Audi A5 e-hybrid: Now With a Plug (Because Why Not?)

The new Audi A5 aims to be everything the modern driver could possibly want: sporty, efficient, spacious — and yes, plug-in capable. Welcome to the e-hybrid quattro era, where a 2.0 TFSI engine is paired with an electric motor boasting more torque than your average farm tractor.

Once upon a time, the A5 was simply a good-looking car — sportier than the A4, without the overstatement of the A7. Now it’s evolved into an engineer’s dream and, arguably, a mechanic’s worst nightmare. The latest version comes in two powertrains: 299 or 367 horsepower, depending on how loudly you want to say, “I care about the planet… but I also want my neighbours to hear my tires scream.”

It’ll sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 to 5.9 seconds, topping out at a perfectly respectable 250 km/h. That’s performance-car territory. But don’t forget — this one plugs in. It’s a machine designed to tackle Nürburgring laps and glide silently to the farmer’s market on a Sunday afternoon. You’ll even get up to 110 kilometres of pure electric range — unless, of course, you dare switch on the A/C, the stereo, or heaven forbid, press the throttle with conviction.

What’s even more impressive is how Audi now uses its navigation system not just to guide you down the wrong street, but to actually think. It calculates braking, energy recovery, and power flow based on gradients, corners, and speed limits. In short, the car thinks — and frankly, it may be doing more of that than some of its future owners.

Charging? A full top-up takes just 2.5 hours — assuming, of course, you’ve got a proper 11 kW three-phase setup at home and not an extension cord that’s been in the garage since 1998.

Standard equipment includes progressive steering, three-zone climate control, and wireless phone charging. The more serious variants throw in S-line LEDs, sport suspension, red brake calipers, and seats that hug your backside tighter than your mother-in-law at Christmas.

So, if you’ve got at least €63,000 burning a hole in your wallet, and you want a car that’s fast, electric, clever, luxurious — and just the right amount of neurotic — well, this might just be it.