Audi A4 to be Replaced by New A5

Audi confirmed that the A4 compact sedan and Allroad wagon will be discontinued after the 2025 model year and reborn as the new Audi A5.

The reshuffling of Audi's lineup heralds a portfolio reboot featuring more than 20 new or redesigned models in the coming years, alongside two new platforms for its combustion engine and battery electric vehicles. A new naming convention reflects this dual product strategy: even-numbered models will henceforth represent electric vehicles, such as the all-new Audi Q6 E-Tron; odd-numbered models will signify internal combustion engines, at least until Audi goes fully electric, which has been postponed to 2033.

For the past two decades, Audi has used even numbers for four-door models and odd numbers for two-door models, which over time morphed to include coupe-like Sportback variants. Audi also confirmed that its last two-door offerings—the A5 and S5 coupes and convertibles, as well as the RS5 coupe—will be discontinued after the 2025 model year in North America. The Audi TT coupe and roadster, along with the Audi R8 supercar, have also been canceled in recent years.

This could be confusing for Audi shoppers.The last 2025 version of the Audi A4 may be sold alongside the new Audi A5 and also labelled as a 2025 model.This is currently the case. In addition, three new models launched in Europe will arrive in North America next spring.

Thus, there could be two completely different 2025 A5 models available for sale simultaneously. We suspect Audi will badge the new A5 as a 2026 model when the time comes.

The 2024 Audi A4 earned a solid TCC Rating of 6.5 out of 10 for its stellar safety record, relatively simple user interface for its infotainment system (at least based on German makes), and its 261-hp turbo-4 or 349-hp V-6 in the S4. However, it hasn't been redesigned since 2017, and its conservative style and outdated interior were overshadowed by other entry-level luxury sedans. The A5 promises to improve on all of those aspects, even without electrification.

The A4 will join a crowded automotive graveyard of recently discontinued sedans, including the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Kia Stinger, Nissan Maxima, and many others. Audi will still sell sedans like the A3, A5, A6, and GT E-Tron, for now.

The brand realignment reflects not just the overwhelming preference for crossover SUVs over sedans in North America (Audi estimates 85% of new car sales in the U.S. are SUVs and trucks), but also the shift in powertrains toward electrification. The A5's new platform, dubbed Premium Platform Combustion, is flexible enough to accommodate mild-hybrid, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. As of now, the new A5 won't feature the mild-hybrid system available in other markets. Plans for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid A5 have not been announced.

Expect the new Audi A5 to go on sale next spring, likely as a 2026 model.