Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are finally gaining traction in Australia and many carmakers are introducing new options to feed customer demand.
Audi is one of these brands and it has just launched the PHEV version of its new A5 in liftback (Audi calls it Sportback) and wagon body styles. Yes, that’s right – a PHEV wagon!
Pricing for the Audi A5 e-hybrid starts at $89,900, before on-roads, for the liftback and $92,900 BOC for the wagon, which is the same price as the regular petrol versions.
Some carmakers have recently followed this price parity strategy when introducing PHEVs. A recent example is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which is this car’s main rival.
In Australia we get the most-powerful version of the A5 e-hybrid offered globally. It's powered by a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine like the TFSI quattro 200kW, but integrates a 105kW/350Nm electric motor into the seven-speed (wet) dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In some PHEVs with this kind of electric motor configuration you can feel the gear changes happening, even when travelling in electric mode. However, in this car it’s imperceptible, allowing for a more comfortable and serene driving experience.
Total system outputs are a healthy 270kW and 500Nm. This is notably the same amount of power as the S5 with its beefy 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, though torque is down 50kW.
However, the A5 e-hybrid can still do the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.1 seconds, which is 0.8 seconds faster than the regular TFSI quattro 200kW.
From behind the wheel this is a formidable all-wheel drive beast. There’s plenty of power underfoot, aided by the fact peak torque from the electric motor is available from standstill.
You’ll easily get up to speed with traffic and there’s still plenty of oomph available for rolling acceleration. Better yet, you can do a lot of driving on electric power alone.
The A5 e-hybrid offers up to 97km of (WLTP) claimed EV driving, depending on the body style, thanks to its 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack. That’s fairly competitive in the current PHEV space, though this likely won’t take long to be superseded by emerging Chinese players with larger battery packs.
There is the typical EV driving mode which prioritises the use of the battery charge, as well as a hybrid mode that uses the petrol engine when it’s more efficient to do so. You’re able to cycle between the two modes while driving, though once the battery charge gets down low enough it’ll only drive in hybrid mode.
Additionally there’s a hold charge mode which keeps the battery charge at a certain amount for use at a later point, as well as a charge mode which uses the petrol engine as a generator to top up the battery. This is nothing new for a PHEV.
The majority of the driving experience is virtually silent, with the electric motor doing a lot of the hard work. Even when you punch the accelerator the petrol engine doesn’t make its presence known too drastically. It’s a rather refined beast.
As a result, however, you pick up other noises inside the cabin due to the inherent lack of ambient engine noise. The virtually brand new press example we drove during the media launch was already starting to develop rattles and creaks either behind the dashboard or in the B-pillar, which is disappointing for such a luxurious vehicle.
Like all A5s, the e-hybrid has a progressive steering rack which ramps up the weight as you build up speed. It makes this car a joy to carve up corners in, which is surprising given its hefty 2.2-tonne weight.
Australian-spec A5 e-hybrids also come with sport suspension as standard which makes for a taut ride, but it nicely balances the fine edge of being compliant and not too firm. There are also large 20-inch alloy wheels as standard.
Inside there is Audi’s so-called 'Digital Stage' dashboard that combines an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen multimedia system. Owners can also opt for a front passenger touchscreen for an additional $1950, though I wouldn’t bother.
It’s a screen-heavy interior with minimal physical switchgear, which isn’t to my taste. However, critical information like the climate control and short-cut buttons to key menus are always present on the touchscreen.
One downside in the A5 e-hybrid is reduced boot space. In the liftback there’s only 311L of boot space available with the rear seats upright, expanding to 1175L with them folded, whereas there’s 361L and 1306L, respectively in the wagon. Not much at all…
For context, the A5 TFSI quattro 200kW sedan offers 445L and 1229L, respectively, and the equivalent wagon offers 448L and 1396L.
On the ownership front, the A5 e-hybrid is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, like the rest of the Audi line-up. However, the high-voltage battery pack is covered by an eight-year, 160,000km warranty.
Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Audi hasn’t detailed service pricing yet.
Audi A5 2026: E-Hybrid Quattro (Phev)
| Engine Type | Turbo 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded/Electric |
| Fuel Efficiency | 3.0L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $89,900 |
| Safety Rating |
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Verdict
There aren’t many reasons why you shouldn’t consider the plug-in hybrid version of the Audi A5 over the regular mild-hybrid petrol models if you’re one of the few people still in the market for a non-SUV.
It not only offers almost 100km of electric range, but is more powerful, quicker, has more standard kit and critically doesn’t cost any extra. The few detractors can be pinpointed to less boot space, as well as no spare wheel.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.
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