtesy of manufacturer
The Audi virtual cockpit makes its appearance in the A5/S5 and the results are impressive. Standard on all versions is the 11.9-inch instrument panel and 14.5-inch infotainment touch screen mounted in the centre. Options include a 10.9-inch screen for the front-seat passenger and a large head-up display for the driver. Voice-activated assistance for a variety of controls is provided by ChatGPT. Although there’s plenty of tech on display here, there’s been plenty of time spent on user-friendliness.
Cargo
With its new shape and dimensions, the Audi A5/S5 is more carry-on friendly than either the outgoing A5 or A4. Cargo capacity with the rear seats in place is 445 litres; with those seats folded down, capacity balloons to 1,299 litres. The trunk/hatch is electronically operated for added convenience.
The verdict
A split decision. The A5 is a competent passenger car that ultimately underwhelms because we know it’s capable of so much more – especially once the higher-output four-cylinder turbo is put under the microscope. On the other hand, the S5 is flat-out fantastic. The engine is powerful, the dual-clutch transmission is quick and the handling is impressive. Although it’s, for sure, more of a luxury ride, the S5 is more than capable of generating mile-wide grins on the average twisty road.
The writer was a guest of the automaker. Content was not subject to approval.
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