What we think is a successor to the Audi A4 has been spied testing in warmer conditions ahead of its expected debut either later this year or early next.
Audi CEO Markus Duesmann recently confirmed the company will be restructuring its nameplates with even numbers corresponding to electric vehicles, and odd numbers devoted its remaining internal-combustion engine line-up.
This could mean the current A4 sedan and wagon may adopt a new name when Audi’s next-generation range is revealed.
The traditional A4 sedan may be facing the axe this time around based on a lack of prototype photos. Instead, the next-generation car has only been spied in wagon and five-door Sportback coupe guise.
If this is the case, we will have to keep an eye out for how the brand adapts its range to accomodate for both the USA and China, as both markets tend to favour sedans over other body styles within the current A4 and A5 range.
Audi may look to develop a long-wheelbase version of the new A5 for the Chinese market like it did with the Audi A7.
As previously reported the traditional Audi grille appears to be wider but not as tall in its upcoming guise.
The headlights appear to be housed in a single covering rather than the double headlight design coming to the new A6 E-tron.
On the side, the vehicle will receive flush door handles but will retain its sloping rear styling given its Sportback body.
Based on these photos, it’s expected Audi will remove the A5’s distinctive frameless door design in favour of a more conventional setup. This may be in the interests of bridging the gap between the current A4 sedan and A5 coupe/liftback.
Audi hasn’t confirmed the powertrain setups for the upcoming A5 Sportback but it is expected to receive the same powertrain options as the Avant, its wagon body style sibling.
It is expected the Avant will feature petrol and diesel options with a mild hybrid setup, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant.
Audi will more than likely also add higher-performance S and RS variants to the upcoming range as well.
We anticipate the new A5 will run on the updated version of the MLB Evo architecture, with either front or all-wheel drive on offer.
Previous spy photos of the Avant featured a rectangular instrument cluster ahead of the driver. It is also expected a free-standing infotainment system on the dash will make its debut.
Climate controls for the wagon appear integrated into the touchscreen display, with most of the remaining physical buttons and switches finding a new home in the centre tunnel.
Audi hasn’t revealed launch timing for the new models however it’s expected both the Sportback and Avant will make their debuts either later this year or early next year.
MORE: Everything Audi A5
