Audi A5 Launches Its First PHEV Version, Accelerating from 0-100 km/h in Just 5.1 Seconds

[PCauto] Audi officially unveiled its new generation A5 PHEV on March 25, 2025, offering both Avant (wagon) and Sedan (four-door coupe) body styles.

The A5 PHEV is built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) modular platform and features a 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine as its primary power source, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard Quattro all-wheel drive, providing a solid foundation for performance.

Audi has equipped the A5 PHEV with two powertrain variants to cater to diverse performance preferences of consumers. The base version features a motor output of 220 kW, while the high-performance variant delivers up to 270 kW. With this powertrain combination, the base model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and the high-performance variant achieves this in just 5.1 seconds.

In terms of battery, the A5 PHEV is equipped with a 25.9 kWh battery that supports 11 kW charging, allowing it to be fully charged in just 2.5 hours. In pure electric mode, the vehicle has a range of up to 110 kilometers (WLTP). Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle automatically switches to hybrid mode, where the engine and motor work in tandem, intelligently adjusting power output based on driving conditions and requirements, ensuring optimal efficiency at all times.

Currently, the market for midsize plug-in hybrid luxury sedans is not overly competitive, and the introduction of the A5 PHEV fills a gap in Audi’s offerings in this segment. However, there are some concerns and doubts regarding the A5 PHEV.

Though the A5 PHEV excels in acceleration performance among its rivals, its pure electric range of 110 kilometers (WLTP) is slightly lower than the 114 kilometers offered by the Mercedes-Benz C300e PHEV, which may be a crucial consideration for consumers who prioritize electric range in their purchasing decision.

Moreover, as major auto manufacturers shift their focus toward the electric SUV market, Audi’s decision to launch a new plug-in hybrid vehicle based on a gasoline platform has been viewed by some as a challenging strategic choice. There are opinions that this may represent a transitional phase for traditional luxury cars, raising concerns about their long-term competitiveness in the mainstream electric market.

Additionally, the new European version of the Volkswagen Group’s Tiguan PHEV, despite being heavier and having less aerodynamic performance than the A5, boasts an electric range of 124 kilometers, which raises questions about the potential for further improvements in the A5 PHEV's electric range.

Overall, the launch of the Audi A5 PHEV marks a significant step in the brand's endeavors in the new energy sector, blending Audi’s brand strengths, research and development achievements, and insights into demands.