Audi is undergoing a significant transformation, and the redesigned 2025 Audi A5 and S5 sedans are at the forefront of this evolution. Replacing the long-standing Audi A4 sedan, which will be discontinued after 2025, the new A5 heralds a fresh era for the brand, underpinned by a cutting-edge gas platform set to support approximately ten new models in the coming years. This launch is part of Audi’s ambitious product offensive, introducing over 20 new global models within just two years, demonstrating a commitment to both electric and combustion engine vehicles.
Despite the automotive industry’s increasing shift towards electrification, Audi recognizes the continued demand for combustion engines. As CEO Gernot Döllner stated at a recent press briefing, “We will need these vehicles to bridge to the all-electric future.” This strategic approach ensures Audi caters to diverse market needs while transitioning towards its all-electric vision. The 2025 A5 and S5 embody this philosophy, blending modern design, advanced technology, and refined performance, setting a new benchmark for Audi sedans, even as enthusiasts anticipate future iterations, potentially including the versatile Allroad variant in markets beyond North America.
Scheduled to arrive in the spring of 2025 as a 2025 model in the U.S., the new A5 aims to revitalize sedan interest with a starting price of $48,995, inclusive of a $1,295 destination charge. The foundation of this model, the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), is not just limited to the A5. Its flexible architecture will extend to a range of upcoming vehicles, including the highly anticipated redesigned 2025 Q5 compact crossover, expected in early summer 2025.
The 2025 A5 distinguishes itself with a Sportback hatchback design, offering enhanced practicality alongside sedan-like proportions. It’s larger and wider than its predecessor, incorporating a software-defined electric architecture designed for adaptability and longevity. With premium features such as massaging seats and customizable lighting signatures, Audi positions the A5 as a step above the A4 and even the previous A5 coupe in terms of sophistication and luxury. While coupe and convertible versions are not planned, and the North American market will initially miss out on Avant wagon options, including the Allroad, the global A5 lineup suggests a broader spectrum of models may be available in the future, catering to diverse preferences and needs, particularly in markets where the Allroad wagon enjoys significant popularity.
Design Evolution of the Audi A5 and S5
The 2025 Audi A5 and S5 boast a striking design that merges elegance with athleticism. The low-dipping hood enhances the driver’s view, leading to a redesigned front fascia characterized by a prominent honeycomb grille and a distinctive new lighting signature. The LED running lights offer customization with eight different patterns, though U.S. regulations restrict pattern changes while the engine is running. Similarly, the wraparound LED taillights at the rear, composed of 60 individual bulbs, emphasize the integrated rear spoiler and can also be customized. The A5 features dual rectangular exhaust tips, while the sportier S5 is distinguished by quad tailpipes, all fully functional. The S5 and S-Line badges now proudly display the red rhombus logo, further emphasizing their performance credentials.
The full-width taillight design flows into pronounced fenders and a strong character line that runs along the body, creating a muscular and dynamic profile. Tall air intakes, accented with aluminum or a black optic package, flank the lower grille, which also houses openings for radars and sensors. The elongated front end contributes to a perception of a larger dash-to-axle ratio. The A5’s increased dimensions are notable; it’s 2.6 inches longer than the A4, reaching an overall length of 190.1 inches. The wheelbase has also been extended by 3.1 inches to 114.1 inches, enhancing interior space. While slightly taller and wider, the new A5 projects a sportier and more assertive stance compared to the A4. Aerodynamically refined, the sedan achieves a drag coefficient of just 0.25.
Engine and Performance Options for the 2025 Audi A5 and S5
Beneath the sculpted hood, the 2025 Audi A5 and S5 offer compelling powertrain choices. The A5 is powered by a 268-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, while the S5 steps up with a 362-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. Audi emphasizes improved engine efficiency compared to previous models. However, the North American market will not receive the mild-hybrid system with its 48-volt lithium-ion phosphate battery, which is available in other regions. Audi suggests that American consumers are less receptive to engine shut-off during coasting, and the EPA fuel economy benefits were deemed minimal.
The absence of the 18-kW mild-hybrid system in North America is noteworthy, as this technology enhances efficiency by enabling low-speed electric propulsion and providing up to 25 kW of regenerative braking. This system also supports electrical systems and maintains air conditioning operation during stops, while smoothing out stop/start transitions. Competitors like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo have successfully introduced mild-hybrid systems in North America.
Both the A5 and S5 models will feature a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and come standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring confident handling in varied conditions. The flexible PPC platform also opens the door for potential future hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Audi highlights enhancements to steering and suspension, including stiffer front axle mounts. Adaptive dampers will be available as an option, complementing the standard steel-spring suspension. The S5 incorporates brake torque vectoring, initially featured in the Audi Q8 E-Tron, to mitigate understeer. Additionally, the S5 boasts a sport differential to actively distribute torque between the rear wheels, further enhancing its dynamic capabilities. Detailed specifications such as curb weight and ground clearance for the North American market were not available at the time of writing but are expected to be released later in the year.
Interior Refinement and Technology in the Audi A5 and S5
One of the most significant departures from the A4 sedan is the 2025 A5’s coupe-like roofline that integrates a practical hatchback instead of a traditional trunk. The A4’s trunk offered 12 cubic feet of cargo space, while the new A5 hatchback significantly expands this to 24.5 cubic feet. This is nearly three cubic feet more than the outgoing A5 Sportback. The cargo area is initially shallow, similar to a trunk, but expands vertically, and the 60:40-split rear seats fold flat to create a crossover-like 45.9 cubic feet of space. Rear seat headroom and legroom are ample, although taller passengers may find headroom slightly restricted with the optional panoramic sunroof.
The interior of the A5 and S5 showcases Audi’s new software-defined electric architecture, powered by five computers designed to ensure the vehicle’s technology remains current through updates, similar to a smartphone. Ambient and welcome lighting accentuate the dashboard’s wing-like design and the center console. High-quality, soft-touch materials are used throughout the cabin. A touchpad on the doors controls mirrors, windows, and locks; however, similar systems in other Audi models have not consistently outperformed traditional buttons in user-friendliness.
The interior of the 2025 Audi S5 highlights the “Digital Stage” with its curved panoramic display, showcasing Audi’s latest technology and driver-centric design.
The “Digital Stage” is a central feature, integrating vehicle information across a user-friendly panel of screens positioned to minimize driver distraction. This includes a crisp 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster displaying driving data and sensor information. A small message board uses colored dots and dashes to indicate voice assistant activity. The voice assistant, enhanced with AI, is capable of processing over 800 vehicle commands and answering general queries.
A prominent 14.5-inch touchscreen interface serves as the centerpiece of the dashboard, featuring evolved graphics and allowing users to customize app positions and information displays. An optional 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen enables passengers to stream content, assist with navigation, and even manage navigation settings on the central screen. An innovative available feature is Bang & Olufsen headrest speakers, creating individual sound zones for the driver and passenger, allowing for focused navigation prompts for the driver without interrupting the passenger’s audio experience.
The 2025 Audi A5 and S5 represent a significant step forward for Audi sedans, blending enhanced design, advanced technology, and refined performance. While the North American market might initially miss out on certain features and models like the Allroad wagon, the global A5 lineup and the versatile PPC platform suggest a promising future for the brand and its commitment to meeting diverse customer needs in the evolving automotive landscape.
