In Australia, Audi's experience with plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) has been inconsistent. With varying degrees of success, it has introduced plug-in hybrid versions of the Q7 SUV and the previous A3 hatchback under the "e-tron" brand.
However, the German automaker thinks the Q5, a mid-size SUV, is one of its best-selling models, and now is the right moment to give it plug-in capability.
Audi is not playing around, as evidenced by its impressive standard feature list and respectable driving range. However, how does its value compare to that of the already well-liked BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid cars?
Features and price: Does it offer good value for the money? What characteristics does it have?
Audi is eager to appeal to consumers wishing to lessen their carbon footprint as well as car enthusiasts seeking a little extra zing with their environmental credentials as it dabbles back in the plug-in hybrid market.
The Q5 55 TFSI e quattro fills that need. Audi Australia could have introduced a Q5 PHEV grade with less performance emphasis, but they chose to go with the higher output model. Audi views this as the SQ5 to purchase if you wish to protect the environment. And it appears to be fairly close based on the 5.3-second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.
Starting price for the SUV body style of the 55 TFSI e-quattro is $102,900, exclusive of on-road expenses.
Choosing the Sportback adds $7300 to the cost, totaling $110,200. However, the Sportback has more equipment than the SUV, such as Matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators and the S-line interior package.
Panoramic sunroof, hands-free power tailgate, ambient lighting (with 30 colors), keyless entry and start, heated and power-adjustable front leather seats, three-zone climate control, 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, 10-speaker audio, auto-dimming interior mirror, and 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels are among the additional features that come standard on both grades.
Additionally, you have the choice of 21-inch hoops or alternative 20-inch wheels.
The 'Technik' option pack adds high-tech head- or tail-lights, a more expensive Bang & Olufsen audio system, and a head-up display for $4900 for the SUV and $4700 for the Sportback, depending on the body style. Overall, the list of standard features is robust. It's worth mentioning again what I've said recently: it's encouraging to see luxury brands include more standard features in their models rather than leaving everything as an option.
Nevertheless, it might have been a good idea to include heated rear seats in addition to the standard front seats.
So what is the difference between the Q5 and its PHEV counterparts? At $111,800, the BMW X3 xDrive30e is its most obvious competitor in terms of price. Then there's the Audi-rivaling Range Rover Evoque R Dynamic HSE ($104,310) and Volvo XC60 Recharge ($101,990), but the Lexus NX450h+ ($91,423) beats them both.
Is there anything intriguing about the way it is designed?
After six years of existence, the second-generation Q5 was essentially an evolution of the first, but it still has a nice appearance in metal. Though not particularly edgy, it is certainly attractive.
The S line exterior package, which includes an exclusive honeycomb grille, front and rear S line bumpers, Audi Sport wheels, and a rear spoiler lifted from the SQ5, is standard equipment on both PHEV body types.
My opinion is that the Q5, especially in the stunning 'District Green Metallic' paint, looks most striking in an SUV body style, even though many people will prefer the graceful Sportback body style. Amazing.
Only the Sportback gets the S line interior, which includes aluminum inlays, a Nappa leather upholstery with contrast stitching, a leather three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction, shift paddles, and hands-on detection. Leather upholstery adorns the SUV seats.
Although it's true that Audi's interiors have evolved since the Q5's 2017 launch, they're still hardly bad. Although the multimedia screen protruding from the dash top is a little outdated, the materials and workmanship are excellent.
Practicality: How useful is the interior technology and space?
The Q5 has always performed well in terms of practicality as a family hauler. And that hasn't altered with the addition of a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Though, as you'll see in a moment, you do lose some boot space when compared to the petrol models.
There are many crevices and storage spaces in the Q5's console up front, including a longer, shallow slot for holding phones. The door bins can hold large bottles and more, and the central bin is sufficiently deep. Since the larger storage lid can conceal it for security, housing the phone charger atop another storage space in the console works well. Physical buttons are present for features like seat heaters, drive mode controls, air conditioning, and other vehicle functions because the Q5 is an older model than some of Audi's more recent offerings.
Although it may not appear as slick as having a screen to hold everything, it is still welcome from a practical and safety standpoint.
