photo: Dean Smith, Audi UK

Leaked Audi U.S. Roadmap Plots Warming Trend for New Model Launches

As measured by new model introductions, it’s been a bit of an ice age for Audi of America. 2024 sales slid markedly, due in large part to an aging fleet with few new stories to tell. Well, if this apparent internal new model introduction roadmap posted to Reddit is an indicator, Ingolstadt is about to turn up the heat.

Audi USA representatives have been hinting at a very busy 2025. The challenge of course is understanding (and guessing) what’s coming and when. This timeline, consistent with what is known both of Audi’s plans and also internal graphics that tend to be used in such diagrams, gives an indication that it’s likely real.

Sidenote: There’s some shorthand at play in this diagram. These terms likely mean the following.

NF – Likely indicates new model replacing an outgoing model

PA – product improvement or facelift update

MYCO – Model Year Carryover

Calling the shots already launched – A3 / S3, Q6 e-tron / SQ6 e-tron, and e-tron GT / RS e-tron GT PA is perhaps the easy part. That’s all already happened.

That in mind, let’s take this model-by-model through what’s on the diagram.

photo: Audi UK

RS 3 PA
The updated A3 and S3 dropped around the end of the year, and Audi of America just hosted domestic press drives for that car. The updated RS version is shown by the end of Q1, which means to expect it in U.S. dealers by the end of March. Technically, the roadmap shows them in Week 13, which is March 23-29.

photo: Dean Smith, Audi UK

A5 / S5
The diagram places the arrival of the new B10 A5 and S5 by mid Q2, and in Week 18 (April 27-May3). It’s known that the A5 and S5 will be sedan only, and Audi USA has gone ahead and confirmed pricing already in a press release (posted addendum below). Effectively though, pricing (presumably for the A5) will begin from an MSRP at $47,700 not including $1,295 for destination and delivery.

photo: Audi AG

Q5 / SQ5
The Q5 and SQ5 will arrive slightly later, in Week 25 (June 15-21). Both the traditional SUV and Sportback body styles are expected for both Q5 and SQ5.

photo: Audi AG

A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
Set to arrive at the same time as the Q5, the roadmap places these two new electric offerings in Week 25 (June 15-21).

Update: Audi of America has since released pricing and details for the North American A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron. They are:

First Model Year Carryover
While not defined on which models will see their 2026 model year offerings begin to arrive in the third quarter, the latter note suggests it’s anything not PPE or PPC. In the lineup, this would mean any A3 / S3 / RS 3, and any A6 / S6 / RS 6, Q7 / SQ7, Q8 / SQ8 / RS Q8, and A8/S8. The timeline shows a beginning of that process in Week 31 (July 27 – August 2).

photo: Audi AG

A6 Sedan
Audi hasn’t yet shown a sedan version of the new A6 just yet, but the roadmap places the “A7 Sedan” in Week 40 (Sep 28 – Oct 4). Given we know when the name change for the internal combustion A6 was announced, we can assume this internal roadmap is at least that old. This inconsistency also contributes to the likely legitimacy of the roadmap as Audi was likely showing it internally prior to the name change announcement.

PPE / PPC Model Year Carryover
The new model year carryover for PPE and PPC-based models will begin in Week 48 (Nov 9 to Nov 15). This likely only applies to the Q6 e-tron/SQ6 e-tron unless the A6 e-tron/S6 e-tron and new C9 A6 launch as 2025 model year.

Q3
The new Q3 appears on this list, with no week identifier yet placed in the beginning of Q1 2026. Spy photos have been seen of the Q3 testing, and this doesn’t suggest an expansion of the line be that Q3 Sportback or RS Q3… not that RS Q3 would launch immediately anyway.

Q7 / SQ7 & Q9 / SQ9
Also interesting is the inclusion of Q7 and SQ7 with “NF” so replacing the existing models, along with the addition of a new Q9 and SQ9. All four are listed as “Fast Follows” meaning they likely will appear in Q2 of 2026 given the roadmap only goes through Q1.

ADDENDUM:

PRESS RELEASE: All-new Audi A5 model line combines dynamic design and spacious interior with improved handling and latest technology in mid-sized sedan offering

[source: Audi USA]

  • 2025 all-new A5 and S5 models bring more responsive chassis to brand’s signature driving feel, with quattro® all-wheel drive standard
  • All-new spacious interior and modern E³ 1.2 electronic architecture enable increased comfort combined with the latest technology, convenience, and safety-enhancing features
  • All-new Audi A5 and S5 models built on new PPC architecture replaces previous A4 and A5 models

RESTON, Va., Feb. 24, 2025 – Audi of America enters its next chapter in the premium mid-size sedan segment with the launch of the all-new A5 model line. Debuting nearly 30 years after the first Audi A4, the sharpened design language and dynamic proportions of the latest generation are signaled by the A4 and A5 model lines merging into the all-new Audi A5. Combined with standard quattro® all-wheel drive, the new A5 chassis componentry improves steering precision, adding to the brand’s signature combination that balances performance and comfort. The newly sculpted exterior is matched by an all-new interior design language that creates a generous feeling of space, while new driver-centric displays – called the Digital Stage – bring the latest user-friendly technologies to life.

