SPYSHOTS: 2017 Audi A5 Sportback caught in winter

Previously, our European spy photographers have captured both the Audi A5 Coupe and Cabriolet being tested, and now it’s the turn of the five-door Sportback model to be caught in their lenses. The fastback BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé rival should make an appearance next year, sometime after the two-door variants.

Like the coupe and convertible, the Sportback’s design looks to take on an evolutionary tack first seen on the A4, so much so that you’ll have a hard time trying to differentiate between old and new. At the front you’ll find trapezoidal headlights and a flatter, wider front grille that is becoming a signature look for the four rings.

Along the sides of the car, the distinctive undulating shoulder line of the current car looks to have been retained. However, the door mirrors have been moved from the leading edge of the A-pillar to being mounted on the doors themselves, presumably for better aerodynamics and reduced wind noise.

Moving to the rear of the car, there are similarities to the A4, particularly around the slim, sharp-looking tail lights with LED technology. The boot lid lip is also sharper and more prominent than the current car, lending a sportier look, while the reflectors have been moved down to the bumper.

Riding on a new version of the Volkswagen Group’s modular MLB platform, the MLB Evo, the A5 Sportback should undergo a weight saving of around 100 kg compared to the previous-generation model. This would match similar savings seen on platform mates the Q7 and A4.

Expect engine choices to be identical to the A4, including 150 hp/250 Nm 1.4 TFSI, 190 hp/320 Nm 2.0 TFSI ultra and 252 hp/370 Nm 2.0 TFSI petrols, plus 150 hp/320 Nm and 190 hp/400 Nm 2.0 TDI, and 218 hp/400 Nm and 272 hp/600 Nm 3.0 TDI diesels, mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive options should be offered as usual.

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