Audi Gives The A5 More Power In Its Fight Against The 3 Series

Audi promised 10 new plug-in hybrid EVs this year, and it intends to keep that promise. The German marque has started its PHEV onslaught with the new Audi A5, adding a plug to the midsize model in both Avant and Sedan forms. Built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, the new electrified model gets a new « e-hybrid » designation, which we’ll likely see in future plug-in hybrid products from Ingolstadt.

2025 Audi A5

Base Trim Engine

2.0l Inline 4

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Transmission

7-speed dual-clutch Automatic

Base Trim Horsepower

268 hp

Called the Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro, the plug-in hybrid models are available in two power levels – 295 and 362 horsepower (220 and 270 kW) – making them way more powerful than the 268-hp all-new A5. The hybrid system uses a 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine that produces 248 hp by itself, working in concert with a 141-hp electric motor that’s integrated into the housing of the seven-speed S-tronic transmission. Torque is rated at 332 lb-ft for the 295-hp model and 369 lb-ft for the 362-hp version.

More Powerful And Quicker Than ICE

Audi A5 e-hybrid Quick Specs

220 kW Version

270 kW Version

Power

295 hp

362 hp

Torque

332 lb-ft

369 lb-ft

0-62 mph

5.9 sec

5.1 sec

Top Speed

155 mph

The A5 e-hybrid can sprint from 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds for the lower-powered version, while the high-powered model can do it in 5.1 seconds, or five-tenths of a second quicker than the pure ICE version of the A4 replacement. Top speed is limited to 155 mph for both power outputs and body styles. In terms of battery, the plug-in A5 has a capacity of 25.9 kWh (20.7 kWh net), which is 45 percent bigger than the not-for-US A6 PHEV.

The 2025 Audi A5 Sportback Costs A Bit More Than The BMW 3 Series

With a starting price of $48,995, the Audi A5 is also about $4,000 more expensive than its A4 predecessor.

The bigger battery allows the A5 e-hybrid to run pure electric up to 68 miles, an improvement over before due to enhanced regenerative braking. AC charging power has been increased to 11 kW, allowing a full charge in 2.5 hours. Audi also touts a newly developed pulse inverter for the A5 e-hybrid with reduced electrical consumption, making it more efficient than previous and current Audi PHEVs.

Likely Arriving In The US Later This Year For MY2026

Apart from the e-hybrid designation, the A5 PHEV looks similar to its pure combustion counterpart, save for the charging port located at the back. The more powerful A5 e-hybrid comes standard with the S-line exterior package, black styling package, and privacy glazing. Audi has also equipped both models with extensive standard equipment, which will of course vary as it arrives stateside, likely happening later this year.

Audi Is Going To Raise Prices, It Just Doesn’t Know By How Much

The German automaker is reportedly looking for the « sweet spot. »

Built at Audi’s Neckarsulm Plant, the automaker will start taking orders for the A5 e-hybrid this week across Europe, with a market launch happening next month. We are expecting more e-hybrid models this year, including the A3 subcompact, the Q5, the new A6 Avant, and the new Q3 that is due to arrive this summer.