The new Audi A5 plug-in hybrid models are revolutionizing driving efficiency through their intelligent hybrid management system. Designed for optimal performance, flexibility, and unparalleled driver comfort, this system automatically selects the most effective operating strategy for every journey. At the heart of this innovation is a permanently excited synchronous motor boasting a peak output of 105 kW, seamlessly integrated within the seven-speed S tronic transmission housing. This powerful electric motor delivers instant torque – a staggering 500 Nm in the 270 kW variant and 450 Nm in the 220 kW version – available right from the moment you press the accelerator. A significant advancement lies in the power electronics, specifically the pulse inverter, newly developed for the Audi A5 plug-in hybrid range. This compact, lightweight, and highly efficient component plays a crucial role in minimizing electrical consumption and enhancing overall hybrid mode efficiency.
Enhanced Battery Technology in the Audi A5 e-hybrid
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 achieved a remarkable 45 percent increase in battery capacity compared to its plug-in hybrid predecessor, the Audi A6 TFSI e. Remarkably, this substantial capacity boost has been achieved with only a minimal increase in the battery’s physical dimensions. The HV battery measures just 992 × 996 × 177 millimeters (39.1 x 39.2 x 7.0 inches). Furthermore, the interaction between the mechanical friction brake and energy recuperation via the electric motor has been refined, resulting in significantly improved 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 boasts a 46 percent increase in energy storage compared to previous cells used in C-segment low-floor vehicles. These high-capacity cells each hold 70 ampere-hours (Ah), and their advanced raw material composition contributes to a higher overall energy density. The battery’s energy is concentrated into 17 stacks, with six of these stacks forming a unit connected in series.
Audi is pioneering a cell-to-pack approach in battery technology for the Audi A5 e-hybrid. This innovative method eliminates traditional battery modules; instead, the cells are directly glued into the battery housing. This advanced packing technique results in a higher packing density, directly translating to increased energy content and energy density within a smaller footprint. Further advancements in cell chemistry have also yielded higher electrical output, even when the battery charge is low or in cold weather conditions, ensuring consistent performance in various situations.
Charging the Audi A5 e-hybrid is now 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 charging infrastructure availability. This enhanced charging power significantly 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, facilitating easy charging at home and public charging stations. Audi’s dedicated charging service, Audi charging, further expands charging options, providing access to a vast network of AC charging points across 29 European countries upon request.
Maximizing Energy Recovery and Efficiency in the Audi A5 PHEV
The new Audi A5 e-hybrid marks a significant leap in regenerative braking performance compared to previous Audi plug-in hybrid generations, such as the A6 PHEV. The core philosophy of the Audi A5 PHEV is to maximize electric driving and efficiently utilize the available battery charge throughout each journey. The plug-in hybrid drive system’s efficiency is highly dependent on deceleration phases when the driver releases the accelerator pedal. In these scenarios, overrun recuperation is intelligently managed based on the selected drive level, controlling deceleration. Furthermore, automatic recuperation can be pre-set in the MMI system within drive levels D and M, allowing the vehicle to autonomously adjust recuperation based on driving conditions.
This intelligent system leverages route data stored in the navigation system, including gradients, curve radii, speed limits, and even place-name signs, to optimize energy recovery. Traffic conditions ahead are also taken into account. When automatic regenerative braking is activated, predictive signals from the Predictive Efficiency Assistant (PEA) are fed into the overrun recuperation function. Notably, the new Audi A5 e-hybrid can also perform automatic regenerative braking even without active route guidance, further enhancing efficiency in everyday driving.
During braking, the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro and A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro can recover up to an impressive 88 kW of power, feeding it back into the high-voltage battery. The electric motor acts as a generator, handling over 90 percent of all deceleration events. 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 for 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.
Adjustable Recuperation Levels for Customized Driving
Thanks to the advanced E3 electronics architecture within the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the Audi A5 e-hybrid allows drivers to customize the degree of thrust recuperation in electric driving mode (EV mode). Similar to all-electric Audi models, paddles on the steering wheel provide three distinct recuperation levels. The left paddle (minus) increases electric braking and the corresponding recuperation level, while the right paddle (plus) reduces it. These paddles offer drivers precise control, enabling them to set a higher deceleration level before corners or in anticipation of traffic. At level zero, the plug-in hybrid coasts freely with minimal drag torque when the accelerator pedal is released, recovering energy only when the brake pedal is applied.
Intelligent Operating Modes for Optimal Performance and Range
The new Audi A5 PHEV models offer two primary operating modes: “EV” and “hybrid.” In EV mode, the vehicle operates solely on electric power, ensuring zero-emission driving. The combustion engine is engaged only under specific conditions: when EV mode is manually deactivated via the switch bar below the panoramic display or through the MMI system, in driving program S, via the selected mode in Audi drive select dynamic handling system, or when starting route guidance with hybrid assist activated.
