It’s been nearly a year since Audi discontinued the A4 to make room for the A5. The sedan (technically a liftback) and wagon didn’t initially have charging ports, but now the plug-in hybrids have arrived. Available exclusively with Quattro, these electrified variants aim to offer the best of both worlds, excellent efficiency without compromising (too much) performance. The PHEVs share a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
The base A5 e-hybrid produces a combined 295 horsepower, while the more powerful variant packs 362 hp, matching the V-6-powered S5. Opting for the more powerful model results in a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 5.1 seconds, just 0.6 seconds slower than the S5. Although Audi doesn’t disclose the car’s weight, we’ve recently pointed out that the new S5 is a porker at 4,299 pounds (1,950 kilograms). Even with a smaller 2.0-liter engine, the plug-in hybrid is likely significantly heavier due to the added battery pack.
Photo by: Audi
Speaking of which, the new lithium-ion battery has a usable energy content of 25.9 kWh. Its capacity has increased by about 45 percent compared to the old A4 plug-in hybrid, while the AC charging power has been boosted to 11 kW. It’ll take two and a half hours to fully recharge the battery. The positioning underneath the cargo floor likely hinders practicality, but that’s how the cookie crumbles with PHEVs.
Audi quotes a maximum electric range of 72.1 miles (116 kilometers) for the A5 sedan in the WLTP cycle. The wagon likely trails slightly behind since it’s a touch heavier. Without the combustion engine running, the cars are electronically capped at 87 mph (140 km/h). Fire up the four-pot, and the limiter is loosened to 155 mph (250 km/h).
An even more powerful plug-in hybrid is likely on the way. It’s been almost six years since Audi announced that the next-generation RS4 would be electrified. Former Audi Sport managing director said the super wagon would employ a PHEV setup to cut emissions and deliver more power. With the A4 lineup now dead, the BMW M3 Touring competitor will go by the name of RS5 Avant, as weird as that may sound.
The long-roof RS5 has already been caught undergoing testing multiple times, so look for a debut later this year or in 2026. It likely won’t match the electric range of the regular A5 plug-in hybrids, but it will undoubtedly have more power. Logic tells us the RS5 wagon will easily surpass the 450 hp delivered by the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 in the defunct RS4.
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Source: Audi
