The new plug-in hybrid Audi A5 allows for up to 67 miles of pure electric driving

We knew it was coming, and now it’s here. Audi has expanded its A5 saloon and Avant lineup to include a plug-in hybrid option, which slots neatly between the entry-level petrol and diesel options, and the hotter S5. And yes, the successor to the A4 will still be known as the A5, even though Audi has since dropped its previous plan to name combustion cars using odd numbers and EVs using even numbers. 

Packed with Audi’s newly named ‘e-hybrid’ system, the PHEV gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot petrol engine connected to an electric motor and a fairly hefty 20.7kWh (usable) battery. In pure EV mode, that means zero emissions driving for up to 67 miles, beating the BMW 3 Series PHEV, which can only claim between 52 and 62 miles. 

When the petrol engine and electric motor are working together in harmony, the A5 manages 295bhp and 332lb ft of torque. That's sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed S Tronic auto ‘box and 0-62mph apparently takes 5.9 seconds. A 0-100 per cent charge at a maximum of 11kW is expected to take 2.5 hours. 

Most of the cabin comforts are carried across from the rest of the range, including the triple-screen panoramic display, built-in navigation and three-zone air-con. There’s a phone charging pad in there too, and ambient lighting that we very much liked during our first drive of the new gen A5. The only real difference from the pure combustion cars is a paddle on the steering wheel to adjust the regen braking - with up to three settings available. 

Pricing for the saloon starts at £48,950 for the ‘Technik’ and stretches to £58,620 for the lavishly equipped ‘Edition 1’, and you'll pay an extra £1,900 on top for the equivalent estates. Orders can apparently be placed in May, with initial deliveries pencilled in for mid-June.