Sedan and Avant Estate body styles will be offered for the standard A5, which are unlikely to grow in size compared to the current A4. For reference, it is 4772mm long, 1847mm wide and 1435mm high. So far, only the wagon has been spotted in full-bore RS guise, and it’s not yet confirmed whether Audi plans to offer a sedan version, as AMG does with the C63.
Meanwhile, volume-selling versions of the A5 will be available with a range of upgraded petrol and diesel engines with mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid support, and all-wheel drive.
Further developments for the MLB platform include a new electrical architecture with 48V capabilities. This enables the adoption of additional features such as the Dynamic All-Wheel Steering system used by the A6, A7, A8, Q7 and the ICE Q8, as well as new level two autonomous driving functions currently being developed by Audi’s Car. Software Division .
It also forms the basis for a range of new digital and connectivity features. One of these is the Near Field Communication functionality being developed by Audi and Huawei. This enables contactless payment for refueling or charging, tolls, parking, drive-through dining and other services from the car via the MyAudi app.
Autocar understands that the new A5 will feature an updated version of the current model’s aluminium-intensive multi-link front and rear suspension, with adaptive damping on selected models. Previous speculation suggested the next A5 would get rear air springs, but these can be reserved exclusively for the electric A4.