The new Audi A5 plug-in hybrid models are engineered to redefine driving efficiency, offering a seamless blend of electric power and intelligent management. Designed for maximum flexibility and driver comfort, these models automatically optimize their operating strategy to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. At the heart of this innovation is a permanently excited synchronous electric motor, boasting a peak output of 105 kW, seamlessly integrated within the seven-speed S tronic transmission housing. This setup ensures instant access to the full system torque – a robust 500 Nm in the 270 kW variant and 450 Nm in the 220 kW version, available right from the get-go. A significant advancement lies in the power electronics, specifically the pulse inverter, a newly developed component for the A5 plug-in hybrids. This innovation is not only smaller and lighter but also markedly more efficient, contributing to reduced electrical consumption and enhanced hybrid mode efficiency.
Enhanced Battery Technology: Powering Longer Drives
A key upgrade in the new Audi A5 plug-in hybrids is the high-voltage battery, strategically positioned at the vehicle’s rear. With a capacity of 25.9 kWh (20.7 kWh net), Audi has impressively increased battery capacity by approximately 45 percent compared to its predecessor, the A6 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. Remarkably, this substantial capacity increase is achieved with only a marginal change in installation space. The HV battery dimensions are 992 × 996 × 177 millimeters (39.1 x 39.2 x 7.0 in). Further enhancing efficiency is the improved synergy between the mechanical friction brake system and energy recuperation via the electric motor, leading to superior regenerative braking performance.
The battery cells in the Audi A5 e-hybrid are arranged in a single layer, optimizing space utilization in the car’s rear section. Each prismatic cell is designed to hold about 46 percent more energy than previous cells used in C-segment low-floor vehicles. These cells feature a 70 ampere-hour (Ah) charge capacity, with a raw material composition chosen for higher energy density. The battery’s total energy is distributed across 17 stacks of cells, with six stacks forming a unit connected in sequence.
Audi employs a cell-to-pack approach for battery cell arrangement, a novel method where cells are directly glued into the battery housing, eliminating the module layer. This innovative technique results in a higher packing density, enabling increased energy content and density within a smaller footprint. Thanks to advancements in cell chemistry, the new battery delivers higher electrical output, even at low charge states and in colder temperatures, ensuring consistent performance.
Charging convenience is significantly improved, with the maximum AC charging power increased from two-phase 7.4 kW to three-phase 11 kW, contingent on infrastructure availability. This enhanced power reduces the HV battery’s charging time from zero to 100 percent to a mere 2.5 hours. A mode 3 charging cable (plug type 2), suitable for both home and public charging, is included as standard. Audi charging service further expands charging options, offering access to numerous AC charging points across 29 European countries upon request.
Optimized Energy Recovery: Maximizing Efficiency on the Go
Compared to earlier PHEV generations like the A6, the new Audi A5 e-hybrid boasts significantly enhanced regenerative braking capabilities. The core philosophy of this PHEV model is to maximize electric driving and utilize the battery charge efficiently throughout each journey. The plug-in hybrid drive’s efficiency is particularly influenced by deceleration phases when the driver releases the accelerator. Overrun recuperation is intelligently managed with defined deceleration based on the selected drive level. Moreover, automatic recuperation can be preset in the MMI system within drive levels D and M, allowing the vehicle to autonomously adjust recuperation. This intelligent system utilizes route data from the navigation system, considering factors such as gradients, curve radii, traffic signs, and speed limits, as well as anticipating traffic conditions ahead. When automatic regenerative braking is active, predictive signals from the Predictive Efficiency Assistant (PEA) further refine overrun regenerative braking. Notably, the new A5 e-hybrid can also execute automatic regenerative braking even without active navigation guidance.
During braking, the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro and A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro can recover up to 88 kW of power, feeding it back into the HV battery. The electric motor acts as a generator, handling over 90 percent of all deceleration scenarios. The integrated brake control system with blending capability (iBRS) ensures seamless, pressure-free braking and optimal energy recovery. Hydraulic wheel brakes are engaged only for more forceful braking, without compromising the brake pedal feel for the driver, thanks to the decoupling of the brake pedal and hydraulics.
Customizable Recuperation: Steering Wheel Paddle Control
Leveraging the new E3 electronics architecture within the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the Audi A5 e-hybrid offers adjustable thrust recuperation in EV mode, similar to all-electric Audi models. Using steering wheel paddles, drivers can select from three distinct recuperation levels. The left paddle (minus) increases electric braking and recuperation, while the right paddle (plus) reduces it. These paddles enable drivers to proactively manage deceleration, for instance, increasing recuperation before entering a turn. At level zero, the plug-in hybrid coasts freely with minimal drag when the accelerator is released, recovering energy only upon brake application.
