2016 Audi A5 Rendered and Detailed: Expect a Beautiful Evolution

A detailed look at the second generation of the gorgeous Audi A5, the better-looking brother to the four-door A4. Audi will continue to offer the A5 in coupe and cabriolet forms in the U.S., while Europe will again be treated to the five-door Sportback model. Like the next-gen 2015 A4, the new A5 will feature cutting-edge telematics and assistance systems; a futuristic interior; and tech gadgetry including full-LED headlights, a head-up display, and autonomous driving functionality.

Platform:
The second-gen A5 will join the 2015 A4 on the second iteration of the VW Group’s MLB modular-longitudinal architecture, which is known as MLB Evo. (This platform also will underpin the next-generation A6, A8, and Volkswagen Phaeton.)


Powertrains: Stateside, the A5 is set to continue with two-thirds of the powertrain lineup—albeit with modest increases in power—as offered in the current car. Those engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four in the base car (currently 211 hp) and a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 in the S5 (currently 333 hp). The RS5 will abandon its 450-hp, 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8 in favor of a version of the VW Group’s ubiquitous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8. A six-speed manual will be available, as will a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Competition: BMW 4-series, Cadillac ATS coupe, Lexus RC

Estimated Arrival and Price: The 2016 Audi A5 will debut toward the end of this year before arriving on showroom floors at the beginning of 2015. Pricing likely will inch up from the current car’s $39,895 base sticker and will stretch to $70K-plus for the RS5.