With active navigation route guidance, the intelligent hybrid assistant considers route data to optimize drive mode selection. The combustion engine also activates during kickdown, temporarily deactivating EV mode until the kickdown action is complete. If none of these situations occur, the new PHEV models prioritize EV mode, utilizing the high-voltage battery until it is fully discharged. In EV mode, the vehicle speed is limited to 140 km/h (87 mph). The Audi A5 e-hybrid can be started in either EV or hybrid mode, and the last used mode becomes the default for subsequent starts.
In hybrid mode, the intelligent management system maintains the battery’s state of charge at an optimal level, ensuring sufficient electrical energy is reserved for later use, such as emission-free urban driving. The Audi A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro boasts an impressive electric range of up to 116 km (72.1 miles) according to the WLTP EAER City value.
Hybrid mode is designed for maximum efficiency across both short and long distances. The operating strategy dynamically chooses between electric or hybrid driving based on driving conditions and driver power demands, prioritizing electric power in urban environments and increasing hybrid driving at higher speeds. With active route guidance, the system intelligently plans the route, selecting the most energy-efficient configuration. It identifies route sections best suited for electric driving, such as urban areas and traffic congestion. When hybrid assist and route guidance are active, settings like desired charge level are automatically adjusted to optimize the operating strategy.
Beyond automatic hybrid mode, drivers can now precisely set a desired charge level using a digital slider within the MMI system. This allows for pre-trip charge level adjustments, ensuring sufficient electric range upon arrival at the destination, even if charging facilities are unavailable.
The desired charge level can be set in defined increments on a percentage scale. If the target state of charge (SoC) is below the actual SoC, the battery will discharge to that target level. If target and actual SoC values match, the combustion engine primarily powers the vehicle to maintain the SoC. If the target SoC exceeds the actual SoC, the combustion engine will recharge the battery.
Battery charging is optimized for efficiency and minimal environmental impact. 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 strategy maximizes efficiency and enables partially electric driving in urban areas or stop-and-go traffic. Battery charging via the combustion engine is limited to a maximum of 75 percent. To achieve a charge level above 75 percent, external AC charging is required.
Premium Features and Extensive Standard Equipment
Mirroring the entire Audi A5 family, the PHEV models come generously equipped as standard. Features include progressive steering, navigation, the MMI panoramic display, and an inductive phone charging pad.
Furthermore, the PHEV models include standard 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 rear seats folded down in the standard 40:20:40 split. The Sedan provides trunk capacity ranging from 331 to 1,175 liters (11.7 and 41.5 cu ft respectively). The Audi A5 is capable of towing braked trailers up to 1,900 kilograms and unbraked trailers up to 750 kilograms (approximately 4,189 and 1,653 lb respectively). The maximum permissible roof load is 90 kilograms and the maximum nose weight is 80 kilograms (approximately 198 and 176 lb respectively).
The standard air conditioning system, equipped with an electric refrigerant compressor, operates in both EV and hybrid modes and can pre-cool or pre-heat the cabin before departure. The auxiliary air conditioning system ensures a comfortable interior temperature even before entering the vehicle and can be programmed directly in the car or via the myAudi app.
Optional comfort auxiliary air conditioning extends functionality to include features like 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 without using the app. The standard 3-zone automatic air conditioning independently regulates temperature, volume, and air distribution for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. The comfort auxiliary air conditioning can be conveniently controlled through the MMI or the myAudi app.
The sporty Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro with 270 kW output comes standard with the S line exterior package, black styling package, and privacy glazing for a dynamic aesthetic. Mirroring the Audi S5, the 270 kW e-hybrid quattro features LED headlights plus and LED rear lights pro.
Standard 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 extensive standard equipment list. The 220 kW variants come standard with 18-inch wheels and 3-zone automatic air conditioning, among other features. All Audi A5 models for the European market include heated front seats as standard.
To cater to diverse customer preferences, the new plug-in hybrids and all Audi A5 models are available with various equipment packages bundling a wide range of optional extras. The new business package for Europe, available for the 220 kW PHEV variant, combines essential comfort and digital connectivity features, including adaptive cruise assist, parking system plus with distance display, park assist, and reversing camera. The Audi Application Store in the vehicle’s MMI provides access to a growing selection of popular apps.
The smartphone interface seamlessly integrates smartphones, displaying content directly on the MMI touch display. 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.
In conclusion, the Audi A5 plug-in hybrid models represent a significant advancement in automotive technology, offering a compelling combination of intelligent efficiency, dynamic performance, and premium features within the esteemed Audi A5 lineage.
