2025 Audi A5 e-hybrid Avant Review

By now, you’re over the fact Audi called its A4 replacement the A5, and the local line up has expanded to offer a hybrid alternative. While we didn’t get the previous A4 as a hybrid here (at least I think we didn’t), this new A5 e-hybrid has been given a bigger battery for improved EV mileage. As Audi says ‘the increased electric range…enables our customers to cover the majority of their daily journeys using only electric power’. And that’s a good thing. It will enable buyers to complete most, if not all, of their daily driving duties without the petrol engine firing. And with road user charges at $38 per 1000km for PHEVs, you’re ahead of the game when using electric motivation alone. However, in hybrid mode, you’re paying road tax twice. So it pays to do a few calculations before signing up to a PHEV. 

So what is the EV mileage?

The A5 e-hybrid has a 25.9kWh (net 20.7kWh) battery, allowing Audi to claim an engine-off range of 101km. We got 80km with an average of 20kWh/100km, however we started out with the battery at 85 per cent. So 100km seems fairly legit. And that’s plenty for urban duties we reckon. You can only AC charge this, but with an 11kW on board charger, a wall box will replenish a juiced power pack in 2.5 hours. The portable charger will take all night.

The A5 e-hybrid defaults to EV mode, and electric drive is provided by a 105kW/350Nm motor working via the seven-speed twin-clutch, grounded via on-demand AWD. This provides the usual quiet and torque rich delivery of electric drive, and it’s smooth too. There’s enough go that you’re unlikely to fire the petrol engine into action, unless you reach the full extent of the gas pedal’s travel and push through the detent. Then the 185kW/380Nm 2.0-litre TFSI is into the action, and together they deliver a system output of 220kW and 450Nm. So it’s quick enough when you do pin the gas (or select hybrid drive mode), 0-100km/h taking 5.9sec. Slipping back into EV mode, the regenerative braking performance is nicely done. You can adjust the level via the paddles to your liking through three stages, or have it off completely to maximise your coasting mileage. As much as 90 per cent of the braking effort is done via the motor, with the hydraulic brakes used only for more forceful stopping. When you use the sat nav, it will use map info to best improve regeneration performance too. Even without route guidance active, the hybrid will detect intersections coming up and prompt you to get off the gas as it automatically adds regen. It’ll also do this when it senses traffic ahead or a change in speed limits. All of which is good when it comes to efficiency and stretching out those EV miles. 

What about hybrid mode? 

You still get plenty of engine off running in hybrid mode, it acting like a self charging petrol electric would. And while it’s refined in the manner it blends the electric and petrol motivation together, it’s not quite as smooth as EV running. It’s best not to run in hybrid mode around town, multiple short journeys in a day do not return great consumption numbers (9.0L/100km). Meanwhile, for the times you do venture down country, this hybrid returned 6.7L/100km on a run to Hamilton and back to Auckland, via Raglan. And that was loaded up with family and clobber. 

This A5 had the optional adaptive dampers (part of a $7k Tech Pro package) which deliver a well balanced ride and handling package. The former is always on point, while the latter is well tuned; it’s not overtly sporty with a touch of understeer when goaded, but it’s always in control. It makes for a polished premium package.

A good family wagon then? 

The A5 is not the most commodious five door ever. Rear seat accommodation is merely adequate and by the sounds of the squabbling from our three kids during the journey, better suited to a pair of occupants. The boot space too is fair, though the citing of the battery pack sees the load level raised up (and an 87L reduction in overall volume) and there is no spare wheel or under floor storage. Split folding remains for longer loads. With the factory fit towbar ($4000) it’ll tow up to 1700kg. 

The price is $118k, though with some of the nice-to-have options, that can head to $130k. But the standard car is well spec’d. The safety systems are perfectly behaved, the only thing missing being a lane assist feature for the active cruise. And we are not sure we really need a screen for the front passenger. The A5 e-hybrid is a stylish and efficient antidote to the premium SUV; it’s a good alternative that’s well worth checking out in this price bracket.  

Audi A5 e-hybrid S line 
$117,990  /  2.1L/100km  /  48g/km
0-100 km/h 5.9s
Engine  1984cc  IL4 / DI / T
Max power  185kW
Max torque  380Nm
Electric motor  105Nm / 350Nm
System output  220kW / 450Nm
Drivetrain  7-speed twin-clutch, on-damand AWD
Weight (claimed)  2085kg