Plug-in hybrid unveiled
Audi has announced the A5 Avant e-hybrid, which combines performance, efficiency and a long electric range, has been confirmed for New Zealand.
The marque will be offering the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for the first time alongside the pure combustion-engined S5 Avant, which was launched last month.
The new generation of high-voltage batteries boast around 45 per cent more capacity, while increased regenerative braking performance contributes to an electric range of up to 101km on the WLTP.
Greg Leet, general manager of Audi NZ, says: “We are excited to be extending our A5 offering to incorporate the highly anticipated PHEV to the line-up.
“Not only is this a first for the A5 family with its athletic design and new interior, it’s also an Avant station wagon offering the practicality we know Kiwis will love.
“The Avant has always been a fan favourite here and, combined with hybrid technology, we think New Zealanders will respond well."
With the new A5 family, Audi has embarked on the next chapter for its mid-sized models with a more striking design language and new operating concept.
To make the new PHEV even more recognisable, Audi is introducing it as “e-hybrid” with immediate effect.
The A5 Avant e-hybrid will be powered by a two-litre TFSI engine with an output of 220kW and an electric motor that delivers up to 105kW. The 220kW can accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph. It’s coupled with quattro ultra technology and S sport suspension.
The heart of the PHEV is the new high-voltage battery at its rear. Maximum AC charging power has been upped to 11kW. This increase reduces the charging time from 0-100 per cent to 2.5 hours.
Audi has “significantly” increased the regenerative braking performance and drivers can now adjust the degree of thrust recuperation in EV mode using paddles on the steering wheel.
The e-hybrid essentially runs on electric power for as long as possible to fully utilise the available battery charge to the owner’s destination.
When this function is activated, the vehicle recovers energy automatically. This is based on route data stored in the navigation system. The A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro can also recover energy automatically without active route guidance.
The model’s hybrid management is designed for efficiency, flexibility and maximum customer comfort, and automatically selects the optimal operating strategy.
In EV mode, the PHEV runs exclusively on electric power. When in hybrid mode, the hybrid management system maintains a specific charge level as needed to save enough electrical energy for later use.
In addition to the automatic hybrid mode, the desired charge level can now be individually selected for the first time using a digital slider.
Like the S5 Avant, the PHEV comes with a high level of standard equipment. It will come as a standard S line with a more premium exterior and interior, matrix LED headlights and privacy glass.
It also includes progressive steering, navigation, multi-media interface panoramic display and an inductive phone-charging pad. There’s three-zone automatic air conditioning and 19-inch black gloss turned-finish wheels.
The A5 Avant e-hybrid’s Kiwi launch is slated for quarter three of 2025 with a starting price of $117,990 excluding on-roads.
