2026 Audi A5 e-hybrid review: Quick drive

Audi is plugging into PHEV power with its passenger vehicle range for the first time in Australia.

The future of Audi has arrived. Meet the <strong > 2026 Audi A5 ehybrid quattro 270kW</strong> , the first plugin hybrid to electrify Audi’s sleek, nonSUV lineup in Australia. Prepare to experience the cuttingedge Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, now fused with electrifying power. Find it at your local showroom.

Audi’s A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW is electrifying enthusiasts even before its official launch, boasting S5-rivaling performance and a staggering 97km of all-electric freedom on the WLTP cycle. Early pre-orders signal a potent blend of power and eco-consciousness is already resonating with drivers.

Audi’s new plug-in sedan and wagon don’t just offer greener driving, they deliver a knockout punch to their gasoline counterparts. Get ready for more power, blistering performance, and superior fuel efficiency all while boasting extra features and a price tag that matches the standard petrol models. It’s not just an alternative; it’s an upgrade.

The Audi Q5, sibling to this vehicle, is also slated to inherit the same powerhouse drivetrain. Expect its arrival in early next year, promising a shared foundation of robust performance.

Sydney recently played host to Audi’s Media Day, and we snagged an invite! Beyond the sleek lines of the Q5 and SQ5 Sportbacks, and a tantalizing glimpse of the upcoming Q6 Sportback e-tron, the real star of the show was the A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro. We got hands-on – and behind the wheel.

How does Audi’s new PHEV drive? We got a quick spin to find out…

How much does the Audi A5 cost?

Forget the premium price tag. Audi Australia just leveled the playing field. Their new A5 plug-in hybrid boasts the same price as the petrol-powered 200kW quattro, making eco-friendly driving surprisingly accessible.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Audi A5 Sedan TFSI 150kW | $79,900 | | 2026 Audi A5 Sedan TFSI quattro 200kW | $89,900 | | 2026 Audi A5 Avant TFSI quattro 200kW | $92,900 | | 2026 Audi A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro 270kW | $89,900 | | 2026 Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro 270kW | $92,900 | | 2026 Audi S5 Sedan edition one | $99,900 | | 2026 Audi S5 Avant edition one | $102,900 | | 2026 Audi S5 Sedan | $114,900 | | 2026 Audi S5 Avant | $117,900 |

Electrifying Luxury: The Audi A5 e Lands Down Under and Undercuts the Competition. Starting at a cool $89,900 (plus on-roads) for the sleek A5 Sedan and $92,900 for the versatile A5 Avant wagon, Audi’s plug-in hybrid is making a bold statement. How bold? Try nearly $10,000 less than the Mercedes-Benz C350e Sedan (priced from $98,200). And for wagon enthusiasts? Mercedes offers… well, nothing. Advantage: Audi.

Forget emptying your wallet at the gas pump! This hybrid outmuscles the petrol-only BMW 330i Sedan (starting at an eye-watering $94,900) and only slightly nudges past the all-electric BMW i4 eDrive35 Gran Coupe (from $88,900). Think of it as BMW thrills without the financial sting.

Wagons with electric hearts are a rare sight Down Under. Peugeot’s 508 SW PHEV is already a memory, leaving a void in the Australian market. But hold the eucalyptus leaves! Skoda’s Superb iV PHEV is slated to arrive in 2026, promising a jolt of electrified wagon goodness, and potentially at a price that won’t break the bank. The wagon wars are heating up, silently.

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Let us help you find your new car

Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.

"Travis and his team? Absolutely fantastic. This is my second time relying on them, and honestly, I wouldn’t send anyone anywhere else. They’re the real deal."

Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.

Find a deal

What is the Audi A5 like on the inside?

If you’ve read our previous A5 or S5 reviews, the answer is more of the same.

Audi’s B10 A5: A bold step forward, or a stylish stumble? The new design dares to redefine the Audi aesthetic, inside and out, sparking debate with every curve and contour. Is this the dawn of a design revolution, or a detour from Audi’s iconic path? I’m on the fence, and here’s why.

Audi’s interiors once whispered luxury through impeccable craftsmanship and intuitive layouts in the A4 and its siblings. Now, the A5 and beyond scream "future" with a digital-first approach, sacrificing the tactile satisfaction of traditional buttons for the sleek allure of shimmering displays.

Imagine a digital cockpit that’s less car, more spaceship. The A5’s new interior stars a vibrant 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus, flanked by a massive 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus touchscreen – your portal to command. Feeling extravagant? Plunk down an extra $1950 and your passenger gets their own 10.9-inch touchscreen playground.

Forget Audi’s predictable past. Step inside the future, but brace yourself. The cockpit is a bold leap, a dazzling departure that might leave traditionalists blinking. Gleaming expanses of piano black frame the curved displays, an almost overwhelming wave of technology washing over the driver. It’s less "classic Audi," more "starship command," and that takes some getting used to.

Imagine your Audi’s dashboard, reborn. Gone is the old system, replaced by a vibrant Android heart. Think smartphone intuitiveness – customizable widgets, an app drawer brimming with possibilities, all seamlessly integrated. But this isn’t just Android; it’s Audi’s vision. They’ve sculpted the software, allowing access to a curated Audi Application Store loaded with in-car innovations. Plus, say goodbye to dealership visits for updates; your Audi now evolves wirelessly, receiving enhancements as easily as your phone.

The A5’s cockpit, while a step up from VW’s touch-control chaos, doesn’t quite recapture the magic of its predecessor’s MMI. The screens are dazzling – crisp, bright, and graphically rich – yet navigating them feels like exploring a new city without a map. Gone is the intuitive tiled layout; in its place, a widget-based maze that demands a learning curve. Prepare to invest some serious thumb-time before you master its digital geography.

Audi’s A5 takes a detour into frustration with its touch-based climate controls. Exiled to a permanent virtual toolbar, they lack the satisfying responsiveness of even Audi’s own clicky touch interfaces found in the Q7 and Q8. This feels less like progress and more like a fumble in an otherwise elegant interior.

That tiny toolbar and those fiddly virtual buttons? A recipe for disaster. Trying to make quick adjustments while driving means taking your eyes off the road – hello, neighboring button mishaps and accidental over-presses.

The new multifunction steering wheel controls? Still not sold. They’re stuck in a no-man’s land between Audi’s satisfyingly clicky buttons of old and the frustratingly sensitive touchpads plaguing other VW Group cars. Not terrible, but far from a triumph.

Forget pristine. Prepare for war against fingerprints. This car’s glossy display and piano black trim? A magnet for smudges, a haven for your oily fingerprints. But fear not, beneath the grime lies brilliance, I swear.

Forget loading screens; these displays explode to life with vibrant color. Though a part of me mourns the minimalist elegance of Audi’s previous virtual cockpit, this reimagined interface – with its dominant central dial and customizable side widgets – transports me. Strapped in, I feel less like a driver and more like Tony Stark prepping for liftoff.

The A5’s infotainment system isn’t just smart; it’s a digital playground. Expect seamless smartphone integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, crystal-clear DAB+ digital radio, and native navigation that feels like having a real-time, online map projected onto your dashboard. You’re not just connected; you’re wired into a world of information and entertainment.

For audiophiles, the optional $4900 premium package is a siren song, primarily for the soul-stirring 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. It’s an auditory experience that transforms the A5’s cabin into a concert hall. However, the $1950 MMI passenger display, a 10.9-inch touchscreen perched before the front passenger, feels more like a novelty than a necessity – a gadget you could easily live without.

Crank up the optional sound system, and you’re swimming in sonic bliss. Just a word of caution: unleash the full fury of the bass and subwoofer, and your car transforms into a vibrating, chest-thumping nightclub on wheels. Prepare for a seismic experience.

Step inside, and the cabin cossets you with a delightful blend of textures and materials that whisper quality. Forget cold, hard plastics; this interior is an oasis of tactile pleasure. The available ‘pastel silver’ leather trim, exclusive to the e-hybrid, elevates the experience further, creating a space that feels genuinely premium – a world away from the sometimes clinical feel of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The second row comfortably accommodates four adults, but squeezing in a fifth full-sized passenger is best reserved for occasional trips. While Audi stretched the wheelbase by 77mm compared to the previous A4, liberating extra leg and knee room, the prominent rear center console and elevated seat cushion in the middle position slightly compromise the experience for anyone relegated to that spot.

Claustrophobia alert! The standard black interior, coupled with that sloping roof and bulky back seats, can make the cabin feel like a stylish, dark cave. My advice? Ditch the darkness and go for the pastel silver the one that looks like it was designed for a futuristic ice cream parlor. Sure, the kids might wage war on it with sticky fingers and rogue crayons, but trust me, it’s worth it for the sense of space. Just a heads up for those in the back: while the windows are a reasonable size, the rising shoulder line means shorter passengers might find their view a bit…restricted. Think porthole, not panoramic.

However, the optional panoramic glass roof ($4990) transforms the cabin into an airy oasis. Audi’s clever "switchable transparency" technology – akin to the Porsche Taycan’s – uses electricity to alternate a liquid crystal layer between the glass panes, offering instant sun-drenched views or cool, shaded privacy at the touch of a button.

While it might sound a tad unconventional, ditching the bulky sunshade unlocks a surprising amount of headroom and, remarkably, delivers superior protection from scorching heat and harmful UV rays.

Backseat passengers, rejoice! Forget fighting over the charger. With rear climate controls and blazing-fast USB-C ports (capable of a laptop-powering 100W with the Premium package), road trips just got a whole lot smoother. Need to wrangle car seats? ISOFIX and top-tether anchors are standard. Consider it a mobile office and family command center all in one.

The A5 e-hybrid makes a small sacrifice at the altar of efficiency: its impressive battery pack, nestled beneath the boot, nips away at precious luggage space compared to its petrol-only siblings.

Need room for your life? The A5 Sedan e-hybrid swallows 331 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1175 litres when needed. For those craving even more versatility, the Avant boosts the space to a generous 361-1306 litres. Trade-off? A tyre repair kit replaces the traditional spare, keeping you moving.

| Dimensions | Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro 270kW | | — | — | |Length| 4835mm | |Width| 1860mm | |Height| 1478mm | |Wheelbase| 2900mm | |Cargo capacity| 361-1306L |

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Under the hood of the A5 e-hybrid lies a sophisticated plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system. It masterfully blends Audi’s familiar 2.0 TFSI turbo-petrol engine with a potent electric motor, seamlessly integrated with a dual-clutch ‘S tronic’ automatic transmission and a lithium-ion battery pack. The result? A driving experience that’s both thrilling and efficient.

| Specifications | Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol PHEV | |Engine outputs| 185kW | |Electric motor outputs| 105kW + 300Nm | |System outputs| 270kW at 5000-6500rpm 500Nm at 1600-4500rpm | |Battery| 25.9kWh – gross 20.7kWh – usable Lithium-ion | |Transmission| 7-speed dual-clutch | |Drive type| All-wheel drive | |Weight| 2187-2205kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 5.1 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 2.6L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 4.3L/100km 9.0kWh/100km | |Electric driving range| 97km – A5 Sedan 95km – A5 Avant | |Fuel tank capacity| 46 litres | |Fuel requirement| 95-octane premium unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 60g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 6e |

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Audi A5 drive?

Trading sails for spark plugs, our Audi A5 Avant e-hybrid adventure mirrored the Q6 Sportback e-tron’s brevity: a swift jaunt from St. George Sailing Club into the emerald embrace of Sydney’s Royal National Park.

The 35.5km route was a crucible, forging its way through mundane suburban streets and the relentless hum of highways. It then escalated to a 110km/h freeway blitz before plunging headfirst into the ‘Nasho’ – a sinuous labyrinth of winding, undulating roads that demanded respect and rewarded daring.

Even after a few warm-up laps, the A5 e-hybrid wasn’t handed over with a full charge. I decided to leave it in Hybrid mode – a test, of sorts, to see if the car’s brain could juggle fuel efficiency with unleashing power when the road started to snake.

Glide into the future. The A5 e-hybrid prefers electrons, prioritizing battery power whenever the road allows. In the urban jungle, it awakens silently, a whisper of electric motor the only hint of its movement inside. Outside, a futuristic hum alerts pedestrians – a low-speed soundtrack ripped straight from a sci-fi film.

The A5 e-tron can effortlessly cruise at 130km/h in pure electric mode, leaving gasoline behind. Even in Hybrid mode, the TFSI engine only subtly awakens to lend a hand in the 80-100km/h range, precisely when it’s most fuel-efficient.

Sydney’s roads: a brutal testing ground for any car’s suspension. The A5 e-hybrid, flaunting aggressive 20-inch wheels wrapped in razor-thin rubber and pinned down by stiffened S sport suspension, should have been a recipe for jarring discomfort. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a complete bone-shaker.

While undeniably tuned for spirited driving, that firmness translates to a busy ride around town, picking up every ripple and crack in the asphalt. It’s never harsh, but it’s a constant reminder of the road beneath. Personally, I’m pining for smaller wheels and adaptive dampers to smooth out those urban imperfections.

