For anyone who has followed Audi’s lineup for years, the arrival of the 2025 Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid requires a bit of mental recalibration. As part of a new naming strategy that was in place when the replacement for the A4 was announced, where even numbers are reserved for electric vehicles and odd numbers for internal combustion, the A5 Avant effectively replaced the long-running A4 Avant.
This has now changed again, however, and leaving the A5 Avant as something of an outlier in the Audi range - it is essentially an A4 (just like the S5 is essentially an S4). It just isn’t called that.
It is, however, also a sophisticated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that Audi hopes will serve as a refined bridge for those not yet ready to commit to a full EV.
Under the bonnet, the A5 e-hybrid combines the VW Group’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor integrated into the seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Together, they produce a healthy combined system output of 220kW and 450Nm.
Despite the impressive power, the system is designed for "optimal conservation" rather than outright aggression, so on the road, this translates to a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.9 seconds. A figure that is perfectly fine, just not astounding.
But then, it’s not supposed to be. No, the A5 e-hybrid is all about being as sweet, slick and smoothly refined as possible - the transition between electric and petrol power is superbly smooth, and with the car defaulting to EV mode on startup, the urban driving experience is extremely EV-like.
The heart of the e-hybrid’s appeal is its 25.9kWh battery, a significant upgrade over previous Audi PHEVs. Audi claims a WLTP electric-only range of 101 kilometres, with real world driving getting pretty close to that. Between 90 to 100km is easily achievable, even if you do get frisky with the throttle.
Charging is limited to AC only, which may be a drawback for those hoping for rapid DC top-ups at public stations (ie; people who don’t really get the point of PHEVS ), however the on-board charger has been upgraded to 11kW, allowing a full charge in roughly 2.5 hours using a wall box.
The A5 Avant remains remarkably well-controlled and polished at all times, regardless of how silly you are getting.
This means that the usual recommended PHEV routine of plugging it in at home during the night more than covers the majority of urban duties for most commuters without ever firing the petrol engine, potentially leading to fuel consumption figures as low as Audi’s claim of 2.1L/100km. Even with the battery depleted, the car functions as a decently efficient hybrid, returning mid-to-high 6’s on normal driving.
The A5 e-hybrid comes standard with Audi’s quattro AWD system, and while it’s not overtly sporty - and can exhibit a touch of understeer when pushed hard - it remains remarkably well-controlled and polished at all times, regardless of how silly you are getting.
Building up a nice, smooth flow through a series of corners is supremely satisfying in the A5, with the generous mid-range torque from the electrified powertrain combining beautifully with the AWD system to haul the car out of corners with a delightfully effortless nature.
Inside, the A5 is very much a tech-forward environment dominated by screens. The dashboard features a curved panoramic MMI display and the latest generation of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. A third screen is available for the front passenger, allowing them to manage navigation or media, but little else at this stage.
The A5 e-hybrid Avant is more versatile and technologically advanced than ever before, but it can’t carry quite as much cargo as its performance sibling, the S5 Avant. Due to the battery beneath the floor of the boot, the PHEV Avant only offers 361 litres of boot space, significantly less than the 476 litres found in the non-hybrid S5 Avant. There is also no space for a spare wheel or under-floor storage.
Exceptionally high levels of mechanical grip and the superb traction of the quattro all-wheel-drive system make it a supremely satisfying car to drive.
With a price tag starting at $117,990 before options, the A5 Avant e-hybrid is a premium proposition that can easily climb toward $140,000 with options like the Tech Pro package or OLED tail lights.
It is, however, a superb and stylish alternative to a ubiquitous SUV, offering sleek looks and a definitively sharper and more agile driving experience, even with the extra weight associated with batteries.
How much is the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid?
The Audi A5 e-hybrid Avant starts at a recommended retail price of $117,990, but our test vehicle was fitted with the optional Tech Pro package that adds adjustable dampers, OLED taillights, an electrically adjustable steering column and additional seat heating in the rear for an additional $7500.
It also had the optional black exterior package, headrest speakers, a retractable tow bar, and 20-inch alloy wheels (19s are standard), bringing its total to $141,490.
What are the key statistics for the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid?
The A5 Avant e-hybrid is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with a 105kW electric motor integrated into a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with a combined system total of 220kW and 450Nm. A 25.9kWh battery supplies an all-electric range of up to 101km.
Is the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid efficient?
Like all PHEVs, the A5 e-hybrid is exceptionally efficient if charged regularly. Audi claims fuel consumption of 2.1L/100km, and in real-world driving it is relatively easy to achieve the 100km electric-only claim for urban use. Audi’s clever intelligent hybrid system enhances this efficiency by using navigation data and radar to automatically manage regenerative braking and energy usage, and even when the battery is depleted, the car remains relatively thrifty.
Is the Audi A5 e-hybrid Avant good to drive?
While it's not a particularly sporty car (unlike its S5 cousin), the A5 is superbly polished, refined, and quiet. Exceptionally high levels of mechanical grip and the superb traction of the quattro all-wheel-drive system make it a supremely satisfying car to drive.
Is the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid practical?
Practicality is where the e-hybrid arguably faces its biggest compromise, despite still being a very practical vehicle. It’s just not quite as practical as the S5 due to the battery pack being located under the boot floor, reducing the A5’s cargo capacity to 361 litres, which is actually less than sedan equivalents.
What do we like about the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid?
The 101km electric range allows the majority of drivers to complete their daily commute without using any petrol whatsoever, while also making the A5 exceptionally refined in daily operation. Plus it looks sensational.
What don’t we like about the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid?
The 87-litre reduction in volume compared to standard models makes it less competitive as a traditional family wagon and is the major downside of the PHEV A5 Avant.
What kind of person would the Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid suit?
The A5 e-hybrid Avant is ideally suited for urban professionals who have home charging and a daily commute under 90km, allowing them to drive almost exclusively on electricity. Which, let’s face it, is most of them.
