Audi is plugging into PHEV energy with its passenger automobile vary for the primary time in Australia.
The 2026 Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW is arriving in showrooms now, debuting plug-in hybrid energy within the German model’s non-SUV vary Down Underneath, and the primary PHEV primarily based on the brand new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC).
Audi’s representatives say there has already been sturdy curiosity within the pre-order section, helped by the actual fact the A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW gives S5-matching outputs with as much as 97km of EV vary on the WLTP check cycle.
It additionally helps that Audi’s new plug-in sedan and wagon obtain value parity with equal petrol-only variants, regardless of providing extra energy and efficiency, improved effectivity, in addition to some further package to sweeten the deal.
The identical drivetrain has additionally been confirmed for the favored (and associated) Audi Q5 mid-size SUV, on account of land within the early phases of subsequent 12 months.
We had been invited alongside to Audi Media Day in Sydney, the place we bought to pattern the A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro alongside a number of different new fashions together with the Q5 and SQ5 Sportbacks, in addition to the Q6 Sportback e-tron.
How does Audi’s new PHEV drive? We bought a fast spin to seek out out…
How a lot does the Audi A5 price?
Whereas PHEVs typically carry a major value premium over pure petrol-powered equivalents, Audi Australia has managed to reach at value parity with the brand new A5 TFSI quattro 200kW fashions.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 150kW | $79,900 |
| 2026 Audi A5 Sedan TFSI quattro 200kW | $89,900 |
| 2026 Audi A5 Avant TFSI quattro 200kW | $92,900 |
| 2026 Audi A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro 270kW | $89,900 |
| 2026 Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro 270kW | $92,900 |
| 2026 Audi S5 Sedan version one | $99,900 |
| 2026 Audi S5 Avant version one | $102,900 |
| 2026 Audi S5 Sedan | $114,900 |
| 2026 Audi S5 Avant | $117,900 |
Priced from $89,900 plus on-roads for the A5 Sedan and $92,900 for the A5 Avant wagon, the plug-in Audi is almost $10,000 cheaper than its Mercedes-Benz C350e Sedan rival (from $98,200), which doesn’t provide a wagon in Australia.
It’s additionally 1000’s cheaper than a petrol-only BMW 330i Sedan (from $94,900), and is just a bit greater than the up to date all-electric BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe (from $88,900).
Wagon-bodied rivals are just about non-existent in Australia, particularly with an electrified powertrain. Peugeot lately pulled its 508 SW PHEV, although Skoda will launch the Very good iV PHEV in 2026, and certain for a lot much less cash.
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
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What’s the Audi A5 like on the within?
If you happen to’ve learn our earlier A5 or S5 critiques, the reply is extra of the identical.
The B10-generation A5 vary ushers in a brand new design philosophy for Audi each in and out, for higher and for worse – at the least for my part.
The place Audi’s earlier A4 and its different MLB-based vehicles had been lauded for his or her high-quality, classically laid out interiors; the brand new A5 and subsequent fashions are going arduous on show tech, and decreasing bodily switchgear.
The brand new ‘digital stage’ inside format is headlined by the 11.9-inch Audi digital cockpit plus (digital instrument cluster) and 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus infotainment touchscreen. This may be bolstered by a further 10.9-inch passenger-side touchscreen within the A5 for a further $1950 if that’s your type of factor.
In comparison with Audi’s pared-back, pretty conventional cockpits of previous, the brand new format and interface is usually a little daunting, even jarring. There’s a whole lot of piano black within the bezels of the curved housing of the primary driver shows, in addition to the centre console, too.
The interface is now powered by Google’s Android, which explains the smartphone-like widgets and app drawer. Audi says the software program is totally tailor-made to the model, and permits the set up of a wider set of in-car apps by way of the Audi Utility Retailer in addition to over-the-air software program updates.
Whereas it’s typically pretty usable and positively not as fiddly as another contact control-heavy VW Group interiors, the A5’s interface feels much less typical and fewer user-friendly than the earlier technology of MMI. The shows provide stunning readability, brightness and graphics, although the widget-based menu construction isn’t as clear because the tiled system it replaces and you will want to spend a bit extra time studying the place the whole lot is.
Audi has additionally moved the A5 to touch-based local weather controls, housed in a everlasting digital toolbar on the base of the central show. These aren’t as user-friendly as even the clicky contact controls in bigger autos just like the Q7 and Q8, and really feel like a step again.
The toolbar is small relative to the out there show actual property, as are the digital buttons, which means any fast adjustments whereas on the transfer require your eyes to be averted from the street and infrequently end in a press of the neighbouring button or urgent it one too many occasions.