Those oversized wheels and slender tires? They sing a little song inside the cabin, a hum that rises to a noticeable drone on rough roads. It’s not a banshee wail, thankfully, but it does slightly disrupt the serene silence you’d expect, especially after enjoying the near-silent electric glide around town or on the open highway.

But flip the switch to "Dynamic," shove the gearshift into "S," and…crickets. You’d expect a snarling beast to awaken, but the engine note remains stubbornly muted. No artificial soundtrack pumped through the speakers, no throaty roar from the exhaust, just surprisingly civilized silence despite the unleashed power. The car’s performance promises a symphony, but the sound is closer to elevator music.

In electric mode, the acceleration is a smooth, predictable surge – until you demand immediate, full power mid-cruise. Then, there’s a fleeting hesitation. Otherwise, the electric motor’s instant 300Nm delivers effortless momentum. Need more? Bury the accelerator and the TFSI engine roars to life, unleashing a combined 270kW and a monstrous 500Nm.

Trusted Reviews, Smarter Choices, Better Prices

<blockquote> Tired of car buying headaches? Childcareman.xyz delivers trusted expert reviews, personalized guidance, and real deals to make your next new car purchase a breeze. </blockquote >

<strong > Option 2 (Intriguing &amp; Questionbased):</strong >

<blockquote> Want unbiased car reviews, a stressfree buying experience, and substantial savings? Discover your dream car with Childcareman.xyz. </blockquote >

<strong > Option 3 (Emphasis on Savings):</strong >

<blockquote> Unlock unbeatable savings on your new car with Childcareman.xyz. Get expert advice and a tailored buying experience, all in one place. </blockquote >

View showroom

Compare cars

Find a deal

The steering, even in its most aggressive mode, remains frustratingly numb, a familiar lament echoed from my experiences with the A5 and Q5. The SQ5 may catapult to 100km/h in a blistering 5.1 seconds – a figure that feels almost understated – but this rapid pace is undermined by a distinct lack of feedback and heft through the steering wheel. The experience, paired with the SQ5’s rather subdued engine note, ultimately feels sterile and detached.

The A5 e-hybrid crouches low, radiating stability. Yet, the PHEV system’s heft transforms it: a long-distance cruiser rather than a backroad bandit. Craving serpentine roads? The S5 answers. The e-hybrid excels at highway dominance, effortlessly surging past traffic and devouring sweeping curves.

Despite its hefty 2.2-tonne frame, this hybrid luxury wagon dances through tight corners with surprising agility, thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive. It’s a masterful display of grip, keeping wheelspin at bay and banishing understeer to the realm of forgotten driving sins.

The A5 e-hybrid’s driver assistance systems, while competent thanks to its shared PPC and PPE architecture, lack the groundbreaking innovation that defined previous Audi generations. It’s a capable system, but not one that pushes boundaries.

Audi’s driver-assistance suite is competent, offering reliable adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the conspicuous absence of semi-autonomous highway driving feels like a missed beat – a surprising omission from a brand typically at the forefront of automotive technology.

Australia, hold tight! While the wait continues, know that the tech is undergoing meticulous fine-tuning by our local experts. Think of it as a tailored suit, crafted specifically for Aussie roads with their unique lane markings and quirks. It’s slated to arrive directly from the factory, bundled with a suite of other innovations, promising a seamless and advanced driving experience down under.

Australian drivers are missing out. Unlike overseas models, our cars lack the bliss of active lane centring – a highway driving dream. Instead, we get a lane-keep assist that’s often asleep at the wheel, jolting you back into line with a disruptive tug rather than a smooth, centred correction. It’s less gentle guidance, more lane-marking wrestling.

Audi’s driver assistance systems once set the gold standard. Now? Some feel like they’ve dialed it back a notch. The silver lining? At least you won’t be bombarded with incessant beeps every time the speed limit flickers on your dashboard.

"Navigating tight cityscapes in this Audi, which stretches nearly five meters and boasts a broad stance, could be a parking predicament. Thankfully, the surround-camera system acts as a digital eye, offsetting the challenge presented by its high shoulder lines and robust rear pillars, transforming tricky maneuvers into effortless glides."

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The A5 e-hybrid models offer the highest level of specification before you hit the S5 performance flagship.

