Besides switching to odd numbers for combustion-powered cars and using even numbers on upcoming EVs, Audi is also partially reshuffling its lineup. The new S4 Sedan won't have a direct successor, as that role will go to the S5 Sportback.
As its name implies, it will not only replace the current S4 Sedan, but also the S5 Sportback, and it will be a liftback with a tailgate opening up into a generous (for the premium compact class) cargo area – you know, like the current A5 Sportback series.
Scooped testing in the Alps, this 2025 Audi S5 Sportback prototype hides its new design beneath the trippy stickers. It has a shorter mesh grille sitting above the tall and wide central intake in the designed bumper, a pair of tiny vents to the sides, and new headlamps with different graphics that look like an evolution of the current ones.
The tailgate is still home to the rear license plate holder. The diffuser appears to be slightly toned down compared to the one of the current S5 Sportback, and the rear bumper is on the more aggressive side. The vinyl stickers between the taillights might hide a thin light strip. The car also has a discreet spoiler on the tailgate and quad exhaust tips, a signature trait of the S models (RS cars have dual oval tips).
Photo: SH Proshots
Beefier brakes over the regular A5 series back up each wheel. The car has a different suspension and rides a bit closer to the ground, and the upcoming RS will feature a more aggressive setup. Unofficial intel suggests the next-gen S5 will still be offered with diesel power on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The TDI will reportedly develop in the region of 350 horsepower, and in our market, the V6 with mild electrification is expected with close to 375 horsepower.
An automatic transmission, likely with eight forward gears and a dual-clutch setup for quicker shifting, will channel the thrust to the standard quattro all-wheel drive system. From naught to sixty miles per hour (0 to 97 kph), the upcoming Audi S5 Sportback is expected to take a little over four seconds. If that's the case, then it will be a few tenths quicker than its processor.
It is widely believed that the next-gen Audi A5 will debut in the second half of this year, and the S5 models should follow them shortly. Look for an Avant (station wagon) body style besides the Sportback, and the latter will likely be the only one that arrives in the United States.
On a final note, it is possible that this will be the last combustion-powered A5 series, as Audi has announced its intention not to offer ICE models after 2026. However, given that the automotive world has pulled the handbrake on EVs, we think the four-ring brand will revise its strategy.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News