Audi Launches A5/S5 Sportback In The U.S. - Will They Steal The BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe's Thunder?

Audi Launches A5/S5 Sportback In The U.S. - Will They Steal The BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe's Thunder?
Think of the pair as attractively restyled and slightly more upscale versions of the A4 and S4, the Audi equivalent of the relationship between the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe and the 3-series. In the U.S., the A5 Sportback will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque; the S5 model packs a 3.0-liter turbo V-6 that produces 354 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While the lesser version routes power through an excellent seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the more powerful S5 gets an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. No manual transmission will be offered here in either car; in this way, the S5 Sportback follows the example of the latest version of the new S4. Quattro all-wheel drive will be standard on all U.S. A5 and S5 Sportbacks.
Read Article

280SE280SE - 9/14/2016 2:27:54 PM
+3 Boost
Handsome vehicle in the photos. Hard to ignore the rear 3/4 resemblance to a Malibu and the greenhouse resemblance to a Fusion, though.


cidflekkencidflekken - 9/14/2016 2:49:41 PM
+3 Boost
I like it. But if anything, I think the Sportback will encroach on A4's sales, and will have little impact on the 4 Series GC, as the 2-door hasn't had a significant impact on the 2-dr 4 Series.


Yonder7Yonder7 - 9/14/2016 2:50:34 PM
+4 Boost
Yes, this is going to hurt the GC 4 series sales. This car looks gorgeous and for sure will be priced slightly cheaper than the GC 4.


cidflekkencidflekken - 9/14/2016 3:24:27 PM
+1 Boost
Why would you assume that, about the price? The current A5/S5 (not even the "new" A5/S5) is priced right in line with the 4 Series equivalents.


hangtime010hangtime010 - 9/14/2016 3:25:41 PM
-1 Boost
If you look back, it's the Malibu that set its design similar to the A7.
This model has been in Europe for years, 2010 or maybe earlier, which is well before the newly designed Malibu.
I'd even say that the fusion took (aside from the grill) styling elements from the A5 Sportback with their redesign. Just because the Fusion and Malibu were released here in NA 1st, doesn't mean that Audi copied them.



280SE280SE - 9/14/2016 3:54:53 PM
+3 Boost
I never said Audi copied the Fusion or Malibu. The fact is that the resemblance to those vehicles is there, and at the end of the day it doesn't matter who penned a design direction first-- you want your cars to look different.

In fact, I agree with you that the Malibu and Fusion have drafted off of other pre-existing designs. But given that, I am disappointed Audi didn't make more of an effort to remain ahead of the trends. It just seems like the artistic direction of their coupes/sedans is evolving slowly, and the gap between them and mainstream brands is narrowing. The SUVs however are clearly getting more of Audi's attention and are exhibiting more noticeable design changes, the Q2 and Q7 as chief examples.


hangtime010hangtime010 - 9/14/2016 4:34:56 PM
+2 Boost
You're right. You didn't say that, but when a statement is made that item X strongly resembles item Y, it should be stated which one was the originator.
By saying the Audi resembles the Malibu, you're indirectly saying that Audi took the styling cues from GM.
You and I (plus the many other car enthusiast) will know better. But for the casual forum reader, they probably don’t know and will then take their misread understanding to another conversation.
I agree that Audi's designs need to be more adventurous, but to make a major redesign might potentially decrease sales in order to attract a smaller clientele. Not to mention the $$ required for to support R&D of those new designs. The new generation of cars were likely signed off on years ago and have been in testing for a few years already.


llaroollaroo - 9/14/2016 4:46:44 PM
+5 Boost
by comparing the Malibu to the A5 Sportback is like saying they are similar because they have 4 wheels. Yes the Malibu is distinctive but so was the Aztec. The Malibu proportions are out of whack, the A5 is carefully crafted and has a market that is more discerning when it comes to design. I applaud GM for making something different however more thought should have gone into things including the squished front end.


MDarringerMDarringer - 9/14/2016 9:34:39 PM
-3 Boost
Give me the BMW or a Hyundai Elantra over the Audi.

The BMW 4 Series is nicer and the Elantra is better looking.


MDarringerMDarringer - 9/15/2016 8:13:22 AM
0 Boost
I'm 10000% serious. The new Audis are DULL. The Elantra is quite nice in person, but clearly you're an anti-Korean bigot.


CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 9/14/2016 10:14:16 PM
+3 Boost
Sorry Audi, I drive an Audi and the BMW takes the cake on this comparison.


xjug1987axjug1987a - 9/15/2016 5:14:44 PM
+1 Boost
The previous A5 Sport back never made it to the USA, which was a pity. The A7 though has paved a way for the "hatch" luxury car. I had a 2003 A6 which I absolutely loved but the new A6 is bigger and boring. The A5 is nearly the same size as my 03 and the hatch provides huge versatility. I think once folks see the versatility of the hatch on a really good looking, premium car alot of people will make the switch from the A4. Yes, it might cannibalize A4 sales but as long as Audi keeps the sale, so be it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkLfRxJ0LU0


xjug1987axjug1987a - 9/15/2016 5:16:00 PM
+1 Boost
Then look at this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hNGrfvr80I



MDarringerMDarringer - 9/15/2016 8:42:57 PM
+2 Boost
It will definitely cannibalize the A4.

At BMW 3 Series sedan buyers who want something more special for not much more money are getting the 4GC.

A case could actually be made that 4 door, "coupesedan" hatchbacks are cannibalizing both sedan and coupe sales.
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC