A5 Sportback

Make
Audi
Segment
Sedan

The CarBuzz photographers have snapped the first images of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback, which is the four-door coupe version based on the two-door A5, which is based on the four-door A4.

We don't understand the "coupe all the things" approach to design either, but at least the range will be less convoluted under Audi's new naming structure. It started as a rumor but was later confirmed by Audi's CEO in an interview with Automotive News. Even numbers will be used for EVs, while odd numbers will be glued to the rear of ICE and PHEV cars. This tactic started with the updated e-tron, renamed the Q8 e-tron as part of its facelift.

Effectively, it also means the all-new A4 Avant our photographers snapped earlier in the year might also be badged an A5. These spy shots don't reveal much, apart from the large rear hatch, a signature design of all models wearing the Sportback insignia. The rest is typical Audi - reserved, sleek, sporty, and tasteful.

According to Audi's CEO, current models will keep their names until they're electrified or put out to pasture. An all-new model presents the perfect opportunity for Audi to move away from the number 4, which will then only be applied to electric vehicles like the Q4 e-tron.

The A5 moniker will be combined with all the existing nomenclatures, like allroad, Sportback, Coupe, and Convertible. Audi might even decide to ditch the coupe and convertible, as these kinds of vehicles have fallen out of favor with the consumer in recent years. Mercedes has ditched several coupe and drop-top models, opting to build one new replacement called the CLE.

The fact that we've only seen the Avant (wagon) and Sportback out in the wild also indicates that Audi might have given up on drop-tops and coupes.

As an odd-numbered car, the A5 and all its variants will likely sell with several engine options. Audi isn't developing any new ICE engines but will still update existing powertrains. There's already a plug-in powertrain built around the VW Group's famous 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot, which will likely be the main engine used for the entire range, given its adaptability.

We're hoping Audi will finally eliminate the aging turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 used in the S4. Multiple VAG products have dropped this engine in favor of the 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged unit already found in the RS5 Coupe and Sportback. The smaller engine can be detuned to match the 3.0's output, and it's also a more rev-happy engine that sounds much better than the older unit. There's a reason why Porsche did the same with the Panamera.

The high-output 2.9-liter V6 (444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque) will likely be tweaked slightly to be more competitive compared to newer rivals like the BMW M440i.