Intelligent Operating Modes: Tailored for Every Drive
The new Audi A5 PHEV models offer two primary operating modes: “EV” and “hybrid.” In EV mode, the vehicle operates solely on electric power. The combustion engine activates only under specific conditions: manual deactivation of EV mode via the switch bar or MMI, selection of driving program S, activation through Audi drive select dynamic handling system modes, or initiating route guidance with hybrid assist. When navigation route guidance is active, the hybrid assistant integrates route data to optimize drive mode selection. The combustion engine also engages during kickdown, temporarily deactivating EV mode. Otherwise, in EV mode, the new PHEV models utilize the HV battery until fully discharged. The digital slider for setting desired charge level in hybrid mode is inactive in EV mode, as the battery is intended for full electric utilization. EV mode limits vehicle speed to 140 km/h (87 mph). The vehicle starts in either EV or hybrid mode, defaulting to the last used mode upon subsequent starts.
In hybrid mode, the intelligent hybrid management system maintains the battery charge at a level sufficient for later electric use, such as for city driving. The Audi A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro achieves an electric range of up to 116 km (72.1 mi) based on WLTP EAER City values.
Hybrid mode provides the most efficient consumption for both short and long journeys. The operating strategy dynamically selects between electric and hybrid drive based on driving conditions and power demands, prioritizing electric driving in urban environments and increasing hybrid operation at higher speeds. With active route guidance, the system anticipates the route, optimizing energy configuration for maximum efficiency. The vehicle calculates suitable segments for electric driving, favoring low-speed zones like urban areas and traffic congestion. When hybrid assist and route guidance are active, set charge levels are overridden to ensure optimal operating strategy.
Beyond automatic hybrid mode, drivers can now customize the desired charge level using a digital slider, precisely defining the HV battery’s target charge percentage. This setting can be pre-set before journeys to ensure sufficient electric range upon arrival or in areas without charging facilities.
The desired charge level is adjustable in percentage increments via a digital slider. If the target charge level is below the current level, the battery will discharge to that point. If target and current levels match, the combustion engine primarily powers the vehicle to maintain the charge. If the target level is higher, the combustion engine recharges the battery.
Battery charging is strategically managed for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. The combustion engine only recharges the battery at speeds exceeding 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph), maintaining charge level at lower speeds. This optimizes efficiency and supports electric driving in urban or stop-and-go traffic. Battery charging via the combustion engine is capped at 75 percent, requiring external AC charging for higher levels.
Comprehensive Standard Equipment: Premium Features Included
Mirroring the broader Audi A5 family, the PHEV models come generously equipped as standard, including progressive steering, navigation, the MMI panoramic display, and an inductive phone charging pad.
Furthermore, standard PHEV features include 3-zone automatic air conditioning, auxiliary air conditioning, and 18-inch wheels. The Avant model offers a trunk volume of 361 liters (12.7 cu ft), expandable to 1,306 liters (46.1 cu ft) with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. The Sedan provides 331 to 1,175 liters (11.7 and 41.5 cu ft) of trunk space. The Audi A5 is rated to tow braked trailers up to 1,900 kg and unbraked trailers up to 750 kg, with a maximum roof load of 90 kg and nose weight of 80 kg.
The standard air conditioning, featuring an electric refrigerant compressor, operates in both EV and hybrid modes and can pre-condition the cabin before departure. The auxiliary air conditioning system ensures comfortable interior temperatures even before entering the vehicle, programmable in-car or via the myAudi app.
Optional comfort auxiliary air conditioning extends functionality to include seat heating, ventilation, steering wheel heating, and glass panel heating. A “quick climate control” function, activated via the remote-control key, enables rapid cabin cooling without app use. The standard 3-zone automatic air conditioning independently regulates temperature, volume, and distribution for driver, front passenger, and rear occupants. Comfort auxiliary air conditioning can be managed via the MMI or the myAudi app.
The sporty Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro with 270 kW output standardly features the S line exterior package, black styling package, and privacy glazing for a dynamic aesthetic. Aligning with the Audi S5, the 270 kW e-hybrid quattro includes LED headlights plus and LED rear lights pro.
Standard parking system plus with distance display and reversing camera, leather/artificial leather sports seats, sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, and red brake calipers complete the extensive standard equipment. The 220 kW variants come standard with 18-inch wheels and 3-zone automatic air conditioning, among other features. All A5 models for the European market include heated front seats.
To cater to diverse customer preferences, the new plug-in hybrids and the entire A5 range offer various equipment packages bundling optional extras. A new business package for Europe, available for the 220 kW PHEV variant, combines key comfort and digital connectivity enhancements, including adaptive cruise assist, parking system plus with distance display, park assist, and reversing camera. The Audi Application Store in the MMI provides access to an expanding selection of popular apps.
The smartphone interface seamlessly integrates smartphone content onto the MMI touch display. Front sports seats, part of the business package, enhance comfort and lateral support with four-way electric lumbar support, manual thigh support adjustment, integrated head restraints, and pronounced seat side bolsters.
