With 270kW on tap, Audi’s Q5 55 TFSI e quattro is the most powerful version of the SUV ever sold
Audi Australia has announced that it will be adding another variant to its midsize SUV range in the form of the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid.
As Audi’s first plug-in hybrid SUV to be offered locally, the brand’s local arm expects deliveries to start in the second half of 2023. In terms of pricing, the Q5 PHEV starts from $102,900, and the Q5 Sportback PHEV starts at $110,200 both before on-road costs.
Given that Audi is a little late to the PHEV party when it comes to SUVs, this Q5 55 TFSI e quattro can expect to face a raft of competition from the likes of the Volvo XC60 Recharge, the BMW X3 xDrive30e, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC PHEV.
The Q5 55 TFSI e quattro will have up to 55km of electric driving range
Audi’s new plug-in hybrid will also launch at a similar time to Mazda’s new CX-60 that will arrive with a 100kW electric motor that’s paired with a 17.8kWh battery, allowing up to 76km of electric driving range.
What’s new in the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro?
This Q5 55 TFSI e quattro is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine that makes 195kW/370Nm. This is paired with an electric motor that makes 105kW/350Nm, giving this Q5 PHEV combined outputs of 270kW and 500Nm.
Both SUV and Sportback forms will be offered
This powertrain is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Audi’s well-knownall-wheel drive quattro system.
Audi notes that this new variant is the most powerful Q5 ever, trumping the SQ5’s 251kW, but the extra weight means that it’s slower in the 0-100km/h sprint, managing just 5.3 seconds compared to 5.1 in the SQ5
A 14.4kWh battery sits beneath the luggage compartment, and can provide a pure electric driving range of up to 55km according to WLTP standards. This is only capable of being charged via AC, at a maximum rate of 7.2kWh, in which it will reach a full charge in around 2.5 hours.
20-inch alloy wheels come standard on the S-Line
In terms of economy, Audi notes that it can achieve just 2.0L/100km/h according to the WLTP cycle. It’s worth noting that this testing cycle assumes that drivers are always departing with a full charge, so the economy will be impacted without charge in the battery.
Standard equipment on the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro?
Audi Australia has confirmed that the Q5 PHEV will be sold locally in both SUV and Sportback forms, with S-Line being the only trim level available on both.
The Q5 55 TFSI e quattro is the most powerful Q5 ever
This means that both will get S-Line front and rear bumpers, as well as 20-inch alloy wheels that sit in front of the red brake calipers.
On the inside it gets a large panoramic sunroof, as well as leather seats with power adjustment, and three-zone climate control.
The 10.1-inch infotainment screen is equipped with wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto connectivity. There’s also wireless phone charging, four USB ports throughout the cabin, and a 10-speaker sound system.
Both wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto are standard
A Technik package including matrix LED headlights, a head-up display, and a premium 19-speak Bang and Olufsen sound system is an optional extra. It comes at a $4700 premium on the Q5, and at a $4900 premium on the Q5 Sportback.
Audi Q5: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Q5 35 TDI: $67,900
- Q5 40 TDI quattro: $75,500
- Q5 45 TFSI quattro: $75,800
- Q5 40 TDI quattro Sport: $81,500
- Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport: $82,800
- Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S-Line : $82,400
- Q5 Sportback 45 TFSI quattro S-Line: $92,000
- Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line: $102,900
- Q5 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro S line: $110,200