The new Audi A5 is getting a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that offers up to 110km of electric-only range.
The new-generation liftback and wagon range, based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), replaces the old A4 sedan and wagon and A5 Sportback, none of which were available with PHEV powertrains.
We’ve contacted Audi Australia to confirm if the A5 e-hybrid will come here. It’s launching in Europe in April.
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The e-hybrid models mate a 185kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 20.7kWh net/25.9kWh gross lithium-ion battery, an electric motor with up to 105kW, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Total system outputs are either 220kW/450Nm or 270kW/500Nm, depending on the variant, with a 0-100km/h time as quick as 5.1 seconds.
All e-hybrid models are all-wheel drive, and can be charged on AC power at up to 11kW.
Here are the headline stats. Note consumption, emissions and range figures are based on WLTP testing.
| A5 Sedan (220kW) | A5 Avant (220kW) | A5 Sedan (270kW) | A5 Avant (270kW) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total system power | 220kW | 220kW | 270kW | 270kW |
| Total system torque | 450Nm | 450Nm | 500Nm | 500Nm |
| 0-100km/h time | 5.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds | 5.1 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Electric range | 97-110km | 95-108km | 97-107km | 94-104km |
| Fuel consumption (weighted combined) | 2.0-2.6L/100km | 2.1-2.6L/100km | 2.1-2.6L/100km | 2.2-2.7L/100km |
| Fuel consumption (discharged battery) | 6.3-7.3L/100km | 6.5-7.4L/100km | 6.5-7.3L/100km | 6.7-7.4L/100km |
| Electricity consumption | 14.9-15.7kWh/100km | 15-15.8kWh/100km | 15.1-15.7kWh/100km | 15.3-15.9kWh/100km |
| CO2 emissions | 45-60g/km | 47-60g/km | 47-60g/km | 50-61g/km |
| Weight | 2145kg | 2160kg | 2170kg | 2185kg |
The A5 e-hybrid can be driven in either EV or hybrid modes, with the former using purely electric power until the battery is depleted or if you put it in sport mode. The combustion engine also engages during kickdown.
The car can be driven on purely electric power at speeds of up to 140km/h.
In hybrid mode, there’s a configurable charge level to prevent the car from using all its battery charge, thereby saving enough electrical energy for later use. The car will favour electric power at low speeds.
You can toggle between different levels of regenerative braking using the paddle shifters.
An automatic recuperation mode uses data from the navigation system, including gradients and speed limits, and adjusts it accordingly with the help of Audi’s Predictive Efficiency Assistant.
Petrol-powered A5 and sportier S5 models are due here this year, with the base mild-hybrid A5 Sedan opening at $79,900 before on-road costs.
It remains to be seen whether the e-hybrid models will come here and, if so, how much of a premium they’ll attract.
BMW no longer offers a 3 Series PHEV here, but Mercedes-Benz has confirmed it plans to re-introduce a C-Class PHEV here this year.
Audi Australia currently offers PHEV versions of the Q5 and Q8, though the four-ring brand offers a much wider range of PHEVs in Europe.
MORE: Everything Audi A5
