The Audi lineup is in the middle of several major shakeups, and some well-established model names are being moved around to represent different market segments. At the center of the changes is the all-new 2025 Audi A5, which is the successor to the beloved Audi A4 and has no relationship to the existing 2025 Audi A5. Confused yet? The new numbers can be difficult to keep straight, and Audi itself has recently signaled that it might be getting cold feet on the whole matter, but if you look past the name, the new car brings a breath of fresh air and some exciting new features to the Audi lineup.
A Rose By Any Other Name
If you aren’t a long-time Audi enthusiast, the changing names might not mean that much to you—but if you are a long-time Audi enthusiast, the title of the new A5 might just seem like sacrilege. Ever since the designation was introduced in 2007, the A5 has represented Audi’s sporty compact coupe. However, the new 2025 A5 is a liftback sedan. Traditionally, a four-door compact from Audi would wear the A4 designation, but back in 2023, Audi announced that even numbers would be used for electric vehicles, while odd numbers would indicate traditional gasoline models. Thus, the gasoline-powered A4 would be redesignated the A5 for its 2025 redesign.
This change in name was made a little easier with Audi’s retirement of the A5 Coupe and A5 Cabriolet after the 2024 model year. However, there is still a 2025 A5 Sportback, which is a four-door model based on the old A5 and has no relationship to the new 2025 A5. The A5 Sportback will presumably also be discontinued soon, leaving the new car as the only A5 on the market. It’s a bit confusing now but will make more sense in the future—or at least it would if Audi hadn’t recently walked back its 2023 announcement and declared that the A6 name will soon be used for both gas and electric models. But leaving names aside, what does the new 2025 A5 offer?
The New Face of Vorsprung durch Technik
It’s no secret that the models from Ingolstadt have been losing their edge recently compared to the competition from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. However, the 2025 A5 is taking steps to reclaim Audi’s position as the most tech-forward member of the German luxury triumvirate. To begin with, it is the first model to ride on the all-new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, which shares its high-tech aspects with the Premium Platform Electric that underpins the newest EV models from Audi and Porsche. The heart of the new platform is the E3 1.2 system, which is built around five powerful computers designed to control every aspect of the vehicle and receive over-the-air updates, letting the A5 evolve over time.
This more tech-forward approach is instantly visible, thanks to updated LED lighting that accommodates eight customizable signatures and a 3D rear lighting array built from 360 OLED segments. Inside, the updated cabin is dominated by a massive digital display that seamlessly combines an 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit with a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen. In another step forward for Audi’s sedan lineup, the new A5 even offers a 10.9-inch passenger display, giving it the expansive screen real estate to compete with the high-tech dashboards from Mercedes-Benz. A new steering wheel button layout, Audi’s AI assistant, and a special “dynamic interaction light” are also present to make interacting with the car more engaging. Finally, an updated 20-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system rounds out the cabin technology for an immersive feel.
Keeping Audi in the Game
While Audi grapples with the challenges of adding more electric models to its lineup, updated gasoline-powered models like the new 2025 A5 will help carry the brand forward. Once you get past the awkward name change, the new car is a worthy successor to both the A4 and the A5 Sportback (sadly, the A5 Coupe and A5 Cabriolet will not have direct replacements). Like all Audi models, the A5 will also be accompanied by a higher-performance S5, which trades the base 268 hp turbo-four for a 3.0L V6 generating 362 hp. However, there is no word yet on whether a high-performance RS 5 is in the works, let alone what sort of performance it would offer. But even if Audi hasn’t brought us high-end performance that rivals BMW M or Mercedes-AMG, if you’re a fan of the Audi brand or are just looking for something different, then the new 2025 A5 is worth considering.
