2025 Audi A5: What’s in a Name?
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Months ago, Audi changed its alphanumeric nomenclature so that odd numbers refer to combustion models, while even numbers are reserved for electric models. This shuffling has led to a certain amount of confusion, particularly affecting the A4 and A5.
For 2025, the latter—codenamed B10—marks a new generation of the German compact car. It retains the sedan’s four-door body style and incorporates a rear hatch similar to the old A5 Sportback. As the brand's most popular sedan, the new A5 and its sportier S5 sibling promise to raise the bar for performance and technology. What better way to find out what they’re capable of than driving in challenging conditions?
- Also: Audi Announces Canadian Pricing for All-New 2025 A5 and S5
- Also: Audi to Go Back to Old Naming System to Avoid More Confusion
Just like with the 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5, that’s precisely what we did earlier this spring in the mountains of Aspen, Colorado, pushing the cars and conducting rigorous tests at high altitude.
Redesigned and Packed With More Tech
Styling remains unmistakably Audi, with no radical departure from the outgoing models. The A5 and S5 share similar aesthetics. Sure, there are slight differences up front and also when it comes to body colour and trim options, but the overall looks are essentially the same. Notably, the new A5 is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, resulting in greater space for rear passengers, especially legroom.
What's more, as Audi rightfully insists, the car boasts best-in-class cargo capacity—from 640 to 1,026 litres—thanks to its five-door configuration.
Inside, a technologically advanced and ergonomic cabin awaits occupants. The driver's cockpit incorporates an 11.9-inch digital instrument panel with beautiful graphics but few customization options, as well as a driver-oriented 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen that’s equally attractive and user-friendly. Alas, some functionalities and services, such as navigation, are available through a subscription only. Most controls are readily accessible, although a few are haptic buttons.
The front passenger gets a 10.9-inch display of their own (optional on top-line Technik models), arranged in such a way as not to distract the driver. It can be used to watch YouTube videos, control music or check the navigation system.
Looking at the available options, the base A5 and S5 can be fitted with an electrochromic glass roof for $1,300 (standard on Progressiv and Technik models). Rather than just switching on and off, the roof is divided into six sections that adjust the amount of light entering the cabin. To be clear, this means that a sunroof is not available. Elsewhere, drivers have the ability to customize the upper section of the headlight and taillight signatures to give the car a unique personality.
More Powerful Yet Civilized
The two engines have been revised and improved for 2025, although displacement remains unchanged. The old twin-scroll turbo is now replaced by a variable-geometry turbo. According to Audi, this allows “the big turbo to act like a little turbo at low revs, and [we still benefit] from that nice increase in power.” As a result, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder now generates 268 hp (+7) and 295 lb-ft of torque (+22). The 3.0-litre V6 is significantly more potent, too, now generating 362 hp (+13) and 406 lb-ft (+37).
In both cases, these are solid performance figures, but they are necessarily affected at high altitude—even if turbocharging somewhat makes up for the lower levels of oxygen—so more power had to be extracted from the medium and high revs. Consequently, the S5's fuel consumption rose to 10 L/100 km. Hybrid technology is nowhere to be found, by the way. Nonetheless, the cars were quick to accelerate and pass slower vehicles. On the other hand, the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission felt jerky at times and didn’t seem as sharp as the eight-speed ZF unit found in the BMW 3 Series.
As for ride and handling, the new A5 and S5 provide a ton of satisfaction. Audi engineers have made sure the suspension is calibrated for optimum balance on the road. As we found out, body roll and other weight transfers are kept to a minimum. Bear in mind the cars we tested were equipped with an adaptive suspension ($1,200). The quattro all-wheel drive system works like a charm, and the progressive steering is precise. As a side note, no A5 or S5 model comes with a spare tire under the trunk.
The cars (and SUVs) put to the test at this media event in Colorado were pre-production models, so we experienced a few electronic bugs. For example, the Check Engine indicator lit up at one point, but the Audi team quickly worked to find a remedy. Also, the A5’s blind spot warning light kept turning on for no apparent reason.
Not Cheap
In short, Audi's new compact sedan marks a fantastic evolution and is more accomplished than ever. It offers generous comfort and space while making beautiful integration of modern technology.
Now, can you afford one? That may be a problem. The base 2025 Audi A5 starts at an all-inclusive price of $61,150, the mid-grade Progressiv model costs $65,750, and the top-line Technik is set at $67,750. Prices for the S5 are $73,150, $77,750 and $81,150, respectively. Start saving now.