I’m nonetheless not a fan of the brand new multifunction steering wheel controls, which really feel like a midway home between Audi’s previous tactile bodily buttons and the extra fiddly touch-capacitive controls utilized in different VW Group fashions. They’re not outright dangerous, however they’re not nice both.
Be ready to at all times have a microfibre fabric on the prepared too, as a result of the shiny end of the show and the swathes of piano black trim are a nightmare for fingerprints and smudges – however it’s not all dangerous, I promise.
Fast load occasions and gorgeously shiny colors make these shows stunning to have a look at, and whereas I miss the gorgeous simplicity of the previous Audi digital cockpit format, the brand new one with its central dial and adjustable aspect widgets make me really feel like I’m carrying Iron Man’s helmet.
As you’d count on, the A5’s infotainment fitout comes totally geared up with related providers, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, in addition to native navigation with on-line mapping.
As a part of the optionally available $4900 premium bundle, the A5 can be out there with a thumping 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system which I’d say is a should for audiophiles, although you would take or depart the $1950 optionally available MMI passenger show, which plonks a ten.9-inch touchscreen forward of the entrance passenger.
At full blast the immersive in-car sound expertise is incredible with the optionally available audio system – although when you flip the bass and subwoofer up too excessive I reckon it would really feel an excessive amount of like a doof doof nightclub.
The final feeling of high quality is fairly good too, with mixture of soft-touch and textured supplies dotted all through the cabin. It’s a reasonably good place to spend time, significantly with the e-hybrid’s out there ‘pastel silver’ leather-appointed trim, and it doesn’t really feel as plasticky because the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, for instance.
Within the second row, there’s good area for 4 adults, although the protruding rear centre console and raised centre seat cushion imply a full-size fifth passenger may solely be a good suggestion on the odd event. Audi quotes a 77mm improve in wheelbase over the previous A4, which opens up extra leg and knee room for rear passengers.
It will possibly all really feel fairly closed in because of the sloping roofline and chunky rear seats when you select the usual black inside – I’d be going for the pastel silver pictured right here, even when youngsters would mess it up. And, whereas the rear home windows are first rate in measurement, the rising shoulder line restricts outward visibility for shorter passengers.
That mentioned, you’ll be able to actually open up the cabin with the exxy optionally available panoramic glass roof ($4990), which comes with what Audi calls ‘switchable transparency’, mainly utilising related tech to the Porsche Taycan whereby a liquid crystal sandwiched between two glass panels may be turned clear or opaque utilizing electrical energy.
It could sound slightly naff, however it removes the necessity for a standard sunshade,which opens up extra headroom whereas in idea providing related if not higher insulation from warmth and UV rays.
Rear local weather controls and USB-C cost ports add to the rear-seat facilities, and there are your requisite ISOFIX and top-tether anchors for baby seats do you have to want them. Enjoyable reality? The rear USB-C ports can output 100W to cost bigger gadgets like laptops do you have to want the additional juice, too – offered you tick the $4990 Premium bundle.
As a result of placement of the massive hybrid battery underneath the boot ground, the A5 e-hybrid fashions lose a bit of bags capability in comparison with their non-PHEV counterparts.
The A5 Sedan e-hybrid gives 331-1175 litres of claimed capability, whereas the Avant ups that barely to 361-1306L. As with the broader lineup, the A5 e-hybrid vary provides a tyre restore package in lieu of a spare wheel.
| Dimensions | Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro 270kW |
|---|---|
| Size | 4835mm |
| Width | 1860mm |
| Peak | 1478mm |
| Wheelbase | 2900mm |
| Cargo capability | 361-1306L |
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The A5 e-hybrid’s PHEV system groups the model’s ubiquitous 2.0 TFSI turbo-petrol engine with an electrical motor, dual-clutch ‘S tronic’ automated transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack.
| Specs | Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol PHEV |
| Engine outputs | 185kW |
| Electrical motor outputs | 105kW + 300Nm |
| System outputs | 270kW at 5000-6500rpm 500Nm at 1600-4500rpm |
| Battery | 25.9kWh – gross 20.7kWh – usable Lithium-ion |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive kind | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2187-2205kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.1 seconds |
| Gas economic system (claimed) | 2.6L/100km |
| Gas economic system (as examined) | 4.3L/100km 9.0kWh/100km |
| Electrical driving vary | 97km – A5 Sedan 95km – A5 Avant |
| Gas tank capability | 46 litres |
| Gas requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 60g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6e |
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Audi A5 drive?
