The afternoon sun catches the sharp creases of the Daytona Grey 2025 Audi S5 as it sits in the parking lot of an upscale Sydney café. It’s a striking car that draws admiring glances from passersby, but there’s something different about this one – something that only Audi aficionados might notice. This isn’t an A4 or S4 as you might expect from the familiar silhouette, but rather the new A5 and S5 – names previously reserved for Audi’s sleeker coupé and Sportback models, now repurposed for the brand’s core premium sedan and wagon range.
Confused? You’re not alone. Audi’s naming realignment has been causing head-scratching since the company announced it would henceforth use odd numbers for “emotional” models (A5, A7) and even numbers for its upcoming electric vehicles (A4 e-tron, A6 e-tron). The result is that the traditional A4 – a nameplate that’s been a cornerstone of Audi’s lineup since 1994 – is now the A5, while the performance-oriented S4 becomes the S5.
Nomenclature complexity aside, there’s big news here: Audi Australia has released comprehensive pricing and specifications for these crucial models, positioning them firmly in the premium segment with prices that have risen noticeably compared to their predecessors. The range now starts at $78,400 plus on-road costs for the base A5 sedan and stretches to $126,400 for the flagship S5 Avant wagon.
Are these rebranded models sufficiently improved to justify the price increases? Or is Audi banking too heavily on brand cachet in an increasingly competitive luxury market? After spending two days with various models in the range, I’ve formed some strong opinions.
The Range: Structure and Pricing
The 2025 A5 and S5 lineup has been streamlined compared to the outgoing A4/S4 range, with fewer variants but more standard equipment. Here’s how it breaks down:
A5 Sedan: $78,400
A5 Avant (wagon): $81,400
A5 Quattro Sedan: $85,900
A5 Quattro Avant: $88,900
S5 Sedan: $123,400
S5 Avant: $126,400
All prices exclude on-road costs, which typically add around $5,000-$7,000 depending on state.
The most affordable entry point to the range is now nearly $9,000 more expensive than the outgoing base A4, while the S5 models command a premium of approximately $11,000 over their S4 predecessors. This positions the A5 more directly against the BMW 3 Series (starting at $77,900) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $78,900), while removing the price advantage the A4 previously enjoyed.
“We’ve realigned the range to better reflect the premium positioning and enhanced technology of these models,” explained Nick Reid, Audi Australia’s Product Planning Manager, over a coffee before our drive. “The new A5 represents a significant advancement over the outgoing A4 in terms of design, technology, and driving dynamics, so the pricing reflects that evolutionary step.”
While Reid makes a fair point, the price hikes come at a time when luxury car sales in Australia are under pressure from economic headwinds, with higher interest rates dampening consumer enthusiasm for premium vehicles. The decision to push prices upward is bold, to say the least.
Powertrains: Mild Hybrid Across the Range
One area where the new A5 range does show clear progress is in its powertrain technology. All models now feature 48-volt mild hybrid systems, which improve efficiency and provide smoother stop-start operation.
The base A5 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150kW and 320Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain delivers a claimed 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds and combined fuel consumption of 6.7L/100km.
Step up to the A5 Quattro and you get a more powerful version of the same engine, developing 195kW and 400Nm, sent to all four wheels via the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The added power and traction reduce the 0-100km/h time to 5.8 seconds, with only a minimal fuel economy penalty (7.0L/100km combined).
The performance-focused S5 models feature a substantial upgrade in the form of a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing 280kW and 520Nm. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, delivers properly quick performance: 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Despite the significant increase in power, claimed fuel economy remains reasonable at 8.2L/100km combined – though my enthusiastic driving saw figures closer to 11.5L/100km.
“The mild hybrid technology is more than just a token gesture toward efficiency,” Reid emphasized. “It allows the engine to shut off earlier when coming to a stop, enables coasting with the engine off in certain situations, and provides a small power boost when accelerating. It’s subtle but effective.”
Indeed, during my time with the cars, the integration of the mild hybrid system proved impressively seamless. The stop-start functionality is among the smoothest I’ve experienced, with none of the shuddering or hesitation that plagued earlier systems. It’s the kind of technological improvement that enhances the premium experience without drawing attention to itself.
Exterior Design: Sharper and More Distinctive
While the new A5 and S5 are clearly evolutionary rather than revolutionary in design terms, they wear their sharpened styling well. The overall silhouette remains recognizably Audi, but with more defined character lines and a more assertive presence.
The front end features a wider and lower single-frame grille flanked by slimmer LED headlights, giving the car a more purposeful face. The hood carries stronger sculpting, while the side profile benefits from a more pronounced shoulder line that catches the light in a rather satisfying way.
At the rear, new connected LED taillights echo the design language seen on other recent Audi models, providing a contemporary signature, especially at night. S5 models add larger air intakes up front, quad exhaust outlets at the rear, and subtle aluminum-look exterior trim elements.
