Audi Q5 PHEV for Australia, from $103K

AUDI has confirmed it will expand its electrified model range in Australia with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the Q5 medium SUV.

The new entrant, badged Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line, is slated to land Down Under in the second half of 2023, marking the first new hybrid model from Audi Australia since 2018. 

Available in both wagon and coupe-like Sportback body variants, the Q5 PHEV is now available for order through Audi dealers, with pricing confirmed at $102,900 for the SUV and $110,200 for the Sportback. 

In addition to being similarly priced to the flagship SQ5 that metes out 251kW and 700Nm from its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, the PHEV will pack some prodigious combined outputs as it pairs a 195kW/370Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a 105kW/350Nm electric motor.

Plug-in hybrid variants receive the seven-speed S tronic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive, allowing a 5.3-second sprint to 100km/h (two tenths behind the diesel SQ5).

The Q5 PHEV offers claimed combined-cycle fuel efficiency of 2.0L/100km and an all-electric driving range of 55km for the SUV or 53km for the Sportback, while speeds of up to 135km/h can be achieved under battery power alone. 

The system’s 14.4kWh battery, located under the rear luggage compartment, takes around 2.5 hours to charge using the included Type 2 charging cable with AC wallbox or public charging stations. 

Also included are adapters for 240-volt three-pin domestic outlet and 230-volt 32-amp industrial plugs and a wall bracket for mounting a charger at home. 

Four drive modes enable the hybrid Q5 to be driven using purely electric power, the petrol powertrain alone or a combination of both. The system also allows drivers to partition the petrol/electric split accordingly. 

In hybrid mode, the vehicle will opt for battery power during stop-start driving, using a range of data to establish optimal drivetrain use. The system will also coast with the engine off to recuperate power, and light deceleration up to 0.1g is taken care of by regenerative braking.

Exterior S line styling includes sportier front and rear bumpers, grille, and tailgate spoiler. The package also comes standard with 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels with five-spoke Cutter design, partially concealing red brake callipers. 

The SUV model gets regular LED headlights with cornering and all-weather lights, while the pricier Sportback gets the Matrix LED units with dynamic front and rear indicators and headlight washers. 

A standard S line interior package includes Nappa leather sport seats in the front and brushed aluminium trim throughout. A panoramic sunroof is fitted to both body types, as are roof rails, and the SUV gets crossmembers as standard. 

Coloured interior ambient lighting offers occupants 30 different themes, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity provides access to the Audi connect plus infotainment system.

Wireless charging comes standard, alongside two USB charging ports in the front and rear, and a rear screen provides entertainment for second-row passengers. 

"The introduction of the Q5 PHEV makes perfect sense for the varied lifestyles of Australian customers," said Audi Australia director Jeff Mannering. 

"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 Q5 hybrid models come standard with Audi’s five-year warranty as well as a 12-year bodywork warranty that covers corrosion perforation.