Audi A4, A5 car, interior, engines, features

Audi has taken the wraps off the replacement for its A4, which is being called the A5. Unlike the previous A5, which was swoopy four-door coupe, this new-gen model comes in sedan and estate body styles only. The name change, from A4 to A5, comes as part of the German company’s new naming strategy for its next-generation models, with EVs getting even number and internal combustion models having odd numbers.

1. New Audi A5 underpinned by Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform
2. Larger than the A4 thanks to new platform; interior inspired by Q6 e-tron
3. A5 gets two petrol, one mild-hybrid diesel option; S5 gets 367hp V6 MHEV

New Audi A5 exterior, platform

The new A5 uses Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform, which replaces the current A4’s 17-year-old MLB architecture. Do note this platform is not related to the Premium Platform Electric platform that underpins the likes of the Q6 e-tron and the Porsche Macan EV. The A5 retains a longitudinal engine layout, but Audi claims it is capable of accommodating various electrified powertrains. Our sister publication Autocar UK also reports that the PPC platform can support range-extender EV powertrains, but Audi doesn’t have plans to offer one in the A5.

Thanks to the new platform, the A5 is 67mm longer (at 4.83m), 13mm wider (at 1.86m) and has a wheelbase that is 68mm longer (at 2.9m) than the outgoing A4. In terms of design, the A5 sports evolutionary design over the A4, while borrowing some elements from A6 e-tron sedan concept. Among the highlights are the flared wheel arches that Audi designers call ‘Quattro muscle’, OLED light units that can display up to eight patterns, and visible exhaust tips.

New Audi A5 interior highlights

On the inside, the new A5 shares its tech with the Q6 e-tron. The highlight is, of course, the large curved display that incorporates an 11.9-inch digital driver display and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen. The touchscreen also has all the climate control and seat heating/ventilation functions. Audi offers a 10.9-inch front passenger side touchscreen, which comes with a filter that obscures it from the driver’s vision, as an optional extra.

New Audi A5 powertrain

The A5 will initially have pure-ICE and 48V mild-hybrid powertrains. The hybrids use a new MHEV Plus system developed by Audi that utilises two motor-generators – adding a centrally mounted powertrain generator (PTG) to the usual integrated starter-generator (ISG) – for better efficiencies and regenerative braking. The advantage of this system is that It can now recuperate up to 25kW – more than three times the 8kW limit of the old S4 – and put out 18kW (24hp) and 230Nm of torque.

Audi offers the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine in 150hp and 204hp states of tune, with the latter getting the Quattro AWD system as an option. The A5 diesel is powered by a 204hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that gets the MHEV Plus system. The range-topper is the S5, which has a 3.0-litre V6 engine combined with the mild-hybrid system, putting out 367hp. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is expected to join the A5 line-up next year in international markets.

New Audi A5 India launch details

In India, the A4 has been on sale in its current avatar since January 2021 – it is now priced between Rs 46.02 lakh-54.58 lakh – was last updated in September 2022. Considering Audi India has had the A4 in its line-up for many years, it is likely that the all-new A5 will come to India, though a timeline has not been revealed by the German brand. It is also likely only to come in the sedan body style with petrol engine options. When it arrives, it’ll rival the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series.

Also see:

Audi A4 long term review, second report

Audi Q5 Bold Edition launched at Rs 72.30 lakh

Next gen Audi Q5 to use dual screen infotainment unit from Q6 e tron