Just like the Q6 Sportback e-tron check drive, our A5 Avant e-hybrid stint comprised a reasonably quick leg from St George Crusing Membership to the Royal Nationwide Park in and round Sydney.
The 35.5km program included a mixture of street situations, together with suburban streets and highways, by to 110km/h freeway driving and a spirited portion by the winding and undulated roads of the ‘Nasho’.
After two or three runs previous to my flip, the A5 e-hybrid wasn’t given to me with a totally charged battery. I left it in Hybrid mode given the combination of situations, to see how sensible the in-car computer systems had been at maximising fuel-efficiency whereas additionally optimising efficiency as soon as I hit the twisty bits.
As you’d count on, the A5 e-hybrid will default to battery energy if driving and street situations allow. On the town, it silently begins up and will get rolling, with solely the faint whirring of the electrical motor permeating the cabin, save for the UFO-like exterior pedestrian sound which performs at low speeds.
You’ll be able to simply rise up to freeway speeds with no intervention from the petrol motor – it will possibly journey at speeds of as much as 130km/h in EV mode – although when set to Hybrid mode the A5 will kick the TFSI engine in each on occasion to help at speeds of 80-100km/h, the place the petrol engine is at its best.
Sydney’s roads aren’t identified for his or her smoothness or excellent surfacing, and whereas the A5 e-hybrid options normal 20-inch wheels with low-profile tyres hooked as much as firmer and decrease S sport suspension, compliance wasn’t too dangerous.
Don’t get me unsuitable, it’s positively on the firmer and sportier aspect of the fence, and it will possibly get slightly busy over the type of high-frequency low-impact imperfections you’ll get within the metropolis, however it’s not unsettled or unrefined. Nonetheless, I’d love the choice of smaller wheels and adaptive dampers.
The large wheels and thin tyres additionally imply there’s a little bit of street noise developing into the cabin, particularly over coarse-chip roads. It’s once more not so loud or unrefined that its insufferable, however it doesn’t fairly go together with the whisper-quiet EV mode when tootling about city or cruising on the freeway.
Conversely, popping it into ‘dynamic’ mode and shifting the gear selector into S doesn’t actually dial up the sound you need to listen to (ie: the engine). There’s no actual sound augmentation, and neither is there a lot chunk from the exhaust notice regardless of the beefy outputs and tempo on provide.
In EV mode acceleration response is good and progressive, save for the odd second of pause when you rapidly stab on the throttle whereas cruising. The 300Nm from the e-motor comes on immediately and makes for clean progress, although when you punch it tougher and kick down, the TFSI engine ensures all 270kW and 500Nm are at your disposal.
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And, as I’ve complained about with the A5 and Q5 previously, the steering really feel is simply too gentle even its most aggressive setting. Sure, it’s foolish fast (the claimed 5.1-second 0-100km/h time nearly feels conservative), however there’s not a lot really feel or weight by the tiller, which actually dulls the expertise in live performance with the minimalist soundtrack.
The extensive and low stance makes for a secure and hunkered-down really feel, although the added weight of the PHEV system makes the A5 e-hybrid extra of a quick tourer than correct B-road basher. The S5 feels higher geared up for twisty passes, whereas the PHEV appears higher suited to overtaking on the freeway and powering by longer, sweeping bends.
That mentioned, the quattro all-wheel drive system gives admirable traction when flinging this 2.2-tonne hybridised luxurious wagon by tight, twisty roads, which cleverly retains wheelspin and understeer to a minimal.
Driver help programs are one other key space, and like different fashions primarily based on the PPC and PPE architectures, the A5 e-hybrid is sweet with out being standout like in previous-generation Audi fashions.
Whereas the usual adaptive cruise management does job, as do the standard lane-keep help and blind-spot/rear cross-traffic alert programs, the dearth of semi-autonomous freeway driving performance appears odd – particularly from a tech specialist like Audi.
The model’s native product crew has indicated the tech remains to be underneath growth for Australia, on account of numerous region-specific parts together with lane markings, and will likely be rolled out ex-factory alongside different options sooner or later sooner or later.
Not solely do Australian-delivered fashions presently lack energetic lane centring, which is out there in abroad markets and fairly helpful on freeway drives, the usual lane-keep perform is usually a little late to react and generally feels prefer it’s pulling you in the direction of the lane markings reasonably than gently correcting you again to the centre of your lane.
Given how good earlier Audi fashions have been within the driver help area, it looks as if a number of the German model’s newer fashions have taken a step again in some areas. At the least it gained’t drive you loopy with beeps and bongs each time the pace restrict adjustments.
The usual surround-camera system is useful although, given the excessive shoulder strains and thick rear pillars. It makes slotting this 4.83m-long, 1.86m-wide Audi into tight parking areas that little bit simpler.
