The automotive world is rapidly evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is the push towards greater efficiency and sustainability. The A5 Audi plug-in hybrid embodies this shift, showcasing intelligent drive management designed to maximize efficiency, flexibility, and driver comfort. This sophisticated system automatically selects the optimal operating strategy, seamlessly blending electric power with traditional combustion for a superior driving experience.
At the heart of the A5 Audi’s hybrid system lies a permanently excited synchronous motor, delivering a peak output of 105 kW. This electric motor is ingeniously integrated within the housing of the seven-speed S tronic transmission. One of the most compelling aspects of this powertrain is the instant torque availability – a robust 500 Nm in the 270 kW variant and 450 Nm in the 220 kW version. This immediate power delivery ensures responsive acceleration and a dynamic driving feel that A5 Audi enthusiasts have come to expect. A key innovation in these plug-in hybrid models is the newly developed power electronics, specifically the pulse inverter. This component is engineered to be smaller, lighter, and significantly more efficient, contributing directly to reduced electrical consumption and enhanced overall hybrid mode efficiency for the A5 Audi.
Revolutionizing Battery Technology in the A5 Audi e-hybrid
The new A5 Audi plug-in hybrids boast a significantly enhanced high-voltage battery (HV battery) located at the rear of the vehicle. With a capacity of 25.9 kWh (20.7 kWh net), Audi has achieved an impressive 45 percent increase in battery capacity compared to its plug-in hybrid predecessor, the A6 TFSI e. Remarkably, this substantial capacity increase has been achieved with only a marginal increase in the physical space required for battery installation. The HV battery maintains compact dimensions of 992 × 996 × 177 millimeters (39.1 x 39.2 x 7.0 in). Furthermore, advancements in the interaction between the mechanical friction brake and energy recuperation via the electric motor have yielded improved regenerative braking performance, further contributing to the A5 Audi’s efficiency.
The battery cells in the A5 Audi e-hybrid are arranged in a single layer configuration, optimized for the available space in the car’s rear section. Each prismatic cell offers approximately 46 percent more energy storage than previous cells used in C-segment low-floor vehicles. These cells have a charge capacity of 70 ampere-hours (Ah), and their raw material composition is specifically chosen to maximize energy density. The battery’s energy is organized into 17 stacks of cells, with six of these stacks forming a unit connected in sequence.
Audi is pioneering a cell-to-pack approach in battery technology for the A5 Audi. This innovative method eliminates the traditional battery module, instead directly gluing the cells into the battery housing. This results in a higher packing density, allowing for increased energy content and energy density within a smaller footprint. Thanks to ongoing advancements in cell chemistry, the A5 Audi’s battery provides higher electrical output compared to previous generations, even when the battery charge is low or in cold ambient temperatures.
Charging the A5 Audi e-hybrid is also faster and more convenient. The maximum AC charging power has been increased from two-phase 7.4 kW to three-phase 11 kW, depending on the charging infrastructure available. This enhanced charging power reduces the zero-to-100-percent charging time to a mere 2.5 hours. A mode 3 charging cable (plug type 2) is included as standard for easy charging at home and on the go. Audi’s charging service, Audi charging, further expands charging options, providing access to a vast network of AC charging points across 29 European countries upon request, ensuring that A5 Audi drivers are always well-connected.
Enhanced Energy Recovery for the A5 Audi Hybrid
Compared to previous generations of Audi plug-in hybrids, the new A5 Audi e-hybrid features significantly improved regenerative braking performance. The core philosophy of this PHEV model is to prioritize electric driving whenever possible, maximizing the utilization of the available battery charge throughout each journey. The efficiency of the plug-in hybrid drive is heavily influenced by deceleration phases when the driver lifts off the accelerator. In these situations, overrun recuperation is precisely controlled based on the selected drive level. Furthermore, automatic recuperation can be preset within the MMI system in drive levels D and M, allowing the vehicle to autonomously adjust recuperation based on various parameters. These parameters include route data from the navigation system, such as gradients, curve radii, place-name signs, and speed limits, as well as data from sensors detecting traffic ahead. When automatic regenerative braking is engaged, predictive signals are fed into the overrun regenerative braking function via the Predictive Efficiency Assistant (PEA). Notably, the new A5 Audi e-hybrid is capable of performing automatic regenerative braking even without active route guidance.
