Spy Shots: 2010 Audi A5 Sportback reveals even more in So. Cal.
by Damon Lavrinc on Jun 24th 2009 at 4:00PM 
Less than 24 hours ago, Autoblog commenter Zamafir sent us a few cloaked images of the upcoming Audi A5 Sportback getting ready for its close-up at the University of California San Diego. Unsurprisingly, another camera-phone wielding student was able to capture Audi's new five-door A5 sans camouflage, and the results are equal parts telling and predictable.
Although the front end remains masked in these newest spy shots, the bit that matters – the slopping rear hatch – is plain as day, with a stretched C-pillar and elongated rear-quarter window, large rear windshield and slightly upkicked boot lid. The rear overhang doesn't seem disproportionately stretched and the profile proves that at least one German automaker can pull off an attractive mid-sized five-door without relying on a bloated rump.
There's still some debate about whether Audi will offer the A5 Sportback in the States, so just because it was shot in So. Cal. doesn't mean it's headed this way. Instead, expect the A5 to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September (possibly earlier, at the Audi Centenary Celebration in July), with a range of gasoline and diesel powertrains, including an S5 variant packing the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. You can read the full account of Zamafir's rendezvous with the A5 Sportback and see another spy shot of the new five-door over at Fourtitude.
Gallery: Audi A5 Sportback teaser
[Source: Fourtitude]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
John 4:04PM (6/24/2009)
Quite sexy actually.
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Ligor 5:08PM (6/24/2009)
not bad, but still a bit boring design wise.
the CTS Wagon is much better in my view
larry a 7:27PM (6/24/2009)
Wow! Good job Audi! The CTS Wagon looks very odd to me, I can't see anybody cross shopping the two..
Tool 7:21PM (6/24/2009)
I agree. I love the A5/S5 Coupe . . . sexy lines. But need a 4-door.
The A4 is too plain, especially from the A-pillar forward.
This Sportback -- if it maintains the great lines of the coupe -- would be a big hit.
Jei 10:03AM (6/25/2009)
Slick!
So, why would I want an A6/S6?
SwingLifeAway100 4:06PM (6/24/2009)
This already looks much better than the 5-series GT... not that I find that terribly difficult.
Am I the only one that doesn't understand these fastback/hatchback designs? Wouldn't a wagon be much more efficient as far as space? These just seem like a bit of a waste of space in a model lineup...
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zamafir 4:22PM (6/24/2009)
I've not seen the 5 series GT in person, but from the photo on the north american car of the year post I can tell you the a5 sportback is dramatically better looking, there's no doubt about it.
per the demographic, there is one. I'm looking at the Q5 or Golf TDI to replace one of my cars, it needs to be fairly entertaining and have a hatch back. Honestly, I'd prefer an A5 sportback, better fuel economy than the Q5, better performance, and a much better exterior than the already better-looking-than-MkV Golf TDI.
If audi sells this in north America with the 2.0T and 3.0Tupercharged I think they’d have a hit on their hands. In fact, if they just replaced the A4 with this completely they’d be good to go.
I’m still recalling just how aston like that rear window is, and how perfectly the bet line blends into the rear spoiler and light cluster. It’s a lot better in person.
Mike P. 5:35PM (6/24/2009)
Ditto. I'm liking what I see. Far less awkward than the 5-series GT, and devoid of the CLS' sloping bum.
Nice! I'd still go for a wagon but I can see the appeal of this.
proides 4:12PM (6/24/2009)
This is what the redesigned A4 should have looked like. Absolutely breathtaking.
Audi is leagues ahead of BMW now. Leagues.
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Davin Black 2:45PM (6/25/2009)
I could not agree more; they've blown BMW out of the water with their design language.
Clavius 4:13PM (6/24/2009)
Ok enough with the Sedan Coup variants out of EVERY SINGLE car maker. Its losing its appeal very damn quickly. That and wasnt the A5 supposed to be the coup variant of the A4? So adding a extra set of doors kinda destroys the 5's spot or am I wrong here? Its a good looking car dont get me wrong but enough with the Sedan Coup's.
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Jesse 7:29PM (6/24/2009)
I think it's and A5 variant rather than A4 because the 5 commands more money. Call it an A4 Sportback and it's hard to justify pricing any higher than an A4 Avant.
I am in the market now for an A3. Being a car nut, I'm constantly talking about it. It amazes how many people respond with something like "Why would you want a wagon (or hatchback)?" Maybe this Sportback concept is just the styling ticket to lure buyers away from SUV's, but not all the way to practical-ville in a wagon. Now I love wagons, but this sleek body is enough to make me give up some cargo room.
homunculus 4:13PM (6/24/2009)
a five door a5?
NICE
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PAUL 4:18PM (6/24/2009)
better than BMW GT
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James 8:33PM (6/24/2009)
But see I don't like the comparison between the BMW 5GT and the Audi A5 Sportback.
The A5 is conceived as a four door "coupe" variant of the A5, whereas the 5GT is supposed to be a more versatile version of the 5-series with higher ride height.
Besides their sloped hindquarters I don't see the comparison...
zamafir 8:49PM (6/24/2009)
@james, i don't blame u, the a5 sportback and a7 sportback sit just below and above the 5 series gt. both are a lot better looking, a lot more cohesively designed. it'll be interesting seeing how the 5 series gt copes with both.
Auari 4:25PM (6/24/2009)
This is genius, The A5 sportback looks amazing and doesn't have one car in its class to compete with.
Didn't Autoblog say this car isn't coming to the states. Is this true?
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zamafir 8:49PM (6/24/2009)
As of right now there has not been any affirmation the car is coming to north america.
k.w.a 4:33PM (6/24/2009)
someone needs to make BMW sexy again...They get into really interesting projects that are revolutionary but stop short of making them ATTRACTIVE, and then Audi and MB finish the job and take home the victory. The GT looks like crap compared to this
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P.V. 4:36PM (6/24/2009)
I actually thought the 5 Series GT was pretty good, but this is simply HAWT! I also said before that Sportback A5 or A7 didn't matter as long as we got one of them, but seeing this, I REALLY want to see this sold in the US (unless the A7 Sportback manages to look even better than this, which would be all for the better).
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