Audi A5 PHEV: plenty of power, no DC charging
The Audi A5 gets two technically enhanced plug-in hybrids. Performance and range increase considerably compared to the predecessor.
(Image: Audi)
Six months after the presentation of the A4 successor, the A5, Audi is adding two plug-in hybrids to its range. One hope associated with this is that the number of people who can take advantage of tax benefits for privately used company cars will remain large enough. This remains one of the strongest arguments in favor of plug-in hybrids. Compared to its previous PHEV models, however, Audi has also made technical improvements.
Still without fast-charging option
This primarily concerns the battery. Its energy content has increased to 25.9 kWh, of which 20.7 kWh can be used. The charging capacity is now 11 kW. Charging is only possible with alternating current, which is an astonishing decision. After all, the current plug-in hybrids from VW, Skoda and Seat offer at least an optional direct current charging option.
Audi A5 e-hybrid Antrieb (7 Bilder)
Audi
)This means that the A5 PHEV has no chance of being able to recharge a significant range during a short stop at the supermarket, for example. It takes at least around two hours and 30 minutes to fully charge an empty battery. On the other hand, recuperation is possible with up to 88 kW. Audi calculates that the electric motor takes over more than 90 percent of all deceleration. The adaptive recuperation mode could help here. The A5 PHEV therefore reacts to what is happening in traffic and on the route.
Higher packing density
The battery measures just under one square meter and is almost 18 cm high. It is arranged using the cell-to-pack method. The cells are no longer placed in a module, but glued directly into the battery housing. This makes subsequent replacement more difficult, but allows the manufacturer to achieve a higher packing density. Ultimately, this means lower costs and a reduced space requirement in the car.
Audi A5 e-hybrid Exterieur - Interieur (4 Bilder)
Audi
)In this respect, it should be noted that the trunk of the saloon has a capacity of 331 liters, that of the estate 361 liters, which is very little considering the external dimensions, even though the direct competition hardly offers more. A BMW 330e Touring can hold 410 liters, a Mercedes C300e 360 liters. Audi will offer two plug-in hybrids as a saloon and estate. All-wheel drive is always standard. Even the less powerful version offers 220 kW system output and 450 Nm. The more powerful version comes with 270 kW and 500 Nm. The two-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 185 kW in both versions, the electric motor up to 105 kW.
| A5 PHEV (220 kW) | A5 PHEV (270 kW) | |
| sedan | 62.500 euros | 70.900 euros |
| station wagon | 64.150 euros | 72.550 euros |
Audi quotes standard sprint times of 5.1 to 5.9 seconds, with all models reaching a top speed of 250 km/h. The range in the WLTP is around 110 km. The top-of-the-range version is even more extensively equipped, but also costs significantly more:
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