Next-gen Audi A5 Coupe, Audi A5 Sportback confirmed for 2016 - IAB Report

Will be underpinned by the MLB Evo platform.

Audi will rollout the next generation Audi A5 in its Coupe and Sportback bodystyles next year, Indian Autos Blog has come to know.

The news was confirmed by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management of Audi AG and head of Audi’s Technical Development, at the VW Group Night at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. When asked about Audi's plans for 2016, he said - "A5 also next year, Sportback next year".

Following the tradition, the new 2017 Audi A5 Coupe and 2017 Audi A5 Sportback will share platforms with the new B8 A4, which had its public premiere at the Frankfurt show. This means the MLB Evo platform is likely to save about 120 kg in overall weight, and possibly, the A5 models would have a similar drag co-efficient of 0.23, which Audi claims is best-in-class for the A4.

Though the new A5s will sport cosmetic changes to better distinguish themselves from their sedan sibling, the 6-point Singleframe grille, Matrix LED headlights, bootlid integrated spoiler and LED taillights are a given.

Inside too, the sportier models from Audi will inherit their dashboard design from the new A4, which gets a high center tunnel with a stubby gearlever, an 8.3-inch center display with Audi's proprietary MMI interface, a Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, and an optional Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Also read: 2016 Audi S8 Plus – 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Live

For the Indian market, Audi sells only the performance RS5, though reports are rife that the S5 will be introduced in the coming weeks.