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The A5 e-hybrid fashions provide the best degree of specification earlier than you hit the S5 efficiency flagship.
2026 Audi A5 TFSI 150kW gear highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- S line exterior
- Matrix LED headlights
- incl. selectable gentle signatures
- Comfort key – keyless entry
- Projection gentle in exterior mirrors
- Electrical tailgate with gesture management
- Digital key
- 11.9-inch Audi digital cockpit plus
- 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus
- Audi sound system
- Audi join plus
- Audi smartphone interface
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi Android Auto
- DAB radio
- Audi telephone field gentle – wi-fi telephone charger
- USB-C cost factors – entrance, rear
- Sport entrance seats with built-in headrests
- Leather-based/leatherette upholstery
- Wraparound inside parts – leatherette
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Electrical entrance seats
- incl. driver reminiscence
- incl. 4-way lumbar help
- Heated entrance seats
- Color ambient lighting
A5 TFSI 200kW quattro provides:
- 19-inch alloy wheels – completely different design
- S line inside
- Sport entrance seats incl. S embossing
- Door sill trims with aluminium inlays
- incl. illuminated S brand, entrance
- Inlays in brushed aluminium with linear embossing
- Sport leather-based steering wheel – 3-spoke, flat prime/backside
- incl. shift paddles with S emblem
- incl. distinction stitching
- Stainless-steel pedals
- Black headlining
- Roof rails – Avant
A5 e-hybrid 270kW quattro provides:
- 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
- Sport suspension
- Pink brake calipers
- Black exterior styling bundle
- Black roof rails – Avant
- Privateness glass
- Auxiliary air-con
- AC charging port
- 11kW AC 3-phase charging
- 240V 3-pin. Australian normal plug
- 230V 32-amp CEE industrial plug
- Sort 2 charging cable for public charging
- Wall bracket for mounting of charger
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Choices
There’s one add-one bundle and quite a few single-item choices out there for the A5 e-hybrid.
Premium bundle: $4900
- Head-up show
- Excessive-powered USB charging ports
- Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
- Acoustic glazing for door home windows – entrance
- Color ambient lighting professional bundle
Single merchandise choices embrace:
- Metallic or pearl impact paint: $2100
- Premium metallic paint: $3400
- Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency: $4990
- Seat air flow – entrance: $2200
- 10.9-inch MMI entrance passenger show: $1950
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the Audi A5 secure?
Since launch, the Audi A5 vary has been awarded a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on Euro NCAP testing.
| Class | Audi A5 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Weak street consumer safety | 78 per cent |
| Security help | 79 per cent |
Commonplace security gear throughout the vary consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking incl. pedestrian detection
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Entrance cross-traffic help
- Entrance and rear flip help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Encompass-view cameras
- Swerve help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Tyre strain loss indicator
- Automobile exit warning
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Audi A5 price to run?
The A5 is roofed by Audi’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new automobile guarantee, bolstered by an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee for the high-voltage hybrid battery.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres – automobile 8 years or 160,000 kilometres – EV battery |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 1 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 12 months Service Plan |
| Whole capped-price service price | $3360 |
To see how the Audi A5 strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Audi A5
If you happen to’re wanting the most effective steadiness of efficiency and effectivity throughout the new Audi A5 vary, the e-hybrid quattro ought to, in idea, be the most effective of each worlds.
You possibly can realistically do two or three days of day by day commuting on a single cost of the PHEV battery, and whilst a hybrid it’s fairly environment friendly ought to you have to cowl longer distances between charging factors.
It appears to be like sharp, significantly as an Avant, goes arduous in a straight line, and has the unflappable grip that quattro is thought for. The very fact it’s the identical value because the TFSI quattro 200kW is an enormous drawcard too.
Nonetheless, the dearth of soundtrack when in dynamic mode, un-feelsome steering and firmish trip could restrict its attraction given it should probably be a day by day commuter for the extra prosperous professionals of Australian capital cities.
The PHEV componentry additionally eats into boot area, leaving the A5 Avant ‘wagon’ with barely extra cargo capability than my VW Golf. Among the extra expensive choices also needs to be normal gear, and the omission of semi-autonomous driving performance – at the least in the meanwhile – additionally grates from a tech-focused producer.
Our fast drive confirms the A5 e-hybrid is a pleasant factor, if slightly tough round some edges. It fills a distinct segment hole in a distinct segment market, however may very well be seen because the candy spot within the vary given it gives practically S5-rivalling efficiency for $15,000 much less.
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MORE: Discover the Audi A5 showroom
