- Audi spotted testing second liftback body style for latest A5
- New body style may be limited to China, where Audi offers the unique A5L long-wheelbase sedan
- New A5 goes on sale in U.S. next spring with single liftback body style
Audi’s new A5 that goes on sale next spring is referred to by the automaker as a sedan, because of its resemblance to a traditional notchback sedan design. However, the car is really a liftback, where a sloped rear window and trunk lid open together as a single tailgate—a design trait shared with the more coupe-like A5 Sportback of the previous-generation A5 range.
However, it looks like Audi is working on what will presumably be a new A5 Sportback, judging by the prototype in our latest spy shots.
2025 Audi A5 S Line
The prototype may look like the new A5 that Audi unveiled in July, but a closer inspection shows the roof line is different, resulting in different cut lines on the rear deck. The latest prototype has a kink in the cut lines of the rear deck, whereas they are straight on the A5 already shown. Another difference is the placement of the rear license plate. On the A5 already shown it sits at the base of the tailgate, whereas here it sits on the rear fascia.
It’s possible the prototype is for an A5 Sportback to be sold exclusively in China, where Audi earlier in November launched the A5L, a long-wheelbase A5 that can best be described as a proper sedan, as it comes with a fixed rear window and traditional trunk lid. It’s possible this A5 Sportback will be a liftback counterpart to the Chinese-market A5L, meaning it would likely be built alongside the A5L in China by Audi and local partner FAW.
2025 Audi A5 L (China spec)
The latest A5 also has a wagon body style, which Audi refers to as an Avant. A lifted A5 Allroad wagon is likely also planned, though such a body style hasn’t been spotted testing yet. Replacements for the previous generation’s coupe and convertible body styles also haven’t been spotted testing, and may never come. Audi has said it doesn’t plan a repeat of the two-door body styles due to low demand.
The latest A5 also serves as the replacement for the current A4 range. It’s part of Audi’s new naming strategy where gas-powered cars use an odd number in their names and electric cars use an even number. There is still expected to be a new A4 at some point, albeit with electric power only.
