Audi is on the cusp of a radical new model strategy, whereby even-numbered vehicles (A4, A6, A8) will be EV-only, leaving the odds (A3, A5, A7) to still offer internal combustion for the time being.
The first recipient of that new naming convention appears to have been leaked in the form of the 2025 Audi A5 Sportback and Avant, with the new S5 performance variant. Some images that recently surfaced online showcase the new-look design ahead of an official unveiling.
Expected to benefit from some form of hybridisation, the A5 has a more aerodynamic appearance, with the D-pillar and concealed door handles reminding us a little of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. A far more aggressive head and taillamp combination break up very modern and elegant surface treatment with more aggressive wheels for S-Line variants.
The new car will allegedly be powered by four-cylinder turbocharged motors of up to 201kW, and a 272kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 for the S5. The RS5 – if it manifests in this cycle – is expected to follow Mercedes-AMG and BMW M in leaning on plug-in hybridisation for a power jump.
The interior, as can be expected from Audi, looks to be a world-class affair, with massive screens for the instrument panel and infotainment, as well as an additional screen for the front passenger. Other than that, it is a minimalist Teutonic affair, with the four-spoke steering wheel evoking historic Audi models such as the 100 and Quattro.
We will bring you more details as they come to hand, with an official unveiling expected any day now. According to a recent autoevolution report, the debut looks set to take place at the end of July.
