Audi abandons coupes and convertibles
New-generation Audi A5 marks the end for two-door Audi models indefinitelyAudi has officially turned its back on coupes and convertibles following the debut of the new-generation Audi A5.
With the R8 supercar, TT sports car and A3 Convertible already dead, and now confirmation via Motor1 Germany that there are no plans for the all-new A5 to be offered in its traditional (Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback) body styles, the German luxury auto brand has eliminated all two-door models from its range.
The new 2024 Audi A5 will therefore be offered exclusively in A4-replacing sedan and wagon (Avant) forms going forward, however, the former is reminiscent of the outgoing A5 Sportback’s four-door liftback layout with it swooping roofline.
Some might argue this puts Audi at an immediate disadvantage against arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW, both of which have a rich history of coupes and convertibles, but it’s worth noting that Audi has always been known for its hot wagons and sedans rather than two-door models.
Within the context of coupes, Audi only ever really stood against its rivals twice: the A5 Coupe versus the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and the BMW 3 Series coupe/4 Series, and the Audi TT versus the BMW Z4.
However, two-door models have always been relatively slow-sellers and Audi is a large and successful Volkswagen Group-owned premium brand that would undoubtedly have weighed up the repercussions of such a move.
And Mercedes-Benz has also pulled back a bit on two-door models, with its new CLE being an amalgamation of the C-Class and E-Class coupes/convertibles.
There’s no guarantee coupes and convertibles won’t make a return to the German brand’s portfolio one day, but odds are they’ll be battery-electric and at least two years away, given Audi previously said it would release its last new combustion-powered model in 2026.
So Aussie fans would be well advised to act quickly, given the new A5 is due here in early 2025 and there are currently fewer than 50 new examples of the existing A4/S5/RS5 Coupe and Cabriolet listed at carsales.
Related: Hello 2025 Audi A5, goodbye A4
Related: SPY PICS: Best look yet at 2025 Audi A5 Avant
Related: Audi releases spruced-up Dynamic Black variants
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
