2026 Audi A5 Black ED E-Hybrid Quat SA 2.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · SP 123

The mechanical record on this 2026 Audi A5 Black Edition E-Hybrid Quattro SA is unusually clean, with every MOT entry showing zero advisories and no defects recorded against any of the tested items, from emissions and lighting through to tyres, brakes, suspension and structure. Both test cycles in 2025 and 2026 show a paired fail-then-pass pattern, with the 2026-01-29 and 2025-02-17 failures carrying no defect information on the official record, which on a car this new typically points to a same-day retest after a minor rectification, an administrative re-presentation, or a non-defect reason such as the vehicle being presented before it was ready. The overall trend is therefore one of stable roadworthiness with no deteriorating pattern, no recurring component flagged across years, and no evidence of corrosion, fluid leaks, or wear items reaching advisory threshold. Against a 2026 build year, the 71,795 recorded miles is a notably heavy accumulation for a vehicle barely on the road, indicating the car has been in near-constant use at a rate of roughly 20,000 to 25,000 miles per year if it entered service in early 2023, or even higher if commissioning was later. For a plug-in hybrid Quattro, this is mechanically significant because high annual mileage concentrates wear on the front axle components that do most of the braking work under regenerative deceleration, on the rear electric-drive hardware, and on the high-voltage battery's charge cycles. The absence of any recorded advisories on a car driven this hard is a positive signal for build quality and servicing discipline, but it also means there is no MOT history to lean on for evidence of brake disc thickness, pad life, or suspension component condition at this stage. A prospective buyer should approach this A5 with the understanding that the MOT history provides almost no diagnostic information, and that a mechanical inspection should therefore focus on the items that would normally be flagged by this point on a high-mileage premium hatchback. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the lower control arms, anti-roll bar bushes and drop links, as Quattro driveline wear tends to surface first through worn front subframe mountings. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal under medium to heavy deceleration, which on a hybrid can stem from warped front discs caused by prolonged light regenerative braking followed by sudden mechanical braking. Pay particular attention to the transition between electric and combustion drive, ensuring it is seamless, and listen for any whine or unevenness from the rear electric motor assembly, as these units can develop bearing wear well before any conventional component would flag. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive, with no sponginess or excessive travel that could indicate air in the hydraulic system or worn caliper slide pins, and the discs should run cool to the touch after a sustained stop. Inspect the underside for any signs of fluid misting around the high-voltage cabling, rear electric drive unit, and the conventional engine ancillaries, and check the charging port flap and cable for damage consistent with frequent use. Tyre wear should be examined across the full tread width, as inside-edge wear is common on heavily loaded Quattro vehicles and would warrant a four-wheel alignment check before purchase. Finally, given that this vehicle is still well within its manufacturer warranty period, confirm full Audi main dealer service history and any outstanding campaign work before committing, as the MOT record alone, while clean, tells only part of the story on a car that has clearly been worked hard.