A plug-in hybrid option has been added to the Q5 range in Australia, called the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro. It comes in traditional SUV wagon and Sportback body styles.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 195kW and 370Nm on its own. This is then supported by a 105kW and 350Nm electric motor system.
Combined, the setup generates an eyebrow-raising 270kW and 500Nm, making it the most powerful Q5 model ever offered in Australia. However, it is likely to be the heaviest as well (2210kg, tare), as reflected by the 0-100km/h claim of 5.3 seconds – the SQ5 TDI does the sprint in a claimed 5.1 seconds.
Unlike the 250kW/700Nm SQ5 though, the new 55 TFSI e quattro hybrid can be driven on electric power alone, for a range of 55km (53km on Sportback) and at speeds of up to 135km/h. This is possible thanks to the 14.4kWh on-board battery.
Charging can be done via a 7.2kW AC home charger, or via a Type 2 public station. The official fuel consumption average is listed at just 2.0L/100km, but keep in mind the official test cycle only runs for 20 minutes, which means the vehicle is likely running on electric power for much of that test (as with most PHEVs).
The new variant comes standard with S line front and rear bumper bars for that sporty look, as well as 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, with LED headlights and active cornering lights as standard. A panoramic roof is included as well as tinted rear windows.
Inside, passengers are treated to a 10.1-inch touch-screen system running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with digital radio and a 10-speaker sound system included. There’s also two USB ports in the front and two more for rear passengers, and the seats are wrapped in Nappa leather.
Buyers can option up to the Technik package ($4900) which adds matrix LED headlights, head-up display, and a 755W Bang & Olufsen sound system with 19 speakers. The pack is $4700 on the Sportback variant as it already comes with matrix headlights.
The 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro Plug-in Hybrid is now on sale priced from $102,900 for the wagon and from $110,200 for the Sportback (excluding on-road costs). Audi models are covered by a five-year vehicle warranty in Australia and a 12-year warranty against bodywork corrosion.
