The new Audi A5 replaces both the previous A4 and A5. With the clock ticking, this could well be their final ICE Junior Executive Sedan

Singapore – The 2025 Audi A5 is probably going to be the German marque’s final Junior Executive Sedan with an internal combustion engine. Like its industry equivalents, Audi has been busy embarking on a journey of electrification. But also like their industry equivalents, Audi is also balancing between producing an electric range of cars, while keeping their  internal combustion offerings going.

The new A5 this time around, replaces both the previous A4 and A5. There are a few good reasons for this. For one, Audi has re-jigged their numbering system, where odd numbers represent cars with combustion engines, while even numbered cars are electric. The other reason for the A5, is to streamline their lineup, since having two cars which in-effect do the same thing, would simply be more costly to develop.

So, we managed to snag Audi’s new Junior Executive Fastback for a short while, and here are our impressions. For one, as far as design language goes, the newer Audi cars seem to be headed for more rounded curves. The new car is built upon what’s known as the Premium Platform Combustion, or PPC; which is itself derived from the previous MLB Evo architecture… where the latter was derived from the MLB. So, I mean, it would be funny if it were to be known as the MLB Evo Evo, or the Evo MLB Evo, so you get the drift. The new naming of the platform is actually to be in-sync with the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the latter which underpins cars like the Q6 e-tron (the Audi Q4 on the other hand sits on the MEB).

At launch, the A5 is available in two 2-litre variants – the Advanced and Edition 1. The Edition 1 is equipped with a few more goodies, which include S Line trim, premium Bang & Olufsen audio, HUD, S Sport suspension, 19-inch alloys and MMI experience pro. The car we are featuring here on the other hand, is the “more humble” Advanced variant.

The new car is slightly larger, with its wheelbase about 67mm longer than the car it replaces. It is also slightly taller and wider. It is in my opinion one of those designs which grows on you. And to that effect, the A5 does look and feel a little more grown-up.

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A Grown-Up Interior

That feeling of being more grown-up also resonates on the interior, where the different elements feel more cohesive. There is also more in terms of glossy plastics, while the emphasis on aluminium has largely taken a back seat.

The dashboard is dominated by a free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display, which houses a 14.5-inch MMI touch display, and for the driver, a 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit – both which feature OLED technology. Interestingly, there is also a 10.9-inch MMI passenger display, which you can opt for, which allows the front passenger access to the infotainment and also project entertainment. The optional screen has an Active Privacy Mode, which activates when the car is being driven.

My first brush with the current infotainment system was in Germany last year, where I took the facelifted A3 for a spin. What is new is the Android-based touch control, and the app store, where you can purchase third-party applications at your fancy. The infotainment also features the new Audi assistant, which recognises more than 800 voice commands. However, I did not have the time to truly explore the system.

Audi has also ensured that since the B10 A5 is designed to replace two cars, they have ensured that passengers at the rear still get decent head room. However, the boot, at 445 litres is 20 litres smaller than its predecessor.

Driving Impressions

The 2-litre engine is rated for 201hp and 340Nm, but interestingly, Audi has not included Mild-Hybrid technology to the car… something which they had been giving a lot of attention to with the predecessor cars, which had simple 12-volt systems. While I would have hoped that the new car would have the more superior 48-volt system which would also provide a boost, I am glad that the engines strike a good balance between efficiency and performance. Officially, the 2-litre does a combined 14.5 km/l. 

All of that said, the higher-performing S5’s V6 will have Mild-Hybrid tech included.

To drive the front wheels, the engine is paired to a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission (known in their circles as the DL382), which deliver you those familiar lightning-quick gear changes.

I like that the steering feels more direct, and you can sense that this new A5 feels like a more mature drive than the car it replaces. There is however, a bit more rumble within the cabin, from going over uneven surfaces than I would expect. But overall, there is no doubt that it is a very pleasing car to drive, and also a pleasing one to be in.

My Quick Conclusion

Even if this could be the final A5 as we know it, Audi definitely knows how to build a great Junior Executive Sedan. But I think what would be even cooler in my books, would the the Avant version.

Text & Photos: Clifford Chow

2025 Audi A5 2.0 Advanced TFSI S tronic

DrivetrainPetrol
Layout1,984cc, in-line 4
Motor power / torque201hp / 340Nm
Transmission7-Speed S tronic
Efficiency14.5km/l
Fuel Capacity56 Litres
0-100km/h7.8 Seconds
Top Speed248km/h
VES BandB
DealerAudi Singapore
PriceS$287,999 without COE, with VES
VerdictA more grown-up Junior Executive experience