Audi A5 gains new plug-in hybrid models: pricing and specification

Audi has expanded the A5 line-up with a new e-hybrid plug-in hybrid variant, which offers a more attractive company car tax position.

The A5 Saloon and Avant were announced last year, as replacements for the brand's existing A4 models. But were only available with mild hybrid powertrains.

Initially, the line-up consisted of petrol and diesel variants. Now Audi's new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrain is offered.

Available from May, the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid Quattro and the Audi A5 Saloon e-hybrid Quattro are powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine with an electric motor. Combined total power output is 299PS.

A new high-voltage battery, at the rear of the vehicle, provides a capacity to 20.7kWh (useable). Maximum AC charging power is 11kW, enabling a full charge in 2.5 hours.

Audi claims a zero-emission range of up to 67 miles and CO2 emissions of 46 - 60gkm, for the A5 e-hybrid. 

The new powertrain is expected to join the revised Q5 and A6 model ranges in due course.

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Pricing starts at £41,950 for the A5 Saloon and £43,850 for the A5 Avant. The e-hybrid models start at £48,950 and £50,850, respectively.

The A5 sits on an all-new platform, developed specifically for combustion engine cars.

Alongisde the e-hybrid, the engine line up also includes a 2.0-litre petrol with 150PS or 204PS and a 2.0-litre diesel with 204PS. Petrol models emit from 155g/km of CO2 and only come with front-wheel-drive. The the diesel can be specified with Quattro all-wheel-drive and emits 129 - 140g/km of CO2.

The S5 uses a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. All variants are equipped with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

Despite it's new underpinnings, Audi has retained a familiar exterior design for the new A5. It does adopt new flush-fitting door handles, like the recently-launched Q6 e-tron.

The A5 saloon features a hatchback, like the outgoing A5 Sportback, rather than the A4's less-practical boot.

The car has grown in length and width, with a larger wheelbase contributing to greater interior space.

On the inside, the A5 is considerably different to its predecessor. It adopts Audi's new dashboard architecture, which includes a 14.5-inch cental touchscreen and a virtual cockpit display that are combined into a panoramic panel. Most of the physical switchgear has been removed, with key functions integrated into the screen and other functions moved to a touch-sensitive panel on the driver's door.

Audi will offer the A5 in Sport, S line and Edition 1 specification, while the S5 Saloon and Avant will be offered exclusively in Edition 1 form.

Sport versions come with leather upholstery, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a powered tailgate.

S Line versions are marked out externally with specific exterior styling details, privacy glass and an upgrade from the Sport model’s 18-inch wheels to a 19-inch design. Inside, a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel complements the ‘S’-embossed sport seats, stainless steel pedals, matt brushed aluminium inlays, illuminated aluminium ‘S’ door sill inserts and a black headlining.

Range-topping Edition 1 adds 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, red brake callipers and a black styling pack. Technology gains include Matrix LED headlights, an additional 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display, keyless entry and 360-degree camera.

Audi A5 and S5 pricing: