The best of both worlds

There is no doubting the popularity of SUVs in Australia and indeed around the world, but contrary to popular belief, the wagon and sedan are far from a thing of the past. The style, ride height and subsequent driving feel are vastly different to that of a high-riding SUV and for many, there is simply no substitute to the style of these models.

Add to the equation the tremendous flexibility of hybrid-drive with its combination of performance, economy and all-electric range and the attraction only increases. The newly-arrived A5 e-hybrid models are a perfect case in point, expanding the options for customers in this segment, which also comprises the entry model front-wheel drive versions, 200kW quattro variants and the S5 performance models. The new e-hybrid models like their siblings, are available in Sedan or Avant body style and deliver the goods on a number of fronts, from performance, to practicality, state-of-the-art technology and styling. Nearly as quick as the S5 models – 5.1 seconds 0 to 100km/h plays 4.1 seconds for the S5 models – but capable of delivering an extraordinary 2.6L/100km thanks to its hybrid drive system, this really is a case of ‘best of both worlds’ motoring. 

Then of course there is its ability to travel nearly 100km (97km officially) on pure electric power and at speeds of up to 140km/h if you find yourself in the right environment.

The A5 e-hybtid models are the latest addition to the all-new Audi A5/S5 range launched in Australia in June. This new model, despite the familiar model name is completely new and represents the amalgamation of the tremendously popular A4 and A5 models, drawing on the greatest strengths of both.

The styling is all new, but certainly aspects of the A4 and original A5 models are present in this all-new family, with the A5 Sedan exhibiting obvious characteristics of the A5 Sportback and the Avant drawing heavily on the A4 Avant. But while elements of the originals are obvious, the resultant A5 Sedan and Avant have their own very distinct look, feel and characteristics.

At launch this year the A5 and S5 models impressed with their new styling, state-of-the-art interior architecture and technology, ushering in a new age for the mid to large Sedan and Avant category. Now the e-hybrid models offer even greater choice within the segment for those wanting the duality of electric and combustion drive to use as the situation dictates.

Audi has also priced the new models to match the existing pricing for the A5 Sedan/Avant TFSI quattro 200kW S line – with the A5 e-hybrid Sedan also from $89,900* and the A5 e-hybrid Avant from $92,900* – and yet in many areas, the e-hybrid models actually outperform their conventional stablemate.

At the heart of the model is the combination of 2.0-litre TFSI engine, mated to a 105kW electric motor integrated directly into a seven-speed S tronic transmission. Audi’s engineers have significantly upgraded the high-voltage battery which now sports gross capacity of 25.9kWh, with around 20.7kWh net, constituting around a 45 percent increase over its previous hybrid-generation battery. 

This generous battery enables a pure-electric range of up to 97km (WLTP), which is remarkable for a PHEV, and will comfortably account for the majority of city driving in most instances. 

But when you decide to draw on the car’s full potential you get a sense of what the A5 e-hybrid is all about. With a total output of 270kW (the same as the S5 models) and a stonking 500Nm between 1600 and 4500rpm, the e-hybrid is no slouch. The aforementioned 5.1 second sprint to 100km/h from rest is in fact 0.8 seconds faster than the 200kW A5 model. 

Then there’s the matter of its 2.6L/100km consumption and 60 CO₂ emissions grams per km, compared to 7.4L/100km and 168 CO₂ emissions grams per km with the 200kW quattro model. Then of course there is also the matter of nearly 100km of pure electric drive at your disposal.

Charging is also very practical and just as importantly, simple, with maximum AC charging power of 11kW, allowing a full 0 – 100 percent charge in around 2.5 hours in the right conditions. That means an easy charge at home will potentially set you up for the week in terms of most daily commutes.

Of course regeneration is also possible out on the road, and the adjustable regenerative braking, controlled via the paddles behind the steering wheel is easy to use and quickly becomes a part of the way you drive. With three levels of recuperation, this means you can choose a sporty coast mode (minimal regeneration), or a more aggressive energy-recovery mode when slowing for corners or traffic – very flexible and intuitive.

But for those who just want to get in and drive, the hybrid management system is smart – automatically choosing the most efficient operating strategy, but allowing you to set a reserve battery level if you want to retain electric energy for later in your journey. 

At the end of the day, all of the technology in the world becomes nothing more than a hinderance if you have to fiddle with it each time you drive the car – but that’s not the case here. The A5 e-hybrid feels no different to drive than any of its siblings in so far as there is no switching to this mode or that mode unless you choose to do so. 

Use navigation to plan the best route and drive modes for your trip or just get in and let the car decide for you in terms of economy and emissions. You can immerse yourself in the tech or just drive – this appeals to me, but I must admit to becoming fixated on using the pedals to maximise regeneration on occasion.

Driving is as smooth and refined as in the other A5 models, with the addition of whisper quiet operation in purely electric mode.  The battery’s assistance off the line gives the e-hybrid its almost ’S’-like acceleration, which makes fast smooth launches from the lights. Aggressive use of the accelerator peddle will rouse engine noise and all the things that appeal to drivers of combustion-engined cars, giving the A5 e-hybrid something of a Jekyll and Hyde personality.

Switching to hybrid or more dynamic driving reveals the car’s real performance character. The combustion engine and electric motor work in concert so seamlessly that power delivery is almost linear but with that clear punch when you ask for it. That 500Nm of torque is very usable, making overtaking effortless, and the quattro drive gives that surefooted feel particularly on the right twisty road where rapid changes of direction would potentially unbalance a car without it at speed. The A5 e-hybrid Avant is planted, composed and very agile through winding backroads, the sports suspension is firm but not so much so that it compromised the comfort of the cruise home on the highway or the stop and start of the city traffic.

Riding on 20-inch rims as standard with big red brake calipers clearly evident, there’s no missing the sporty look and feel of the A5 e-hybrid, despite its obvious e-credentials. And this is backed up by the performance, blasting off the line and offering superb point-to-point acceleration on demand, but super frugal motoring or even completely electric as required as well.

With its superbly finished interior that includes the new interior design language and appointment that was also introduced this year on Q6 e-tron and the new Q5 models, the sophistication of the exterior is carried through for the occupants. 

Little touches abound, like the three-zone climate control, which includes air vents with a dedicated climate-control zone for the rear passengers. Then there is also the auxiliary air-conditioning that can run on pure electric power, meaning that even when in full EV mode or warming up from a cold start, you can pre-condition the cabin without engaging the petrol engine. 

Accommodation and storage is impressive, even given the slight loss of luggage storage because of the battery stored under the rear cargo area. The Sedan still offers up 331 litres or 1175 litres with the rear seats folded down, while the Avant ups that to 361 litres and 1306 litres folding the seats. And for differing loads and needs, the rear seats in offer a 40:20:40 split which provides even greater adaptability.

The specification is high in standard trim, but customers can still tailor the vehicle to best suit their needs with three individual options or the Premium Package which combines a number of key items. In terms o0f the individual additions, seat ventilation can be added for $2200 while the MMI screen for the front passenger (which is masked from the driver once underway) is available for $1950.

The panoramic sunroof is also offered as an individual addition for $4990 – its touch masking from opaque to clear, a feature that never gets old.

Opt for the Premium package and a head-up display, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, colour ambient lighting with dynamic interaction strip and USB interfaces with increased charging capability are all added to the equation for $4900.

Across the board, the A5 e-hybrids represents a real sweet spot, bringing together elements that at a glance may seem at loggerheads, but work perfectly together. Yes you can have genuine performance and still drive a car that is luxurious, economical and also offer that pure electric drive as required.

For someone whose lifestyle calls for electric commuting, but with the option of real-world performance when the situation demands or allows, the A5 e-hybrid is hard to go past. And for those who demand a little more punch — the S5-level tune brings serious performance without losing its green credentials.

Audi’s new e-hybrid A5 delivers a rare mix of efficiency, sophistication, and sportiness – and for those drawn to the style and characteristics of a Sedan or Avant over an SUV, it offers the perfect luxury solution.