Audi revealed shadowy silhouettes of the forthcoming A5 on July 12th. Leaked images, possibly originating from an Ars Technica report (currently inaccessible), provide a clearer picture of the A4 successor just three days later. This launch is part of Audi’s aggressive expansion plan, aiming for over 20 new vehicles by 2025, including more than 10 electric models.
According to CEO Gernot Dollner, the Audi A6 e-tron will arrive by the end of July, followed by the new Audi Q5 in the fall. But the A5 family, Dollner emphasizes, signifies the dawn of a new era for internal combustion engines.
Audi equips the A5 with a 2.0-liter engine paired with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the V6-powered S5 comes exclusively with Quattro all-wheel drive. This new generation A5 also marks a shift in transmission for the S5, moving from a torque-converter automatic to a dual-clutch unit.
Underpinning the A5 is a new platform called the PPC, or Premium Platform Combustion. While it shares no hardware with the electric-focused PPE platform used in the Q6 e-tron, the A5 does benefit from the PPE’s advanced electronic architecture.
This future-proof architecture utilizes multiple powerful computers to manage various vehicle functions. The A5 employs four of these computers, designated HCP1 through HCP4 (High-performance Computing Platform), while the Q6 e-tron gets five.
Debuting a next-generation infotainment system with features borrowed from Audi’s electric vehicles, the 2025 A5 offers a technological leap forward. Passengers can enjoy a three-screen setup, while drivers benefit from an augmented reality head-up display and OLED screens for unmatched clarity.
Although the design remains familiar, Audi has subtly refreshed the interior and exterior for a more modern look. Under the hood, mild-hybrid technology with electric motor assist improves efficiency (though this won’t be available in the US).
Unfortunately, American drivers will also miss out on the TDI diesel engine option and the stylish wagon variant due to regional regulations. According to Ars Technica, there will be some interesting interior variations across continents for the upcoming Audi RS 5 Avant.
While US customers can expect leather upholstery as standard, their European counterparts will be greeted with cloth seats. Deliveries are expected to begin in the US sometime next spring or summer.