During braking, the A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro and A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro are capable of recovering up to 88 kW of power and feeding it back into the HV battery. The electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration, accounting for over 90 percent of all deceleration processes. The integrated brake control system with blending capability (iBRS) ensures seamless, pressure-free braking and optimal energy recovery. The hydraulic wheel brakes are only engaged during more forceful braking maneuvers. Importantly, this sophisticated system maintains a consistent braking feel for the driver, as the brake pedal and brake hydraulics are decoupled, providing a natural and predictable driving experience in the A5 Audi.
Adding another layer of control, the degree of thrust recuperation in electric driving mode (EV mode) can be adjusted through three distinct levels using steering wheel paddles, a feature inspired by Audi’s all-electric models. The left paddle (minus) increases electric braking and the corresponding recuperation level, while the right paddle (plus) reduces the recuperation level. These paddles allow drivers to proactively manage deceleration, for example, setting a higher recuperation level when approaching a turn. At level zero, the A5 Audi plug-in hybrid coasts freely with minimal drag torque when the accelerator pedal is released, meaning energy recovery only occurs when the brake pedal is applied. This level of customization allows drivers to optimize energy usage based on driving conditions and personal preferences in their A5 Audi.
Intelligent Operating Strategy for A5 Audi Efficiency
The new A5 Audi PHEV models offer two primary operating modes: “EV” and “hybrid.” In EV mode, the A5 Audi operates solely on electric power, maximizing zero-emission driving. The combustion engine is only activated under specific circumstances: if EV mode is manually deselected via the switch bar below the panoramic display or through the MMI system, when engaging driving program S, through the selected mode of the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, or when initiating route guidance with hybrid assist activated. If navigation route guidance is active, the hybrid assistant intelligently incorporates route data into drive mode selection. The combustion engine also engages during kickdown, temporarily deactivating EV mode until the kickdown action is complete. Outside of these specific situations, the new A5 Audi PHEV models prioritize EV mode, utilizing the HV battery until it is fully discharged. The digital slider for controlling the desired state of charge in hybrid mode is disabled in EV mode, ensuring that the battery’s electric range is fully exploited. In EV mode, the vehicle speed is limited to 140 km/h (87 mph). The A5 Audi PHEV models can be started in either EV or hybrid mode, and the last used mode becomes the default setting for subsequent vehicle starts, offering personalized convenience.
In hybrid mode, the intelligent hybrid management system maintains the battery’s state of charge at an optimal level, ensuring sufficient electrical energy is reserved for later use, such as electric driving in urban environments. The A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro boasts an impressive electric range of up to 116 km (72.1 mi) in city driving conditions according to the WLTP EAER City standard.
For optimized fuel consumption, hybrid mode proves to be the most efficient strategy for both short and long distances in the A5 Audi. The operating strategy dynamically decides between electric or hybrid mode based on driving conditions and the driver’s power demands, prioritizing maximum efficiency. The PHEV model favors electric driving in urban areas, while the proportion of hybrid driving increases at higher speeds. With active route guidance, the operating strategy intelligently considers the planned route, automatically selecting the best energy configuration for optimal efficiency. The vehicle calculates which segments of the route are best suited for electric driving, prioritizing electric power in low-speed zones like urban areas and traffic congestion. When hybrid assist and route guidance are activated, settings such as the desired charge level are overridden to ensure the most efficient operating strategy for the A5 Audi.
Beyond automatic hybrid mode, drivers can now customize the desired charge level using a digital slider, a new feature for the A5 Audi. This allows precise control over the HV battery’s state of charge. The charge level can be pre-set before a trip, ensuring sufficient electric range is available upon arrival at the destination, especially useful if charging options are limited.
