Sporty Sedan Goes Plug-In
The Audi A5 is one of the more stylish cars on the road, its sleek fastback outline hiding a spacious cabin as well as a huge, versatile cargo area. A choice of engines, from mild to wild, has meant that there’s been an A5 for every kind of driver. Now, with the all-new, next-generation A5, Audi is adding a plug-in hybrid option to the mix, offering drivers excellent performance combined with exceptional fuel efficiency and the ability to commute for significant distances with zero emissions.
The latest A5 is available in Europe as both a sleek “sportback” hatchback as well as a wagon; it’s likely we’ll only get the sportback in North America. It’s built on Audi’s new PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture, which is shared with the all-new Q5 and Q5 Sportback.
Alongside combustion versions with four- and six-cylinder gasoline engines, there are two new hybrid A5 models: a 300-hp version and a high-output version with a total of 362 horsepower on tap. Both are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 hp, combined with an electric motor. The power difference between the two comes thanks to a stronger EV motor.
Combining Performance, Efficiency and Long All-Electric Range
Despite just four cylinders, the plug-in A5s are serious performers thanks to electrification. The low-power version accelerates to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds, and the high-power version will do the same trick in 5 seconds, and both models can reach a top speed of 155 mph.
More importantly, thanks to a large 25.9-kWh high-voltage battery, the new A5 models have amazing all-electric range. They can go up to 72 miles on electric power alone, according to the European WLTP testing cycle. That’s enough for most Americans to commute for a couple of days without having to plug in.
Better range comes not only as a result of a relatively big battery for a PHEV, but also thanks to many clever techniques to improve efficiency. Audi says the regenerative braking performance of the new A5 is significantly increased, and drivers can now adjust the amount of regen using paddles on the steering wheel. The regenerative braking system talks to the vehicle’s navigation system, figuring out automatically when and where it should be recharging the battery the most aggressively to maximize all-electric range.
While the new A5 models can’t DC fast charge, their charging speed on a Level 2 charger has improved significantly from prior Audi plug-in hybrid models. Maximum charging speed is now 11 kW, up from 7.4 kW, and Audi says the battery can now be fully charged in just two and a half hours.
Audi A5 PHEV Standard Features
Drive modes provide owners with a great deal of flexibility. EV mode runs exclusively on electric power, while hybrid mode maintains a specific level of charge in the battery to enable the car to drive emissions-free later in the journey. Drivers can also set the desired charge level individually using a digital slider.
Because the electric motor is integrated into the housing of the seven-speed “S tronic” dual-clutch transmission, you can actually shift gears when driving in EV mode, which adds an extra layer of interactivity to the driving experience.
Like the whole A5 family, the PHEV models come with a very high level of standard equipment. In addition to quattro all-wheel drive, the S line exterior package comes standard, with sportier accents and privacy glass on the higher-output model.
PHEV models come standard with three-zone automatic air conditioning, and 18-inch wheels. Trunk capacity is substantial, growing from 11.7 to 41.5 cu ft when the seats are folded down. It can also tow up to 4,189 pounds.
The interior features Audi’s latest digital cockpit, which combines two screens under a large, curved piece of glass, with the option of a passenger-side display as well. A full array of infotainment and driver assistance systems are standard.
When Can I Buy the New A5 PHEV?
On sale now in Europe, we expect to see the plug-in hybrid A5 models arrive in North America later this year, with a starting MSRP in the low sixties.
