2025 Audi S5 First Drive: The New Benchmark in Sport Sedans

Audi’s electrification push is reshaping the luxury automaker’s lineup like never before. In a bold new naming scheme, even numbers will represent electric vehicles, while odd numbers will continue to signify gas-powered models. This shift means some of Audi’s most iconic cars will look quite different soon. The result? Both an expansion and consolidation of the lineup, with new models often replacing two older ones. Leading this transformation is the 2025 Audi A5, set to debut on European roads this fall. To give American buyers a sneak peek of what’s coming next summer, Audi invited us to rainy southern France to experience the Euro-spec 2025 Audi S5 and preview our next-generation A5.

Tweentastic

Designed to replace both the A4 and A5 lines and widen its appeal, the new A5 is, in many ways, a complete reinvention. The classic coupe and cabriolet models that originally launched the A5 are now gone. Instead, the latest version showcases a bold, muscular evolution of the old A5 Sportback’s four-door fastback design, while also adopting the Avant wagon body style from the A4. (And just so you know, Audi was so determined to keep these wagons out of the U.S. market that they deliberately kept American journalists away from the S5 Avant—just to prevent us from falling in love.)

Built on the third generation of Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform—now dubbed Premium Platform Combustion (PPC)—the new A5 is larger than the A4 and A5 models it replaces. Its dimensions place it almost exactly between the old A4 and A6 in wheelbase, length, and width. Thanks to updates in the platform, the A5 delivers sharper steering feedback and more balanced cornering. Audi has also introduced a brake-by-wire system to support hybrid variants, though these won’t be offered in the U.S. market.

In the 2025 Audi S5, the hybrid powertrain combines an updated version of Audi’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6—now featuring variable turbine geometry—with a compact permanent-magnet electric motor positioned between the engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the 24-horsepower motor primarily improves efficiency by enabling electric-only driving at low speeds and engine-off “sailing” during brief highway stretches, it also supplements engine torque as the turbocharger spools up. The combined system produces a robust 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

When the A5/S5 arrives in the U.S. late next summer, it will feature a slightly different powertrain—one that omits the electric motor found in the European S5. Audi isn’t convinced the hybrid setup delivers meaningful EPA-cycle improvements or that American buyers will appreciate the engine starting and stopping seemingly at random. Instead, the company believes U.S. drivers will prefer a smoother stop-start system, which is what we’ll get. Despite shedding the hybrid components, the U.S.-spec S5 will remain just as powerful, producing the same 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque while being lighter than its European counterpart.

All 2025 Audi S5 models come equipped with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, now enhanced by a revised limited-slip rear differential, along with a sport-tuned electronic adaptive suspension—a feature that will also be available on lower-tier A5 variants.

Meeting Expectations

Like its predecessor, the new 2025 Audi S5 skillfully balances sporty performance with comfortable ride quality—exactly what you want from a capable grand tourer. The hybrid powertrain (which won’t be offered in the U.S.) stands out for its refinement. Its modest 1.7-kWh LFP battery and torquey electric motor make city stop-and-go traffic virtually engine-off, while on open roads, the system effectively eliminates any turbo lag from the V-6. Similar to other hybrids sold in the U.S., the S5’s turbocharger seems to reach boost just as the electric motor’s power tapers off, delivering a seamless surge of power. It’s the ideal “have your cake and eat it too” setup—and if the nonhybrid engine coming to America can replicate this feel, drivers will be very pleased.

The new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts smoothly and unobtrusively when in its default mode. But switch the S5 from Balanced to Sport mode, and the transmission holds gears longer and downshifts into corners as you modulate the naturally responsive digital brake pedal—delivering exactly the driving experience you want.

It’s common for midgrade sporty models to have lackluster default drive modes, but that’s not the case with the new S5. Audi’s Balanced mode lives up to its name, effortlessly adjusting steering effort, power delivery, and suspension firmness to suit your driving style and road conditions—eliminating much of the need to toggle between modes.

That said, there’s a clear benefit when you do switch modes. Sport mode sharpens the suspension without sacrificing ride comfort. Combined with a shorter-ratio, progressive steering rack in Sport, the 2025 Audi S5 front end feels noticeably quicker and more responsive than the previous generation, shedding much of the understeer Audi is known for. Although rain-soaked mountain roads kept our speeds modest, they also showcased how effectively Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and limited-slip rear differential work together, sending power to the outside wheels through tight hairpins and helping the car turn in swiftly.

Step Inside

While the driving experience impresses, the new A5 lineup’s cabin is likely to win just as many fans. Audi has long been celebrated for its beautifully crafted interiors, and the new 2025 Audi S5 raises the bar even higher with a distinctive “soft wrap” panel that arcs gracefully from one side of the dash to the other. This design element creates a clear visual and tactile separation between the lower dashboard and the cluster of screens dominating the upper section.

Screens aren’t new to modern cars, but the thoughtful way Audi integrates them here truly enhances the 2025 Audi S5 interior. Drivers benefit from a sharp, easy-to-read 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a driver-focused 14.5-inch center infotainment display running Audi’s latest MMI software. The newest MMI removes the traditional lower control screen found in previous Audis, relocating HVAC controls to a bottom bar on the main display, accompanied by six shortcut buttons along the left side. All controls fall naturally within the driver’s line of sight and reach, making adjustments seamless and intuitive.

Passengers, meanwhile, might find the center screen a bit less accessible, so Audi offers an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. It mirrors the main screen’s functions and lets passengers browse the web, watch YouTube videos, or explore apps like Yelp while the car is in motion. (The main display supports these features too, but only when the vehicle is stationary.) A privacy filter ensures the driver can’t see what’s on the passenger’s screen while driving.

The cockpit-style cabin makes excellent use of the 2025 Audi S5 expanded dimensions, providing comfortable front seats, a roomy rear seat that comfortably fits six-footers, and a deep cargo area thanks to its hatchback design.

When Can I Buy One, and How Much Will It Cost?

After getting a taste of the new A5 through the European-spec S5, we’re eagerly looking forward to putting our test gear on the American version once it arrives stateside. But be prepared to wait—Audi is targeting a summer 2025 launch, aiming to have the new A5 in dealerships for the 2026 model year.

Pricing for the 2026 A5 and S5 hasn’t been officially announced for the U.S. market yet, but insider sources suggest the new A5 will likely be priced between the current A4 and A5 Sportbacks. That would place the A5 around $46,000 and the S5 near $56,000. While Audi’s new naming convention might take some getting used to, if our experience with the new S5 is any indication, buyers will appreciate the cars regardless of what they’re called.

2026 Audi S5 (Euro-Spec) Specifications