The desired charge level can be set in defined increments using the digital slider on a percentage scale. If the target state of charge (SoC) is below the actual SoC, the battery will be discharged down to the target value. If the target and actual values are the same, the combustion engine primarily powers the vehicle to maintain the SoC. If the target SoC is higher than the actual SoC, the combustion engine will recharge the battery to reach the desired level.
Battery charging is strategically managed for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact in the A5 Audi. The combustion engine only recharges the battery at speeds above 65 kilometers per hour (40 mph); at lower speeds, the charge level is maintained. This maximizes efficiency and enables partially electric driving in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic. The battery can be charged up to 75 percent in this manner, ensuring efficient battery charging while driving. To increase the battery charge beyond 75 percent, an external AC charging source is required for the A5 Audi.
Extensive Standard Equipment in the A5 Audi PHEV
Mirroring the comprehensive features found across the entire A5 family, the PHEV models come generously equipped as standard. This includes progressive steering, navigation, the user-friendly MMI panoramic display, and a convenient inductive phone charging pad.
Furthermore, the PHEV models enhance comfort and convenience with standard features such as 3-zone automatic air conditioning, auxiliary air conditioning, and stylish 18-inch wheels. The Avant model offers a practical trunk volume of 361 liters (12.7 cu ft), expandable to 1,306 liters (46.1 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down in the standard 40:20:40 split. The Sedan provides a trunk capacity ranging from 331 to 1,175 liters (11.7 and 41.5 cu ft respectively). The A5 Audi is also capable for towing, with a permitted braked trailer weight of up to 1,900 kilograms and unbraked trailers up to 750 kilograms (approx. 4,189 and 1,653 lb respectively). The maximum permissible roof load is 90 kilograms and the maximum nose weight is 80 kilograms (approx. 198 and 176 lb respectively), highlighting the A5 Audi’s versatility.
The standard air conditioning system with an electric refrigerant compressor operates effectively in both EV and hybrid modes and can also pre-condition the cabin electrically before departure. The auxiliary air conditioning system ensures a comfortable interior temperature even before entering the car and can be programmed directly in the vehicle or via the myAudi app.
The optional comfort auxiliary air conditioning expands functionality to include seat heating, seat ventilation, steering wheel heating, and glass panel heating. A “quick climate control” function can be activated when unlocking the vehicle with the remote-control key, enabling rapid cabin cooling even without using the app. The standard 3-zone automatic air conditioning independently regulates air temperature, volume, and distribution for the driver, front passenger, and rear occupants. The comfort auxiliary air conditioning settings can be accessed and controlled through the MMI or conveniently via the myAudi app, offering seamless climate management in the A5 Audi.
The sportily designed A5 e-hybrid quattro with 270 kW output comes standard with the S line exterior package, black styling package, and privacy glazing for a particularly dynamic aesthetic. Mirroring the Audi S5, the e-hybrid quattro with 270 kW features LED headlights plus and LED rear lights pro.
Parking system plus with distance display and reversing camera, sports seats in a leather/artificial leather combination, sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, and red brake calipers further enhance the standard equipment of the sportier A5 Audi variants. The 220 kW variants come standard with 18-inch wheels and 3-zone automatic air conditioning, among other features. All A5 Audi models for the European market are equipped with heated front seats as standard.
To cater to diverse customer preferences, the new plug-in hybrids and all models within the A5 family offer various equipment packages that bundle a range of optional extras. The business package, a new addition for Europe and available for the 220 kW PHEV variant, bundles key equipment enhancing comfort and digital connectivity. This entry-level package includes adaptive cruise assist, parking system plus with distance display, park assist, and a reversing camera. The Audi Application Store within the vehicle’s MMI provides access to a continuously expanding selection of popular apps.
The smartphone interface seamlessly connects smartphones to the vehicle, displaying smartphone content directly on the MMI touch display. The front sports seats, included in the business package, offer enhanced comfort and lateral support with four-way electric lumbar support, manual thigh support adjustment, integrated head restraints, and pronounced seat side bolsters, completing the comprehensive and technologically advanced package of the A5 Audi plug-in hybrid.