Based on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the A5 and S5 grow in length, width and height when compared to the A4, providing expanded space, standard equipment and available features, aided by the new E³ 1.2 digital architecture. All 2025 Audi A5 and S5 models will use the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission delivering power to a quattro® all-wheel-drive system. The standard 2.0L TFSI® 4-cylinder A5 engine delivers 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet, while the 3.0L TFSI® V6 in the S5 produces 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet.

Audi continues to evolve its advanced lighting applications, with innovative lighting design fully on display in the new A5. Eight customizable digital LED daytime running light signatures are available on A5 Prestige, S5 Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, with new customizable second-generation digital OLED taillights also available on A5 and S5 Prestige models. Pricing and specifications for the 2025 Audi A5 lineup are available now on the AudiUSA.com configurator, with deliveries expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025.

Strongly sculpted and dynamic new exterior design
The completely redesigned A5 family has been given a clean and powerful stance to dramatically enhance the sculpted proportions of a longer (2.6 inches), wider (0.5 inch), and taller (1.6 inches) sedan compared to the A4. The longer wheelbase (2.8 inches), large wheels and low-profile greenhouse gives it a dynamic silhouette expected from a Sportback. The A5’s profile stretches rearward in a sweeping arc, flowing seamlessly into the shallow rear window and ending almost coupe-like at the visually shortened deck lid, which is edged with a striking lip spoiler. New to the segment, the seamlessly integrated rear deck lid opens with the rear window, providing the ultimate symbiosis of pristine design and additional functionality. Providing 22.6 cubic feet of trunk space, storage space can be extended up to 36.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

The front bumper is dominated by the wide and significantly flatter Singleframe grille with a three-dimensional honeycomb structure, with aerodynamically effective air curtains in its base. Together with the slim and precisely drawn headlights, it molds the face of the vehicle into a striking and focused expression. The hood sits flush with the bumper giving the A5 model line a streamlined front end. The S model is differentiated with side air intakes and accentuated three-dimensional air curtains.

The fender blisters emanating from the front and rear shoulders are reminiscent of the Audi Ur-Quattro – a core element of Audi design DNA – and the door handles sit flush with the body in a more aerodynamic design. The rear of the vehicle combines emotional design and intelligent technology, with the offset depth of the light strip giving the new A5 additional presence. Other design highlights include the darkened diffuser integrated into the bumper, and premium functional rectangular exhaust tips.

Aesthetics in motion: Elevating the digital light standard
With the new A5, Audi continues to advance its lighting design, technology and personalization. With eight customizable digital LED daytime running light signatures available on A5 Prestige, S5 Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels, and new customizable second-generation digital OLED taillights available on A5 and S5 Prestige models, Audi signals its ongoing evolution of lighting applications.

With around 60 segments per digital OLED panel, and six digital OLED panels at the rear of Prestige trims, the rear lighting palette is composed of more than 360 segments that provide striking three-dimensional shapes and new levels of lighting design. This technology permits dynamic lighting effects when locking or unlocking the vehicle, along with new levels of personalization and the aesthetics of movement in lighting.

Comfort and seamless technology highlight all-new interior design
The interior design of the new Audi A5 is based on four characteristics. Human-centric design consistently gears it towards the needs of its users. The Digital Stage establishes itself clearly in view of the driver and front passenger in the form of the Audi MMI displays. Material Driven Design creates requirements for a generous sense of space combined with a high level of comfort, and Visual Clarity equates to a clear layout and easy operation in all situations.

The new operating concept of increased interaction with the vehicle is enabled by the new E³ 1.2 digital electronic architecture, with the goal of seamlessly integrating the A5 into owners’ digital ecosystems via a personal connectivity experience. Key to this is the slim, free-standing Digital Stage of the Audi MMI panoramic display, which uses OLED technology for an elegantly curved design. Consisting of the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI center touch display, the Digital Stage can be complemented with the optional 10.9-inch MMI front-passenger display, which integrates seamlessly into the dashboard design. Added to this is the optional dynamic interaction light (IAL), an LED strip running the width of the vehicle across the top of the dashboard to support the car’s interaction with its occupants. The IAL provides visual cues to help confirm functions such as lock/unlock, or to augment virtual cockpit messages such as turn-signal operation.

Available on the new A5 is an updated and configurable Head-Up Display (HUD) that has been further developed compared to its predecessor. For the first time, drivers now have the option of adjusting vehicle and infotainment functions directly via the HUD. Thanks to the maximum utilization of the installation space and the adapted display technology, the visible image area is more than 85-percent larger than previous HUD applications with additional clarity. In addition, the HUD is now configurable to display additional content on request such as speed, assistance systems, navigation instructions and media data. The newly designed steering wheel controls allow users to scroll through lists and make selections without directing their eyes off the road. Calls can also be received and made via the HUD.

