Driving a brand-new Audi on the Mediterranean coast might sound like a dream come true, and for the most part, it is. The stunning scenery combined with the thrill of being behind the wheel of the latest luxury machine makes for a near-perfect experience. But, like all things, perfection is hard to achieve, and there are a few things that have left us here at Dal Motors a little…frustrated. Audi recently introduced the 2026 A5 family, and while it’s an impressive vehicle, there are some aspects that we wish had made it to the U.S. market.
Let’s break it down for you and explore what makes the new Audi A5 and S5 exciting, and what might leave some fans disappointed.
A New Platform for a New Era: The PPC Platform
The 2026 Audi A5 and S5 models are the first to debut on Audi’s new PPC platform—short for Premium Platform Combustion. This is a significant shift, as the A5 and S5 will replace the A4 and S4, marking a new era for Audi’s internal combustion lineup. Going forward, Audi is simplifying its naming conventions: odd numbers will represent internal combustion engines (ICE), while even numbers will be designated for electric vehicles (EVs) built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE).
However, this raises questions for fans of the current A5. What will happen to the existing coupe? Will it get a new odd number? And will there be an Allroad version? Only time will tell.
What We’re Missing in the U.S.
Mild Hybrid Technology
One of the biggest disappointments for U.S. enthusiasts is the absence of the mild hybrid system. In Europe, the A5 and S5 get a mild hybrid version that delivers an extra e-boost for quicker acceleration and better fuel efficiency. It also helps with coasting on highways, which could save fuel. Unfortunately, Audi won’t be bringing this version to the U.S. market, meaning American drivers will miss out on these potential performance and efficiency gains.
OLED Tail Lights
Another feature that’s staying on the other side of the Atlantic is the highly customizable OLED tail lights. These lights come with different light signatures that drivers can adjust to suit their style. While it’s a cool tech innovation, U.S. customers will have to do without it.
No Avant Variant
And finally, the biggest heartbreaker: the Avant variant of the A5 won’t be available in the U.S. With its practical, wagon-style body and attractive design, the Avant has long been a favorite among Audi enthusiasts. Its absence from the U.S. market is a real blow for those of us who appreciate a vehicle that blends performance with practicality.
The A5 Family: Practical, Sleek, and Luxurious
The 2026 A5 family is positioned as a midsize luxury sedan. The new generation is 67 mm longer than its predecessor, giving it a more aggressive stance. The front end is flatter, the headlights are slimmer, and the rear sports a large trunk, now in the form of a liftback—bringing back the much-loved practicality factor. Behind the rear seats, there’s 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding the 40/20/40 split rear seats increases this to 45 cubic feet. In other words, there’s plenty of room for all your gear.
Under the Hood: Power and Performance
For the U.S. market, the A5 will come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Newton-meters for those using the metric system). This engine is paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard.
If you’re looking for more power, the S5 offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that puts out 362 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque (550 Newton-meters). This setup rockets the S5 from 0 to 60 in an impressive 4.6 seconds, providing plenty of thrill for those spirited drives.
Driving Impressions: A Smooth, Yet Sporty Ride
Behind the wheel of the S5, there’s no shortage of power. The transmission shifts quickly, and the steering feels precise, especially in Dynamic mode, where the throttle mapping changes and the suspension stiffens for a sportier feel. Whether on city streets or winding coastal roads, the S5 stays planted with minimal body roll, even in wet conditions.
While the handling is excellent, there’s one aspect we weren’t completely thrilled about: the brakes. On initial application, they feel a little soft, and we would have liked a bit more engagement. However, they are predictable and perform well in more intense driving situations.
For the U.S., Audi will be offering models with an optimized start-stop system in place of the mild hybrid, and we’re curious to see how fuel efficiency will compare between these two powertrain options.
Tech and Comfort: An Upgraded Experience
Inside, the 2026 A5 and S5 are packed with technology. The digital gauge cluster is clear and offers all the essential driving information, though it can feel a bit narrow due to thick borders in certain lighting. The head-up display is also new and is now 85% larger, giving you a wealth of information right in your line of sight.
Audi’s infotainment system is user-friendly, with most features only a couple of clicks away. HVAC controls are integrated into the bottom of the screen, and both heated and cooled seats are easy to adjust. The A5 also features two speakers in the headrests, offering the option to listen to navigation instructions or phone calls through the speakers without disturbing others in the car.
As for the driving position, the front seats are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of adjustment options. However, rear passengers may feel a little cramped, especially taller folks, due to the sloping roofline and tight leg space.
Final Thoughts: The Audi A5 and S5—Impressive, But Missing Key Features
The 2026 Audi A5 and S5 offer a fantastic blend of performance, practicality, and luxury. While U.S. buyers won’t get the hybrid system or the Avant variant, the cars remain a solid choice in the midsize luxury sedan segment, especially with their impressive driving dynamics, advanced tech, and stylish design.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but Audi expects the new A5 and S5 to be priced somewhere between the current A4 and A5 models, with availability starting in spring or summer 2025.
For those looking for alternatives, key competitors in this segment include the BMW 5 Series, Lexus ES, Acura TLX, Volvo S90, Genesis G80, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And yes, if you’re longing for a wagon, the Mercedes E-Class is still an option in the U.S.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore the best of the automotive world here at Dal Motors.
