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Next-Generation Audi A5 And S5 Revealed As Cadillac CT5 Rival

Audi has unveiled the new Audi A5 and Audi S5, set to be offered in both a four-door sedan and Avant wagon body style. The announcement of the new A5 and S5 coincides with Audi’s plans to adopt a new naming convention across its lineup, with new all-electric models incorporating even numbers in their nameplate (such as with the future A4), and new models equipped with some form of internal combustion (ICE / MHEV / HEV / PHEV) incorporating odd numbers in their nameplate (such as the next-gen A5). The new Audi A5 will launch in Germany this month and other European countries in November, but will not arrive in North America until the 2026 model year.

The rear three-quarters of the next-generation Audi A5.

As covered by our sister publication, Motrolix.com, the next-generation Audi A5 introduces a fresh design for both the four-door sedan and Avant wagon body styles. The exterior shows sleek, sharp lines, while inside, the A5 and S5 feature a revamped cabin with an array of digital displays. Standout interior features include an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit screen and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. Additionally, there’s an optional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display integrated into the dashboard. The new tech is supported by Audi’s latest electronic architecture.

The powertrain lineup for the next-gen A5 makes it the first combustion-engine-powered Audi to enable partially electric driving via mild-hybrid technology. ICE options start with a 2.0 four-cylinder TFSI engine, rated at 148 horsepower and achieving upwards of 35.6 MPG. A 2.0 four-cylinder diesel engine is also available, rated at 201 horsepower. Meanwhile, Audi S5 models feature a 3.0L V6 TFSI engine rated at 362 horsepower. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be offered, with S5 models incorporating a sport differential for enhanced performance.

With the next-gen A5 arriving in North America for the 2026 model year, the current U.S.-spec A4 and A5 will continue on for the 2025 model year. However, it is important to note that the A5 coupe and A5 convertible have been discontinued, leaving the five-door A5 Sportback as the sole model in the lineup. When the next-gen A5 arrives, it will rival the Cadillac CT5, while the S5 will compete with the Cadillac CT5-V​​​​​​.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. … maybe because is Audi or german design… next please

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    1. I’ll give it in that its a much more appealing design than the rodents BMW has been releasing. I saw an iX in brown the other day and couldn’t unsee the beaver look it had.

      Reply
  2. Looks sort of Ford-ish to me.

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  3. This can’t be a rival to the CT5 when this is a coupe/convertible and Cadillac offers neither of those.

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    1. Wait a minute. Odd numbers are ICE and even EVs? What a confusing mess.

      Reply
  4. Those lower side front fascia openings need to go. Especially when optioned as the bright work. They are too large and take away from the rest of the front end.

    Reply

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