“We wanted to maintain the timeless elegance that Audi is known for while adding more character and presence,” explained Reid. “These cars need to look contemporary today but still attractive five years from now.”
The design works particularly well on the Avant wagon models, which blend practicality with genuine visual appeal. In S5 form, especially, the Avant manages to look both sophisticated and subtly aggressive – a difficult balance to achieve.
Wheel sizes range from 18 inches on the base A5 to 20 inches on the S5 models, with a variety of designs available. The test cars were equipped with the optional 20-inch wheels, which fill out the arches nicely but do introduce a firmer edge to the ride quality.
Interior: Technology Takes Center Stage
Step inside the new A5, and it’s immediately apparent where much of the development budget was spent. The interior represents a significant upgrade over the outgoing A4, with a focus on digital displays and haptic interfaces.
The centerpiece is Audi’s new curved display panel, which combines a 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single piece of glass. It’s visually impressive and responds with the kind of smooth fluidity you’d expect from a premium product, though the complete absence of physical climate controls remains a questionable ergonomic choice.
“We understand that some customers prefer physical controls for certain functions,” Reid acknowledged when I raised this point. “But our research shows that once users become familiar with the digital interface, they appreciate the clean, uncluttered design and the additional functionality it enables.”
I remain skeptical. Even after two days with the cars, adjusting the cabin temperature or fan speed still required more attention than it would with traditional knobs or buttons – attention that should ideally remain focused on the road.
Haptic feedback helps somewhat, providing a subtle “click” sensation when you press the virtual buttons, but it’s not quite the same as the intuitive operation of physical controls. This is perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new A5’s interior design, and one that potential buyers should experience firsthand before committing.
That said, the overall cabin ambiance is exceptional. Materials are top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces wherever your hands naturally fall and attractive trim options including open-pore wood and brushed aluminum. The standard sport seats in the A5 Quattro models strike an excellent balance between support and comfort, while the more aggressively bolstered seats in the S5 hold you firmly in place during spirited driving without becoming punishing on longer journeys.
Rear passenger space remains adequate rather than generous – a traditional weakness of this segment – though the Avant models offer slightly better headroom thanks to their straighter roofline. Boot space is competitive at 460 liters for the sedan and 445 liters for the Avant, with the latter expanding to 1,325 liters with the rear seats folded.
Technology and Equipment: Generous But Expensive Options
Audi has packaged the A5 and S5 range with relatively generous standard equipment, though many of the most desirable features remain relegated to option packages.
All models come standard with LED headlights, three-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, a 12-speaker sound system, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking.
The base A5 comes with genuine leather upholstery, while the Quattro and S5 models upgrade to higher-quality Nappa leather. All variants feature power-adjustable front seats with heating, though ventilation and massage functions are optional extras.
The technology package, standard on S5 and optional on A5 models, adds a head-up display, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus with additional display modes, and the excellent Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 16 speakers. Having experienced this audio system during my test drive, I can confirm it’s worth the upgrade for music enthusiasts – the clarity and spatial imaging are impressive even at higher volumes.
“We’ve tried to include the features that our customers value most as standard equipment,” Reid explained. “The optional packages allow buyers to tailor their cars to their specific preferences without forcing everyone to pay for features they might not use.”
This approach makes sense in theory, but the reality is that most of the display models in Audi showrooms will be loaded with options, potentially leading to sticker shock when customers realize how much these packages add to the bottom line. The Technology package alone adds $6,500 to the A5 models, while the Dynamic Sport package (featuring adaptive dampers, red brake calipers, and a sport differential on Quattro models) adds another $5,200.
Add the Premium plus package (panoramic sunroof, privacy glass, and matrix LED headlights) at $4,900, and a mid-spec A5 Quattro can quickly approach $100,000 before on-road costs. At that point, the value equation becomes increasingly difficult to justify.
The Driving Experience: Refined and Capable
Out on the road, the new A5 and S5 deliver the refined driving experience expected of a premium German sedan and wagon. The chassis balance is commendable, offering a good compromise between comfort and control, while noise suppression is excellent even at highway speeds.
Starting with the base A5, the 150kW engine proves adequate if not exciting. There’s enough torque available from low in the rev range to make urban driving effortless, though overtaking at higher speeds requires a bit more planning. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts smoothly for the most part, though it occasionally hesitates when asked for a quick downshift – a common characteristic of this gearbox type.
The front-wheel-drive layout doesn’t present any traction issues in normal driving conditions, though enthusiastic cornering will eventually reveal its limitations through predictable understeer. Most buyers in this category won’t approach these limits, however, and for daily driving duties, the base A5 is perfectly competent.
Stepping up to the A5 Quattro brings a noticeable improvement in both straight-line performance and cornering capability. The extra 45kW and 80Nm make themselves felt across the rev range, providing more urgent acceleration and easier overtaking. The all-wheel-drive system operates transparently until you need it, sending power to the rear wheels when traction demands it.
