Mysterious Audi prototype hints at new A5 Sportback body style

The A5 prototype has a redesigned rear end compared to the global A5 sedan, which, somewhat confusingly, is also a five-door sedan

Audi isn’t slowing down in expanding its A5 range, and new spy shots from Germany suggest it could be launching a new product that could sit alongside the upcoming five-door ‘Sedan’ and Avant models. The prototype in question is also a five-door model and seems to hint at a new variant, possibly tailored for the lucrative Chinese market.

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The global-spec Audi A5 currently comes in sedan and Avant body styles, as well as a stretched version of the A5L, a four-door sedan built specifically for the Chinese market. At first glance, the tester could easily be mistaken for a five-door hatchback, which ironically fits the definition of a Sportback but is officially denied that name in all markets, including North America. Then again, the brand looked at its name and thought: “Let’s name a sub-brand after ourselves, in all caps – no one will be confused.”

Design tweaks and tailgate cues

That said, closer inspection of the prototype revealed several notable differences. One of the most obvious is the location of the license plate. Unlike the A5 sedan, which has its dashboard directly beneath the LED light strip, this prototype has it mounted on the rear bumper. Additionally, the tailgate closing line differs from the standard model, curving as it meets the rear glass rather than following a straight path.

The unique identity is further hinted at by the roofline, which appears to have been slightly modified in the spy shots. The subtle redesign seems to emphasize a more pronounced rear spoiler, giving the car a fastback silhouette that’s reminiscent of the A7 Sportback. Even the greenhouse design behind the C-pillar appears to have been tweaked, giving it a more dynamic silhouette.

Larger grille and wider exhaust pipes

From the front, the prototype appears to have a slightly larger grille compared directly to the standard A5. The rear end, meanwhile, showcases wider exhaust pipes, completing the more aggressive aesthetic that sets this prototype apart.

Possibilities unique to China

The A5 prototype was spotted testing near Audi’s Ingolstadt headquarters, but the camouflage pattern tells a different story. According to spy photographers, this camouflage has historically been used on Audi models destined for the Asian market, specifically the Chinese market. Combined with the subtle differences from the standard A5 sedan, it’s reasonable to speculate that this could be a China-only product.

China’s unique automotive market dynamics further support this theory. Foreign automakers operating in China must partner with at least two local companies, which often results in market-specific variants of global models. For example, Audi cooperates with FAW and SAIC. Since the A5L sedan is a product of cooperation between Audi and FAW, this new prototype may belong to the Audi-SAIC joint venture.

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Regardless of its target market, this new A5 variant will ride on the recently launched Advanced Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, which is shared with the rest of the A5 range. The platform marks a major shift, replacing the ICE-powered A4 while providing modularity for future powertrain options.

Under the hood, the new A5 prototype is expected to feature a familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. However, unlike some electrified siblings, this version is likely to remain non-electrified to cater to buyers who still prefer traditional powertrains.

Baldolf