Audi A5 e-hybrid: Agile on the Road with Impressive Electric Range

Alongside the TDI and TFSI combustion engine models, the four-ring brand now offers for the first time in the A5 range two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants in two power levels. The new generation of high-voltage batteries boasts a 45% greater capacity, which, combined with increased regenerative braking performance, contributes to an electric range of up to 110 km.

The new version of the A5 features a more striking design, state-of-the-art combustion engines, and a new, more digital interior design philosophy. Additionally, the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models in the A5 series offer greater flexibility and efficiency.

The new Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro and the new Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro are available in two power levels: 220 kW and 270 kW. The vehicles are powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 185 kW (252 hp) and an electric motor delivering up to 105 kW.

In the 270 kW versions, the Avant and Sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds; the 220 kW versions reach 100 km/h from a standstill in 5.9 seconds. All variants can achieve a top speed of 250 km/h.

The heart of the new A5 hybrid plug-in versions houses the new high-voltage battery located at the rear of the vehicle, which has increased its capacity to 25.9 kWh (20.7 kWh net), representing an increase of approximately 45% compared to previous generation plug-in hybrids. The maximum AC charging power increases to 11 kW, reducing the charging time from 0 to 100% to just 2.5 hours.

The regenerative braking system's performance has also significantly improved, and drivers can now adjust the energy recovery level in EV mode using the paddles on the steering wheel. The new A5 e-hybrid operates on electric power for as long as possible to fully utilize the available battery charge until reaching the destination. When the electric mode is activated, the vehicle automatically recovers energy based on route data stored in the navigation system. The new A5 e-hybrid quattro can also recover energy automatically without active route guidance.

There are two operating modes available: electric (EV) and hybrid. When driving in hybrid mode, the system maintains a specific charge level as needed to save enough electric energy for later use.

Like the entire A5 family, the PHEV models come with a high level of equipment. The sporty A5 e-hybrid quattro with the most powerful propulsion system comes standard with the black styling package, privacy glass, and 19-inch Audi Sport wheels in a dark finish matching red brake calipers, giving it a particularly dynamic appearance.

The price of the A5 e-hybrid quattro with 220 kW starts from 65,170 euros in Spain, while the A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro starts at 67,350 euros. With the 270 kW propulsion system and higher standard equipment, the A5 hybrid quattro has a starting price of 76,770 euros, while the more powerful Avant version starts from 78,950 euros.

The electric propulsion is handled by a permanently excited synchronous motor with a maximum output of 105 kW. The electric motor is integrated into the housing of the seven-speed S tronic transmission. The total system torque is available even at idle: 500 Nm in the 270 kW variant and 450 Nm for the 220 kW variant. The power electronics (pulse inverter) used in the A5 plug-in hybrid models are newly developed: the pulse inverter is smaller, lighter, and more efficient, reducing electric consumption. Therefore, hybrid mode consumption is also lower.

It comes with a high level of standard equipment, such as progressive steering, navigation system, panoramic MMI display, an inductive charging platform for the phone, three-zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, LED Pro rear lights, auxiliary air conditioning, and 18-inch wheels.

The Avant has a boot volume of 361 liters. Folding the rear seats (in the standard 40:20:40 ratio) increases the capacity to 1,306 liters. In the case of the Sedan, the figures are 331 and 1,175 liters, respectively. The towing capacity with brakes rises to 1,900 kg, and up to 750 kg for trailers without brakes. The maximum permissible roof load is 90 kg, and the permissible support load is 80 kg.