Will the Audi S5 Sportback Really Make Us Forget the S4 Sedan?
In a bold move, Audi has decided to retire the traditional sedan body style in favor of its more versatile liftback design, positioning the all-new S5 Sportback to take on the dual roles of the previous S4 sedan and the S5 Sportback. The shift signifies Audi’s commitment to streamlining its product lineup, but is the new S5 up to the challenge of filling those illustrious shoes?
Spotted testing in the picturesque Alps, the upcoming Audi S5 Sportback promises a blend of performance and practicality that fans of both the S4 and S5 will appreciate. European buyers can look forward to a 3.0-liter diesel engine, while U.S. enthusiasts will get a 3.0-liter petrol V6, ensuring that both markets receive a powertrain tailored to their preferences. Notably, the internal combustion engine (ICE) S4 will not be renewed, marking a significant turning point in Audi's strategy.
Aesthetics and Design
At first glance, the new S5 Sportback closely resembles its predecessor, adhering to Audi’s tradition of evolutionary rather than revolutionary design changes. A closer inspection, however, reveals a host of subtle yet significant updates. The new model features flush door handles, Audi's state-of-the-art segmented LED headlights, and a wider, shallower grille that imparts a sleek, lower look. The grille’s large-scale mesh design is complemented by sporty egg-crate pattern plastics and vertical intakes at the front bumper’s lower corners.
From the rear, the S5 Sportback is instantly recognizable by its dual pairs of tailpipes, a diminutive trunk-lid spoiler, and a speculated horizontal light bar that connects the two LED taillights. These design cues collectively bestow the vehicle with a sporty yet refined appearance, staying true to Audi's philosophy of understated elegance.
Under the Hood
The mechanical heart of the new S5 remains largely familiar but with anticipated enhancements. The U.S. version is expected to carry over the current 3.0-liter V6 engine found in the S4 and S5 but with a bump in horsepower beyond the existing 349 hp. This evolution is built on today’s MLB Evo platform, ensuring that the driving dynamics and performance features that Audi enthusiasts cherish remain intact.
Despite the gradual European shift away from diesel power, the S5 Sportback for the EU is expected to retain a version of its 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, which currently delivers 337 hp. Whether diesel or petrol, all engine options will direct their power to all four wheels through an automatic transmission, maintaining Audi’s signature Quattro all-wheel-drive system that drivers have come to expect.
Conclusion
In summary, Audi's decision to merge the roles of the S4 and S5 into the new S5 Sportback is a calculated risk. However, given the model's blend of advanced design, robust performance, and the versatility of a liftback, it appears set to win over even the most ardent fans of the classic S4 sedan. The updates may be subtle, but they are meaningful, contributing to a vehicle that promises to deliver the best of both worlds.
For those who have been fiercely loyal to the sedan form, the S5 Sportback offers a compelling alternative that doesn’t compromise on luxury or performance. Whether this gamble will ultimately pay off for Audi remains to be seen, but early indications suggest that the S5 Sportback could very well make us not miss the old S4 sedan.