New 2024 Audi A5 replaces A4: price, specs and release date

The Audi A4 is dead – long live the Audi A5! Audi has confirmed UK prices and specs of the new Audi A5 range, which completely replaces the existing A4 line-up.

On sale now, the new 2024 Audi A5 range includes the A5 Saloon and the A5 Avant estate, as well as performance versions called the S5 Saloon and the S5 Avant. No coupe or cabriolet versions will be produced, and the existing Audi A4 has been discontinued.

The name change is due to Audi’s new brand strategy, which will see petrol and diesel-powered models use odd numbers in their names, with electric cars using even numbers.

Available with petrol and diesel power, infused with mild-hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency, the new 2024 Audi A5 range competes with traditional rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo V60.

New 2024 Audi A5: prices and release date

The new A5 range is available to order now, with the first cars due to arrive in November.

Prices start at £41,950 for the A5 Saloon and £68,700 for the S5 Saloon. If you're after an estate model, prices start at £42,850 for the A5 Avant and £70,600 for the S5 Avant. We'll breakdown the prices in the trim level information below.

New 2024 Audi A5: exterior and interior

There are Saloon and Avant estate versions of the new Audi A5, but no Coupe or Cabriolet versions for this generation. The styling is an evolution of the A4 but with the latest modern Audi styling cues, including flared wheel arches and slim OLED headlights. The tail lights on the S5 also use OLED technology and can be configured in various different ways using the infotainment system.

You'll be able to spot A5s with the S line trim by their red badges on the back, as well as sportier styling details inspired by the S5. All models get large wheels – at least 18-inch alloys, with 19s on S line models and 20s on the S5.

Inside there’s a curved infotainment display housing a 14.5-inch central touchscreen (using OLED technology again, which basically makes for a clearer image) and an 11.9-inch digital driver display, which Audi calls a Virtual Cockpit. The top-spec Edition 1 model also gets another 10.9-inch screen in front of the passenger seat, letting the non-driving front-seat occupant stream content and use infotainment features without distracting the driver, thanks to tech known as Dynamic Privacy Mode.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard on all models. The infotainment system also has an AI-supported voice assistant, which Audi says can recognise more than 800 voice commands for controlling various settings within the car.

New 2024 Audi A5: engines and gearboxes

The new-generation 2024 Audi A5 range is available with two petrol engines and a diesel.

The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine forms the entry to the range. The entry-level model has 150PS and 280Nm, which makes for a 0-62mph time of 9.8 seconds. For extra oomph, the same engine can be ordered with 2-4PS and 340Nm, reducing the 0-62mph time to 7.8 seconds. Both these versions are front-wheel drive and use a dual-clutch automatic gearbox

The diesel option is a 2.0-litre TDI with a mild-hybrid system. Producing 204PS and 400Nm, it could be a great option for those making lots of longer journeys. The extra torque reduces the 0-62mph time to 7.7 seconds with front-wheel drive, but you can also order it with Quattro all-wheel-drive, which drops that time to 6.9 seconds.

The S5 uses a 3.0-litre petrol V6, also with mild-hybrid tech, making 367PS and 550Nm, which translates to a 4.5-second 0-62mph time in both the Saloon and the Avant. Audi says the mild-hybrid system reduces CO2 emissions over the previous-generation diesel-powered S4 by up to 14g/km. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

The mild-hybrid system is somewhat beefed up compared to similar systems of the past. Audi calls it MHEV Plus and it uses not one but two 48V generators. The extra generator ups the A5’s regenerative braking capability, meaning it can harvest up to three times more power from braking and cruising. It can also charge its battery far faster and reduce brake wear.

New 2024 Audi A5: trim levels

At launch, three trim levels will be available on the A5 range, with one version of the S5.

The entry-level A5 is the A5 Sport trim, which costs from £41,950. Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels with a five twin-spoke design, it features comfort suspension, which is softer than other models in the range. The Avant model gets aluminium window trims and roof rails, while all versiopns have heated, folding side mirrors and an electric boot lid. There's a wireless phone charger and heated front seats, which adjust manually and are upholstered in leather. Three-zone climate control air conditioning is included as standard, as is adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera.

Upgrade to the S line and you'll get 19-inch alloy wheels with sportier exterior styling and sports suspension, which is firmer but should improve the car's handling. There's a sportier three-spoke steering wheel and the headlining is black, while the pedals and footrest are made of stainless steel. On the door sill there's an illuminated S logo, which is also embossed on the front seats.

The top-spec Edition 1 trim has 20-inch alloy wheels finished in matt and gloss grey, and features upgraded matrix LED headlights that let you keep high beam on without dazzling oncoming cars. A black styling pack adds black door handles, mirrors, exhaust pips and roof rails (on the Avant), while the brake calipers are painted red for a sportier look. Inside, the seats are finished in Dinamica, which is a synthetic suede, and a synthetic leather, with diamond stitching. The front seats are electrically adjustable. A top-view camera system helps with manoeuvring.

The S5 is available only in Edition 1 trim – at least for now. That gives you the same 20-inch wheels as the A5 Edition 1, but the S5 has upgraded S sports suspension with a damper control system. A panoramic sunroof is included as standard, as is a Bang & Olufsen sound system that features speakers integrated into the headrests. A head-up display is also included, and the USB ports are upgraded to charge devices faster. The seats are upholstered in Nappa leather and, in the front, have a massage function, as well as ventilation to blow cold air through on hot days. The outer rear seats are heated.