Audi A5 globally unveiled as replacement for A4 sedan

Audi A5 will rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class & BMW 3 Series.

German luxury carmaker, Audi, has taken the wraps off the new A5 for the global markets.

The new Audi A5 replaces the A4 in the brand's lineup and will be available in sedan and estate body styles. The change in name from A4 to A5 is part of Audi's new nomenclature for its next-gen models - EVs being even-numbered and ICE models being odd-numbered.

The new Audi A5 is underpinned by the brand's Premium Platform Combustion, replacing the 17-year-old MLB architecture on the outgoing A4 model. The A5 retains the longitudinal engine layout and the new platform is also capable of accommodating electrified powertrains, claims Audi.

The new-gen A5 measures 67 mm longer and 13 mm wider than the outgoing A4. It also has a 68 mm longer wheelbase. In terms of design, the A5 now features an evolutionary update from its predecessor. It gets flared wheel arches, OLED lights all around and visible exhaust tips.

Inside, the A5 gets an 11.9-inch digital driver's display, a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, climate control, seat heating & ventilation functions, another 10.9-inch front passenger screen and plenty of other tech and creature comforts around the cabin.

Audi will offer the new A5 in both pure-ICE and mild-hybrid powertrains. This includes a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine in two states of tune: 150 BHP and 204 BHP, with the latter getting the Quattro AWD option. There is also a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine with Audi's new MHEV Plus system producing 204 BHP. The range-topping S5 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 mild-hybrid unit producing 367 BHP.

Audi is also expected to bring in a plug-in hybrid version of the A5 at a slightly later stage.