2026 Audi A5 TFSI 150kW equipment highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• S line exterior
• Matrix LED headlights

• incl. selectable light signatures

• Convenience key – keyless entry
• Projection light in exterior mirrors
• Electric tailgate with gesture control
• Digital key
• 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus
• 14.5-inch MMI navigation plus
• Audi sound system
• Audi connect plus
• Audi smartphone interface

• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto

• DAB radio
• Audi phone box light – wireless phone charger
• USB-C charge points – front, rear
• Sport front seats with integrated headrests
• Leather/leatherette upholstery
• Wraparound interior elements – leatherette
• Tri-zone climate control
• Electric front seats

• incl. driver memory
• incl. 4-way lumbar support

• Heated front seats
• Colour ambient lighting

A5 TFSI 200kW quattro adds:

• 19-inch alloy wheels – different design
• S line interior
• Sport front seats incl. S embossing
• Door sill trims with aluminium inlays

• incl. illuminated S logo, front

• Inlays in brushed aluminium with linear embossing
• Sport leather steering wheel – 3-spoke, flat top/bottom

• incl. shift paddles with S emblem
• incl. contrast stitching

• Stainless steel pedals
• Black headlining
• Roof rails – Avant

A5 e-hybrid 270kW quattro adds:

• 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
• Sport suspension
• Red brake calipers
• Black exterior styling package
• Black roof rails – Avant
• Privacy glass
• Auxiliary air conditioning
• AC charging port
• 11kW AC 3-phase charging
• 240V 3-pin. Australian standard plug
• 230V 32-amp CEE industrial plug
• Type 2 charging cable for public charging
• Wall bracket for mounting of charger

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Options

There’s one add-one package and numerous single-item options available for the A5 e-hybrid.

Premium package: $4900

• Head-up display
• High-powered USB charging ports
• Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
• Acoustic glazing for door windows – front
• Colour ambient lighting pro package

Single item options include:

• Metallic or pearl effect paint: $2100
• Premium metallic paint: $3400
• Panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency: $4990
• Seat ventilation – front: $2200
• 10.9-inch MMI front passenger display: $1950

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Audi A5 safe?

Since launch, the Audi A5 range has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing.

| Category | Audi A5 | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 87 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 87 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 78 per cent | | Safety assist | 79 per cent |

Standard safety equipment across the range includes:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking incl. pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Driver attention monitoring
• Front cross-traffic assist
• Front and rear turn assist
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Parking sensors – front, rear
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Surround-view cameras
• Swerve assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Tyre pressure loss indicator
• Vehicle exit warning

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Audi A5 cost to run?

Drive with peace of mind: Your Audi A5 is protected by a comprehensive 5-year, unlimited-kilometre new vehicle warranty. Plus, the high-voltage hybrid battery enjoys extended coverage with an 8-year/160,000km warranty.

| Servicing and Warranty | Audi A5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW | | — | — | | Warranty | 5 years, unlimited kilometres – vehicle 8 years or 160,000 kilometres – EV battery | | Roadside assistance | 5 years | | Service intervals | 1 year or 15,000km | | Capped-price servicing | 5 year Service Plan | | Total capped-price service cost | $3360 |

To see how the Audi A5 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Audi A5

Seeking the sweet spot where power meets prudence in the Audi A5 lineup? The e-hybrid quattro promises exactly that: a tantalizing blend of thrilling performance and remarkable fuel efficiency.

Imagine ditching gas station stops for days! With a fully charged PHEV battery, your daily commute could easily be powered for two or three days. And even when the battery’s depleted, it sips fuel like a hybrid, making long journeys between charging stations surprisingly economical.

The Avant’s razor-edged design commands attention. Unleash its fury on any straight, and prepare to be pinned back as the quattro grip claws at the tarmac. The kicker? All this performance and style comes at the same price as the 200kW TFSI quattro. It’s a steal.

The "Dynamic" mode, while promising an adrenaline surge, feels strangely muted without a roaring soundtrack. Add to that the oddly disconnected steering and a ride that borders on unforgiving, and the appeal dims, especially considering its likely fate: the daily grind of well-heeled Aussie professionals navigating cityscapes.

The PHEV componentry also eats into boot space, leaving the A5 Avant ‘wagon’ with barely more cargo capacity than my VW Golf. Some of the more pricey options should also be standard equipment, and the omission of semi-autonomous driving functionality – at least for the time being – also grates from a tech-focused manufacturer.

The Audi A5 e-hybrid: a compelling proposition with a few endearing quirks. It carves out a unique space within an already specialized market, but its blend of near-S5 performance at a $15,000 discount could make it the definitive choice in the A5 lineup.

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Audi A5. Clickhereto get a great deal.

Click the images for the full gallery

Explore the Audi A5 showroom

Thanks for reading 2026 Audi A5 e-hybrid review: Quick drive