A PLUG WITHOUT THE BUGS (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Aud's A5 could be at its best in e-hybrid PHEV form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 28

Audi has re-energised its PHEV engine technology, fitted it to its mid-sized A5 saloon and Avant models and given it a new name: e-hybrid. Still want that EV?

Backgroundword count: 172

The global lethargy over the adoption of electric vehicles is going to bring us a whole new generation of combustion engines we didn't think we were going to get. Take this one, a new-generation PHEV unit from Audi fitted here to the A5 and intended for use across the Ingolstadt maker's range. It's the most EV-like engine the brand has ever offered, so different in fact that instead of the previous clumsy 'TFSI e' badge the marque has previously used for its Plug-in hybrid models, the company has given this new-era PHEV powertrain a different name: e-hybrid. It's time to forget the PHEV Audis of the recent past that couldn't be had with decent electric range or 4WD. The A5 e-hybrid can only be had in quattro form - and with a battery range of up to 67 miles, you'll be able to use it like an EV for much of the time. As the tax incentives for buying electric vehicles decrease, so Plug-in Hybrids look ever-more tempting. Especially perhaps, this one.

Driving Experienceword count: 283

Much about this A5's new generation e-hybrid system is recognisable, principally the EA888-era 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol unit, its associated seven-speed s tronic dual clutch auto gearbox and the quattro 4WD system you have to have. New is the 142PS electric motor the e-hybrid system links to it, energised by a 25.9kWh (20.7kWh net) battery that's 45% bigger than that used by the outgoing TFSI e system that was fitted to the old A6 TFSI e. It's worth mentioning that there's never previously been a Plug-in Hybrid A5 (or A4 come to that). EV drive range is rated at 67 miles and total output at 299PS with 450Nm of torque, allowing for 0-62mph in 5.9s en route to 155mph. Two operating modes are available; 'EV' (for all-electric power) and 'hybrid' (combining engine and battery). This A5 always prefers to drive on electric power, can do so at speeds of up to 87mph and can be started in either mode. Whatever setting you're in, the combustion engine engages in kick-down and the engine charges the battery at speeds of over 40mph. If you're if you've keyed in a navigation route, your A5 e-hybrid will automatically calculate which parts of it are suitable for electric driving and save charge accordingly (eg for town travel at the end of a long trip). There's a braked towing capacity of up to 1,900 KG (pretty good for a PHEV). And there are three different levels of selectable brake energy recuperation activated by steering wheel paddles (just like in an Audi EV). The left pedal increases regen, while the right paddle reduces it. The system can recover up to 88kW of power and feed it into the HV battery.

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