HOT ON THE HEELS OF THE Q8 plug-in hybrid large SUV comes a slightly smaller version from Audi (and Audi’s most popular model), the Q5.
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line will be available in both SUV and Sportback variants, and combines all of the attributes of the brand’s most popular SUV with the convenience and efficiency of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. With its powerful yet extremely efficient 2.0-litre TFSI engine and electric motor, the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro delivers outstanding performance and tremendous fuel efficiency as well as the capacity to drive on fully-electric power for up to 55km.
“The introduction of the Q5 PHEV makes perfect sense for the varied lifestyles of Australian customers,” said Jeff Mannering, Director of Audi Australia. “With its all-electric capability for urban driving and its powerful TFSI engine for longer trips, it delivers the best of both worlds without compromise.”
“The size and appointment of the Q5 has made it a resounding success since its first introduction and offering this powerful plug-in hybrid variant will significantly broaden the appeal of the already impressive Q5 lineup in Australia.”
The best of both worlds
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line showcases the brand’s expertise in both electrification and highly-efficient internal combustion technology. It is powered by a 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. This makes the Q5 plug-in hybrid the most powerful Q5 model ever, and with its seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology, delivers a blistering 5.3 second sprint from standstill to 100km/h.
Despite its extraordinary performance, the Q5 55 TFSI e is not only able to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency of just 2.0l/100km (WLTP standard) but can also provide up to 55 kilometres of purely electric, emission-free driving (53km for Sportback) at speeds of up to 135km/h. Its14.4kWh battery (17.9kWh gross) which is located under the rear luggage compartment, can be charged at up to 7.2kW AC for a full charge in around 2.5 hours. The Q5 55 TFSI e is supplied with all charging equipment 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.
Drive modes and the predictive efficiency assist
With its advanced hybrid electric drive, the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line gives the driver the freedom to decide whether they operate using purely electric power or opt for a more conventional drive for longer journeys. The driver decides how much they wish to intervene between the two motors. To do so, they can choose between four distinct operating modes.
The hybrid mode is activated automatically when route guidance is active in the navigation system, but can also be selected manually. In this mode, the battery charge is distributed optimally across the route in order to keep fuel consumption to a minimum. In stop-and-go traffic, the Q5 and Q5 Sportback e quattro run mainly on battery power. The control function for the drive is based on a large amount of data, including online traffic information, distance to the destination, the route profile, navigation data, types of roads, topography and data from the on- board sensors. If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy attempts to drive the last urban segment of the route on electric power to arrive at the destination or charging station with the drive battery near empty.
Maximising efficiency – recharge or coast
When the driver takes the foot off the accelerator, the vehicle’s drive management system decides, depending on the situation, between coasting with the engine off and power recuperation – recovering kinetic energy and converting it into electrical energy. The electric motor performs all light decelerations up to 0.1g and can generate an output of up to 25kW. Brake recuperation extends up to 0.2g and can recover up to 80kW of electrical power, with the hydraulic disc brakes activated only during heavier decelerations.
The predictive efficiency assist (PEA) adjusts the behaviours of the coasting recuperation to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by braking and accelerating automatically in order to further enhance efficiency and comfort.
When the driver is not using the ACC, he/she receives hints indicating the right time to take their foot off the accelerator. These take the form of a haptic impulse from the active accelerator pedal as well as visual displays in the cockpit and from the optional head-up display.
Aside from the hybrid operating mode, the driver can choose between a further three modes. In EV mode – the basic setting every time the vehicle is started – the car is driven exclusively electrically as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variably perceptible pressure point. In Hold mode, battery capacity is held at the current level. In Charge mode, the drive management system increases the amount of energy in the battery with the aid of the internal combustion engine. As it does during recuperation, the electric motor then works as a generator, charging the drive battery.
Strong sporty design
Available in both SUV and Sportback configuration, the Q5 plug-in hybrid models boast the sharp styling and on-road presence of the Q5 range. The sporty flair is further enhanced with the inclusion of the S line exterior package as standard, which includes S front and rear bumpers and grille as well as a tailgate spoiler. Large 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in a five-spoke cutter design add to the Q5’s strong appearance, the wheels featuring a partly polished finish which further accentuates the red painted brake calipers.
Integrated into the design of the front end, the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro features LED headlights with LED daytime driving lights and taillights, as well as cornering lights and all-weather lights. The Sportback variant additionally features Matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators and headlights washers.
The large panoramic sunroof takes full advantage of the Australian sky while rear privacy glass shields passengers from glare and outside attention. The rear tailgate is electronically controlled with a simple foot gesture for ease of operation when hands are full, and the vehicle also features a convenience key and heated and folding wing mirrors with memory and auto dimming.
Roof rails in aluminium with crossmembers are also standard equipment on the SUV variant (optional on Sportback) and feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC) detention which alerts and adjusts the ESC when heavy loads are carried on the roof which alter the vehicle’s centre of gravity.
Luxurious interior and appointment
The Audi Q5 won a legion of fans from the outside with its perfect combination of size and luxury appointment, and the latest plug-in hybrid model is no exception. Offering luxurious accommodation for five adults, the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line features leather-appointed seats which have electric adjustment, heating and four-way electric lumbar support up front
– including memory function for the driver’s seat. The sliding rear seats offer the added flexibility of 40:20:40 split adjustment, and the three-zone climate control also features a rear digital display to ensure complete comfort for all passengers.
Colour ambient lighting with 30 different colours allow for a change of mood in the cabin, while illuminated front door sills feature the ‘S’ logo. The clean design of the interior is highlighted with aluminium inlays while the 10.1-inch touchscreen for the MMI navigation plus places a myriad of controls right at your fingertips.
The infotainment offering is extensive, from the Audi virtual cockpit to Audi connect plus which connects the Q5 to the outside and online worlds for navigation, entertainment options, and security and assistance functions should they be required.
Audi smart phone interface including wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto are standard inclusions as is the digital radio DAB+ and the Audi sound system with 10 speakers and 180 watts including a subwoofer for outstanding sound. Audi phone box light with wireless charging for mobile phones is also standard in addition to two USB outlets in the front for additional charging and connectivity and another two USB charging outlets for rear passengers.
The Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e also features an S line interior package which includes front seats finished in Nappa leather with diamond pattern stitching. Inlays are in brushed aluminium and S badging and embossing feature throughout.
Safety and assistance a priority
As with all models from Audi, safety is a priority and the Q5 plug-in hybrid models feature an impressive list of safety and driver assistance systems as standard equipment. In addition to eight airbags, Audi pre sense city with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection heads the list of safety inclusions. The list also includes Audi pre sense front and rear and active lane assist, land changing warning with exit warning and rear cross traffic assist, as well as adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go including traffic jam assist and collision avoidance assist.
Bolstering the everyday convenience of the Q5, the inclusion of 360 degree cameras are perfect for manoeuvring in tight areas, while the Audi parking system plus with park assist, hold assist and hill descent control are invaluable across a range of situations.
Five-year warranty
Like all new vehicles delivered to Australian customers from January 1 2022, the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line and Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro S line come with a five-year warranty as well as 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles.
Customers can also select additional option packages to further enhance their vehicle. The Technik package available for the Q5 55 TFSI e for $4900 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 Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e is also available at $4,700 which in addition to the standard Matrix LED headlights, adds OLED taillights in addition to the head-up display and 755 watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 19 speakers.
| Pricing (plus on road costs) | |
| Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line | $102,900 |
| Audi Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro S line | $110,200 |