Q5 Hybrid arrives Down Under

Its official name is the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line, but in the interests of keeping things simple, let’s just call it the Audi Q5 PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The first in the tremendously successful Audi Q5 range to be offered in Australia with both plug-in electric capability and a TFSI engine, the Q5 PHEV represents the perfect union of technologies, with the ability to run on purely electric drive for up to 55 kilometres (53km for Sportback), but with that supremely powerful and efficient 2.0-litre TFSI on hand for long trips.

Its credentials in terms of efficiency are impressive. Capable of returning fuel figures of just 2.0L/100km (WLTP standard), and with the 55km of emission-free, all-electric drive more than enough for most people’s daily running around, the Q5 PHEV represents the best of both worlds in terms of versatility.

Its 14.4kWh battery (17.9kWh gross) is housed under the rear luggage compartment and can be charged at up to 7.2kW AC for a full charge in around 2.5 hours with all charging equipment supplied including a 240 volt three pin Australian Standard plug, 230 volt 32 Amp industrial plug and a wall bracket for mounting the charger at home – as well as a Type 2 charging cable for use at public charging stations.

Yet despite ts frugal side, the Q5 PHEV is still very much a performance vehicle, with its 2.0 TFSI engine producing 195kW and 370Nm of torque paired with an electric motor outputting 105kW and 350Nm of torque for a combined output of 270kW and an impressive 500Nm. That’s enough to see off the sprint from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and makes the Q5 PHEV the most powerful Q5 model ever produced. In fact its acceleration figure is just outside that of the famed SQ5 TDI which shaves another 0.2 seconds off the sprint.

The Q5 PHEV backs up its straight-line acceleration with impressive handling, thanks to a combination of seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology. This means that while the vehicle is driven by just the front wheels in optimum conditions, with the quattro system instantly engaged should the system detect slip or the driving style become more ‘spirited’. This serves to conserve fuel when the rear wheels are decoupled from the drive.

Of course this system operates seamlessly, as do the different drive modes which allow the driver to select whether they wish to use purely electric power, combustion power or a combination of both, using four distinct drive modes. Whether it be hybrid mode or Charge, EV mode or Hold, the drive can be easily set to best suit the conditions and the driver’s needs – be it using predictive efficiency assist and route guidance to optimise a route for efficiency, or looking to maximise energy recovery. 

This latest Q5 model arrives in Australia as both an SUV – Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line at $102,900* – and also as a Sportback at $110,200*. The familiar Q5 styling is further enhanced with the inclusion of the S line exterior package as standard, with LED headlights that feature LED daytime driving lights and taillights, as well as cornering lights and all-weather lights. The Sportback model adds Matrix LED headlights to the equation and both feature a large panoramic sunroof and 20-inch Audi Sport alloy rims as standard equipment.

Roof rails in aluminium with crossmembers are also standard equipment on the SUV variant and are optional on Sportback. These feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC) detection, which adjusts the vehicle’s ESC accordingly when heavy loads are carried on the roof and altering the vehicle’s centre of gravity. 

Inside too, the PHEV variant features the same high level of finish and appointment that has endeared the Q5 to customers in all its incarnations since its first introduction. These new Q5 models feature the high standard of finish and appointment always associated with brand’s mid-sized luxury SUV. Leather appointed front seats are heated and feature electric adjustment and four-way electric lumbar support, while the rear seating is fully adjustable with 40:20:40 split as well as forward/aft adjustment for maximum comfort and convenience. 

Rear seat passengers also benefit from three-zone climate control, while the mood of the entire interior space can be changed through the colour ambient lighting with its 30 different colours to choose from.

The Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro S line also features an S line interior package as standard equipment which includes sport front seats finished in Nappa leather with diamond pattern stitching. 

The latest automotive technology abounds as you would expect, with everything from the Audi virtual cockpit to MMI navigation plus to Audi connect plus providing a full range of online features, from safety to local sights and facilities all at your fingertips.

Infotainment and support for devices is likewise extensive with Audi smart phone interface including wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto standard inclusions. So too is digital radio DAB+ and the Audi sound system with 10 speakers and 180 watts including a subwoofer for outstanding sound. The Audi phone box light with wireless charging for mobile phones is also standard along with two USB outlets in the front for additional charging and connectivity functions and another two USB outlets for rear passengers.

In addition to the high levels of standard equipment, customers will also be able to tailor their vehicle to best suit their lifestyle with a number of packages available. The Technik package available for the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line for $4,900 features Matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators and headlight washers as well as a head-up display and a 755 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with 19 speakers.

A Technik package for the Sportback variant is also available at $4,700 which adds OLED taillights in addition to the head-up display and 755 watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 19 speakers.

Safety and driver assistance systems as always are a high priority for Audi and the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line models are no exception. Featuring the full compliment of Audi safety and driver assistance systems. In addition, features like park assist and hold assist add to the everyday liveability of the Q5, while inclusions such as the hill descent control give it an added level of flexibility for those with active and adventurous lifestyles.

With performance on tap as required, outstanding fuel efficiency or pure electric drive as required, the versatility of the new hybrid drive marries perfectly with the already versatile nature of the Q5. For Australian customers, that versatility has long been a major drawcard with the Q5 model range and option of a Q5 with Plug-in hybrid electric drive will only built on the Q5's popularity.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)