On a winding coastal road south of Sydney, the A5 Quattro demonstrated impressive composure and grip, even when pushed harder than most owners would ever attempt. The steering is accurate if not brimming with feedback – a common trait in modern electrically-assisted systems – but it weights up naturally as cornering forces increase.
The S5, unsurprisingly, represents another substantial step up in performance. The V6 engine delivers its power with a muscular soundtrack (enhanced somewhat artificially through the speakers) and the kind of effortless thrust that makes high-speed cruising a joy. The 0-100km/h time of 4.2 seconds puts it firmly in sports car territory, though the delivery is more sophisticated than savage.
“The S5 isn’t meant to be a hardcore performance car like an RS model,” Reid noted during a driver change. “It’s designed to deliver strong performance when you want it, but without compromising the daily usability and refinement that most buyers in this segment prioritize.”
That philosophy is evident in the way the S5 drives. It’s noticeably quicker and more focused than the A5 models, but it never feels hyperactive or highly strung. The adaptive dampers (standard on S5, optional on A5 Quattro) provide a broader range of capability, from genuinely comfortable cruising in Comfort mode to tauter body control in Dynamic.
If there’s a criticism to be made, it’s that the S5 lacks some of the character and engagement found in rivals like the BMW M340i. It’s exceptionally competent but perhaps too clinical in its execution – though this will undoubtedly appeal to many potential buyers who prioritize refinement over raw emotion.
Market Position and Competitors
The premium mid-size sedan and wagon segment remains fiercely competitive, despite the ongoing shift toward SUVs. The A5 and S5 face established rivals in the form of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, along with challengers like the Genesis G70, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60/V60.
With its price increases, the A5 has positioned itself squarely at the premium end of this segment, with no “entry-level” variant to tempt buyers on the cusp of luxury car ownership. This strategy contrasts with BMW, which offers the 320i from $77,900, and Mercedes-Benz, which has the C200 from $78,900.
“We’re targeting buyers who appreciate the full Audi experience and are willing to invest in a comprehensively equipped premium vehicle,” Reid explained. “Our research indicates that many entry-level luxury buyers ultimately wish they had stepped up to a more powerful engine or higher specification, so we’ve started from a position of strength with the A5 range.”
This approach makes some sense given the declining sales of sedan and wagon models in Australia, where they’re increasingly becoming niche choices for discerning enthusiasts rather than volume sellers. By focusing on higher-spec variants with better profit margins, Audi can maintain a presence in the segment while acknowledging its niche status.
The S5, meanwhile, offers a compelling alternative to the BMW M340i xDrive ($97,900) and Mercedes-AMG C43 ($134,800). Its performance credentials are solid, its technology impressive, and its design perhaps more timeless than its somewhat polarizing rivals. The higher starting price compared to the M340i may raise eyebrows, but the S5’s standard equipment list is more comprehensive.
Verdict: Evolution at a Price
After two days with the new A5 and S5 range, I’m left with mixed feelings. These are undoubtedly accomplished premium vehicles that deliver on most fronts – design, technology, performance, and refinement. They represent a meaningful evolution of the outgoing A4 and S4 models, with improvements that enhance the overall ownership experience.
However, the significant price increases come at a challenging time for the luxury car market, and without revolutionary changes to justify them. The A5 and S5 are better cars than their predecessors, but are they $9,000-$11,000 better? That’s a harder case to make, especially when competitors offer similar capabilities often at lower price points.
For existing Audi owners looking to upgrade, the familiar-but-enhanced experience will likely satisfy, and the technological upgrades are substantial enough to feel like a meaningful step forward. For those new to the brand, the value equation is more challenging, especially once option packages are factored in.
The A5 Quattro emerges as perhaps the sweet spot in the range, offering a substantial performance improvement over the base model while avoiding the significant premium commanded by the S5. Paired with the Avant body style, it provides a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and prestige – albeit at a price that pushes well into six-figure territory once on-road costs and a few option packages are added.
The S5, while impressive in its capabilities, faces tough competition from the BMW M340i xDrive, which offers similar performance at a lower starting price. The Audi counters with more standard equipment and perhaps a more sophisticated design language, but the value calculation will come down to individual priorities and brand preferences.
As the afternoon sun begins to fade, I take a final walk around the S5 Avant that’s been my companion for the last few hours. It’s an undeniably handsome, capable, and technologically advanced vehicle that would satisfy even demanding owners. Whether it justifies its premium pricing in an increasingly competitive and economically challenging market is a question that potential buyers will need to answer for themselves.
One thing’s for certain – the artist formerly known as A4 has grown up, moved upmarket, and changed its name. The A5 badge might take some getting used to, but the product beneath it continues Audi’s tradition of sophisticated premium vehicles, for better or worse.
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