The Audi A4 has thus changed its name to the Audi A5, thereby leaving its three-decade-old model name behind.
This name change follows Audi’s new naming system, where even numbers are now reserved for electric cars and odd numbers for cars with a combustion engine.
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The new Audi A5 is a completely new car
Marcus Berggren however, did not travel all the way to France to attend a name change ceremony – but the new Audi A5 is a completely new car and also marks the beginning of a new generation within Audi.
The Audi A5 is the first model to be built on the brand’s new platform, Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).
With the new Audi A5, Audi aims to raise the level in both premium feel and design. The interior has been completely redesigned, and the car has received a new electronic architecture.
The goal has been to create a sportier driving experience combined with a high degree of digitization. In Sweden, the Audi A5 Avant with a diesel engine will initially be launched, but more variants can be expected in the long run.
When you get behind the wheel
Our test drive started in Nice and took us straight up into the mountains, along winding roads, through charming French villages and on major country roads. The first thing you notice behind the wheel is the new, carefully designed, if somewhat boring, interior.
Audi has given the car an updated infotainment system and a new layout, where ease of use and a driver-oriented feel are the focus.
According to Audi, the interior is “consistently designed to meet the needs of users” and aims to be intuitive.
This philosophy makes the interior feel well thought out and characterized by German precision, with a clear focus on ease of use.
Audi has invested heavily in digitization in the A5, which is equipped with an 11.9-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Our test car was also equipped with an additional 10.9-inch passenger display as an option.
There are plenty of buttons for easier access, and controls for lights, mirrors and child locks have now been moved to the driver’s door, above the power window controls.
The rear seat offers plenty of headroom and legroom, although thigh support is somewhat limited. The luggage compartment holds up to 476 liters with the seats folded up and can be expanded to 1,424 liters when the seats are folded down.
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A sportier approach
In Sweden, the Audi A5 is initially launched only as a combi model with a two-liter diesel engine of 204 horsepower with four-wheel drive.
This version is equipped with Audi’s mild hybrid plus system, where a 24 horsepower electric motor assists during acceleration. This not only helps to reduce fuel consumption, but also makes the powertrain significantly more responsive.
When the gas pedal is pushed to the bottom, the electric motor gives an extra push before the diesel engine completely takes over, which makes up for the certain sluggishness that existed in older Audi models.
The diesel engine is quiet and refined, and the Audi A5 feels balanced and powerful – enough for smooth overtaking without a problem.
The steering is direct, but somewhat light in the comfort mode, although it contributes to a sporty feel. The car does not offer extreme driving pleasure, but it is forgiving and easy to drive on curvy roads. Compared to the previous Audi A4 generation, the A5 offers a more engaging driving experience.
The suspension is well tuned and handles bumps in the road effectively, making the Audi A5 feel soft and comfortable, while the brakes feel solid.
In Dynamic mode, which is Audi-speak for sport mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, the steering heavier and the gearbox more responsive.
However, the difference is not dramatic, probably due to the test car’s more comfort-oriented powertrain. Although the Audi A5 can handle sportier driving without issue, it is most enjoyable at a more leisurely pace – especially in the diesel version.
The driving experience is not exciting, but the Audi A5 impresses with its pleasant and competent feeling on the road.
The Audi A5 Avant is a nice piece
Over the past 30 years, Audi has refined its concept for the competitive mid-range segment, and that experience is clearly visible in the new Audi A5. The car feels well thought out and well developed in every way.
The feeling of quality is high, the driving experience is pleasant, and the two-liter diesel engine that is launched in Sweden is both powerful and refined.
With good range, strong torque and high comfort, it is ideal for long drives. How it actually stacks up against its German rivals remains to be seen in a more thorough test at home.
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First impressions of the new Audi A5 Avant: 4.5/5
Audi A5 Avant (2025)
Motor: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, diesel, 204 horsepower, 400 newton meters
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 236 km/h
Weight: 1 900 kg
Dimensions (length/height/width): 4829/1424/1860 mm
Price: From SEK 559,000
Source: nyheter24.se
