Audi Plans To Take BMW 4 Series The Whipping Shed With Next Gen A5 Coupe

I REALLY like the look of that first picture, though I'm not 100% onside with those headlights. I hope they don't mess up the interior with the "shove everything onto the screen" approach, chunky and trapezoidal design elements, tons of straight lines, etc.

As for kicking BMW's butt, I encourage Audi to be the best Audi you can be, and not try to be BMW. They've got that covered pretty well. Let your products stand on their own merit, and if they're noteworthy enough, people will notice and reward you with sales and accolades. As much as I used to like the A5 in 2012 or so, it's lost its magic in recent years. I hope the 2017 model reverses that trend.

Photos of prototypes show that this will be an all-new Audi that looks identical to the product it replaces. The BMW will be better dynamically. Audi is using a FWD architecture with AWD grafted in as a bandaid. Yes quattro can return BMW-ish numbers, but quattros feel numb at the limit, which is something that cannot be said of a BMW 4.

I think that you are right and that it originally was too close to the old model for comfort. But I also think that they noticed how much of an error that has been with the current A4 and might be trying to modify the design as much as possible. That could be the reason why they need an extra year to introduce it...

Your incorrect in the design of Audi cars. They are designed with quattro, and the then system is taken out for the FWD models.

You believe that line that the salesman told you? LOL

@ MDarringer you're crazy. The Quattro on my Audi S6 is just fine. There is NO numbness in their Quattro mechanical setup. The only thing that gets numb is your brain at times because every post I read of yours you're constantly bashing Audi. Have you ever owned one. Their Quattro system has been around for numerous years and is legendary.

You need to stick to selling those crappy ass Ford products that my idiot brother built for them for 34 years.

MDarringer: Can’t say I agree with you. I’ve spent 18 years in a BMW 328 (my longest-term ride), which is arguably a sports car. I currently drive an Audi Q5 mid-size SUV, which is arguably nothing like a sports car.

Granted, I ha en’t been on a track in years, and I don’t drive my vehicles anywhere near their performance limits, but I prefer the feel of my Q5 with Quattro over my retired BMW 328, especially when I throw it into turns and force a slide. The Q5 tracks perfectly. Just point and keep the throttle on, and it claws its way where you point it (although this might mean I’m in a 4-wheel drift). The RWD BMW 328 requires a more skilled driver to pull that off, as the back could easily pass the front.

In the hands of a race driver on a track, the 328 would handily kick the Q5’s ass all over the place. But in the hands of Joe Average on the streets, Audi’s Quattro shines! Even in an SUV.

NOTE: My statements do not suggest that the A5 is better than the M4. They do, however, assert that Quattro is reaaaaaaaal nice! :-)

@gkearns56 BMW M4 or Audi S5 for handling??? M4 by far. You clearly have never driven an Audi at the limits. They produce numbers, but lack of steering feeling and nose plow ultimately ruin the party.

As much as I'm waiting for this (I love my 2013 A5 Cab), i really think the new C-Class cab is going to be my next car. Also it's looking to be here in August, and the A5 Cab isn't even on the radar yet.

A5 Sportback could be my next car, as I hear Audi is bringing it to the U.S.

Same ole same ole. That first picture is wishful thinking. The proportions won't be as tucked in as they appear. Basically the new A5 will be the old A5 with new front-and-rear-end treatment. And I don't like the move away from the cockpit interior of the old A5.

The A5 has always been a beautifully proportionate car. Great looks. Im sure it will look great. The BMW 4 series looks like a Mazda mx6 from the 90's , bad proportions, way too long and the side profile is lame and front end air intake is just ugly.

I have absolutely driven my vehicle to the limit but your "tired self" and biasness won't let you believe otherwise. I bought my S6 with a European delivery using family plan from my sister's who works for Audi (and I also have that idiot brother who use to work for Ford Motor Company). While in Europe for 12 days, I drove the Autobahn (since I knew here in the U.S it might be tough opening it up).

Even up around 90. 100, 110 and even 120 mph my car never had an issue with traction, performance or the road handling. After my trip, Audi made ALL arrangements to have the car shipped back to the states, including insuring it.

At times you can really show how much you do NOT know about cars. You're a "car wannabe enthusiast". You've never owned one, BUT, you comment on them like you're an "expert". You can take European deliveries on these and get them out on the Autobahn. I also took European delivery of a BMW I owned almost 15 years ago too. BMW, Audi paid for 3 nights in a FINE resort; they give you a tour of the factory the car was built in; pay for all meals during those 3 day stay and take you into a gift shop where Audi allows you up to $250 FREE merchandise/gifts to take back with you - which was super nice of them.

So you really don't have clue what you're even talking about. Stick with selling Ford's or whatever cars you sell.