The new Audi A5 models feature the Audi assistant, an AI-powered adaptive voice control that understands natural language. The driver can activate the assistant via the voice command “Hey Audi” or via a button on the steering wheel, and it can be used to execute various vehicle functions such as climate control or initiating navigation.

Additionally, on offer in the A5 are two optional Bang & Olufsen Premium sound systems with 3D sound, providing up to 810 watts of power and 20 loudspeakers, including four integrated into the headrests of the optional front sports seats. The headrest speakers help create a more balanced sound field between the front and rear seats, and can also benefit privacy when making phone calls, as audio will not permeate outside of the vehicle. Navigation prompts can also be transmitted directly to the driver’s headrest upon request, minimizing disturbance to those in other seats.

More dynamic chassis and more precise steering
A driving experience that is true to the Audi DNA should impress with its dynamic and precise handling, but also with its comfort. The steering in the new A5, which as always uses a progressive ratio, has become considerably more precise compared to the previous generation A4 and A5 models. This has been accomplished by mounting the steering rack directly to the body, along with the use of a significantly stiffer torsion bar. This reduces the elasticity between the steering wheel and front wheels, providing more precise driver feedback from the road. Additionally, the front suspension wishbone bearings have been optimized, the front drive-axle designs have been stiffened, and front-axle camber has been increased for more immediate reaction to steering inputs.

When cornering, the new A5 benefits from a rear bias in the anti-roll stabilization and a stiffer connection to the rear suspension architecture, allowing it to be piloted with more agility. The integrated brake control system with brake torque vectoring can apply individual braking inputs to the wheels on the inside of a corner, which combines with the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to provide an overall more neutral chassis setup that can help tighten the cornering radius.

The new A5 arrives with a dynamically tuned steel suspension and 18-inch wheels with all-season run-flat tires as standard, and 19-inch wheels with all-season run-flat tires available as an option. The new S5 is equipped with an S sport suspension and 19-inch wheels with summer tires as standard, and two different 20-inch wheel designs with summer tires also available as an option. Furthermore, both 19- and 20-inch wheels can be equipped with all-season run-flat tires for year-round driving convenience.

Also available on the S5 is an adaptive S sport suspension with electronic damper control, which compared to predecessors offers a significantly wider spread between the three driving modes (comfort, dynamic, balanced), via the Audi drive select. The dynamic mode is now noticeably firmer and tuned more for performance, while the comfort mode offers more compliance for a relaxed drive. Both suspension options on the S5 lower the ride height of the car by 20mm compared to the A5.

Deliveries to begin before end of Q2 2025
The all-new 2025 Audi A5 and S5 will arrive in U.S. dealerships before the second quarter of 2025, with MSRP pricing from $47,700 (not including $1,295 for destination and delivery).


ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
At Audi of America, we are committed to responsible, sustainable growth through transformation. In 2024, Audi kicked off the largest product launch cadence in brand history, including all-new vehicle platforms – Premium Platform Electric and Premium Platform Combustion – offering the best in ICE and BEV. In 2024, Audi sold 196,576 vehicles in the U.S. Among those deliveries, Audi achieved record Audi Sport sales, and had a record-breaking year in after sales. Learn more about Audi of America at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com


The information above, and any vehicle specifications in the release are preliminary and subject to change.

Summer performance tires may ride less comfortably, make more noise, and wear more quickly than other choices. To avoid tire, rim, or vehicle damage, it is important that inflation pressure is regularly checked and maintained at optimum levels. High-performance tires are designed for optimum performance and handling in warm climates and are not suitable for cold, snowy, or icy weather conditions. When driving during cold, snowy, or icy weather conditions, ensure that your vehicle is equipped with appropriate all-season or winter weather tires. Tires are supplied and warranted by their manufacturer.

Driver Assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

Base MSRP pricing excludes destination, taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.


Editor’s Note: Do you appreciate the premium Audi-focused content you’re finding via ooooIYKYK? This is a new content platform project in the Audi space, and its growth is critical in assuring its survival and growth. If you like what you see, please consider doing the following.

1.) Tell your friends.
Getting the word out to other Audi aficionados is key, and I’m trying to avoid spamming up online groups and forums in a painful display of self promotion. If I’ve earned your appreciation though, perhaps you can help the spread via word of mouth or recommendations by fans to other fans.

2.) As an Individual, Consider Subscribing.
Whether as a free subscriber or one who chooses to pay for a subscription to help fuel this platform’s existence, this is a notable way you can help. A newsletter distribution is managed via Substack HERE, where you can subscribe or pay for subscription even without being a member of Substack.

3. As a Company, Consider Sponsoring.
If you’re a business operating in the Audi space and open to underwrite quality content promoting the Audi brand, its cars and its owner enthusiasts, then consider underwriting ooooIYKYK. Elevating this project to a higher level of operation will not only augment the coverage and capabilities, they will directly and authentically associate your business as a patron of the Audi enthusiast space. If interested, please email george.achorn@ooooIYKYK.com for more information.