Audi is putting the finishing touches on the next-generation A4 in all its forms. The launch of this new model will be accompanied by a change in the identity of a compact premium vehicle as it will be renamed A5 for the combustion engine powered version. We have new photos showing the A5 Avant prototype, which is the successor to the A4 station wagon we know today.
If the above sounds a little confusing, it might be worth starting with a little clarification. Earlier this year, the Ingolstadt-based automaker confirmed it would use odd numbers for cars with combustion engines and even numbers for EVs. So, what is now being sold as the A4 will be renamed the A5, while the larger A6 will move to the A7 family. The future of the A4 and A6 nameplates is, in turn, tied to fully electric models. However, the flagship A8 sedan will not undergo a name change as it is expected to turn into an electric vehicle in the next generation.
From what we can see in these new spy shots, the A5 Avant is almost ready for its market launch. There is camouflage foil covering the entire body, although almost all components appear to be production ready with the only exception being the taillights. It’s actually a bit odd to see a makeshift unit on the back of this test car since we’ve already seen the production cluster on the previous prototype.
The big news inside the cabin is the redesigned dashboard. As is known from previous spy photos, the interior will receive a larger infotainment screen with HVAC controls integrated into the display as virtual buttons. We can’t say for sure whether or not there will be physical shortcuts for some of the functions, but we do know that Audi will try to keep the design as clean as possible.
As mentioned above, every new A5 will have an internal combustion engine under the hood. The prototype featured dual exhaust pipes at the rear, though that doesn’t mean there’s a six-cylinder motor under the hood. The engine range is expected to consist mostly of four-pot motors with an optional V6 reserved for the hotter S5.
