Plug-in hybrid Audi Q5 55 TFSI e Quattro: specs, prices and release date
Audi has announced more details of its plug-in hybrid Q5 SUV. It’s got 362bhp and an all-electric range of 26 miles
Audi has revealed more information on the plug-in hybrid variant of its Q5 SUV that was originally launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Called the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e, it will act as a rival to the BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV when it reaches the UK market in June, with prices starting from around £55,000.
The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which produce a combined power output of 362bhp and 500Nm of torque. Drive is sent through a seven-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels, allowing a 0–62mph sprint of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 148mpg.
There’s a 14.1kWh battery pack on board, which Audi claims will provide the Q5 55 TFSI e with an all-electric range of 26 miles. Emissions are a claimed 49g/km of CO2, while fuel economy stands at 113mpg according to the WLTP test cycle. The German firm also states that the Q5 PHEV can reach a top speed of 84mph on electric power alone.
To achieve these figures, Audi has reconfigured its Quattro all-wheel-drive system, changing it from a permanent to an adaptive setup. A bank of sensors monitor both the road surface and the driver’s behaviour and, depending on the conditions, can disconnect drive to the rear axle to benefit efficiency.
Like the rest of Audi’s hybrid range, the new Q5 plug-in hybrid comes with a range of drive modes which offer either increased efficiency or maximum performance. “Hybrid” mode works in tandem with the sat-nav system, optimally distributing the available battery charge across a route and reserving electric-only drive for urban areas and stop/start traffic.
The electric motor deals with all light braking, recovering a maximum of 80kW of electrical energy, which can recharge the Q5 55 TFSI e’s battery pack on the move. When plugged into a conventional household 220V socket, it can be completely recharged in around six hours.
Standard kit for the Audi Q5 PHEV includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a full S Line body kit, LED headlights, three-zone automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, an 8.3-inch infotainment system and a pair of electrically adjustable, heated sports seats with massage function. The rear seats also offer both longitudinal and rake adjustment.
Now read our review of the standard Audi Q5. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…