This strategy also applies to the multimedia system, which has a logical menu and is reasonably easy to use. Both Audi's system and its digital cockpit, which it invented, receive a tick. The Sportback's quilted Nappa leather seats are far more opulent than the SUV's leather-appointed seats, even though the SUV's seats are still nice. Furthermore, the color scheme of "Rotor Grey" is stunning. They are comfortable without being overly plush, and they provide more than enough support in the front row.
The front row has plenty of room for legs and heads.
The second row is the same in that regard. Even with a panoramic sunroof, there is ample headroom. And there was space in front of my knees behind my 183cm (six foot) driving position. It is a really nice size.
Furthermore, there is some bucketing in the back seats, which makes passengers feel a little pampered. Additionally, there are fold-down armrests with cupholders, map pockets, two USB ports, a 12-volt port, knee-level air vents, and ISOFIX points on the outboard seats. There is good space in the boot, which has a power-operated tailgate, and the back row folds 60/40.
It should come as no surprise that the SUV version (465 liters) has 55 less space than the 45 TFSI with gasoline because part of the PHEV hardware is located directly under the boot floor.
In the same way, the Sportback (455L) loses 45L. Additionally, the Sportback loses only 10L of cargo space compared to the more sensible-looking SUV despite having a swoopy roofline.
There is only a tire repair kit instead of a spare wheel because of those PHEV components.
What are the engine's key statistics under the hood?
The Q5's 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which is present in many VW Group vehicles, is paired with a plug-in hybrid system that consists of an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
It is remarkable that the system can produce 500Nm of torque and 270kW of power in total. Actually, it is slightly less torqued than the SQ5 performance flagship, but it still packs more power.
Thanks to Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system, it has seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives all four wheels.
Efficiency: How far can it drive? How long does it take to charge?
According to the WLTP protocol, the Q5's electric driving range can reach up to 55 kilometers thanks to the 17.9kWh battery capacity of the PHEV. According to Audi, the average Australian daily commute is 35 km, meaning that many people could theoretically travel to and from work solely on electricity.
It may not seem like much, but it is more than the BMW X3's 41 km, even though it is not nearly as much as the Lexus NX's 87 km claim.
The official fuel consumption of the Q5 is 2.0 liters per 100 kilometers, which is less than the 3.2 liters/100 kilometers of the X3, but still more than the 1.3 liters of the Lexus. The energy consumption is rated at 23.9 kWh/100 kilometers.
Its fuel tank holds 54 liters, and its CO2 emissions are 45 grams per kilometer. To add more juice at home, the Q5 PHEV comes with a charger and a Type 2 plug.
Using a home wallbox charger, it can be fully charged in 2.5 hours with a 7.2kW AC charging capacity. It can also be charged overnight or in about eight hours by plugging it into a standard wall socket at home. It cannot be charged with DC power.
Driving: How does driving feel?
For drivers, the Q5 has always been the better option among its competitors, particularly the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3. You might argue—and you'd probably be correct—that a Porsche Macan is more engaging. But the Q5 is the better of those direct competitors from Germany.
The roughly 300 kg of additional weight that a PHEV drivetrain adds should affect dynamics, but for some reason, it doesn't.
First off, the Q5 PHEV is a hot hatch because it can reach 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
However, this Q5's handling capabilities are what really stand out, even with that added weight. The battery pack is located beneath the boot floor, and Audi engineers have done a fantastic job of making sure it keeps its renowned dynamic performance.
For this launch event, we traveled on some delightfully winding roads in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, and the Q5 didn't miss a beat.
It had plenty of grip and remained composed when pushed into tight spaces. And if you still have battery life, the electric urge that emerges from those corners enhances the experience even more. Yes, there is the usual sharp Audi steering, which is appreciated.
You would think that the ride quality would suffer because it was a sporty bent and was riding on 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels. Still, it was a welcome surprise. With the standard suspension setup, the Q5 absorbs corrugations well, and the tires have a respectable sidewall. So, no uncomfortable, jagged lumps were found.
Also, the cabin is comparatively well-insulated against the majority of outside intrusion.
Safety: What protective gear is installed? What safety rating does it have?
Although the Q5 plug-in lacks a front center airbag, it still boasts an impressive array of safety features with eight airbags total.
The standard array of driver assistance features is included, such as attention assist, an active bonnet, a tire pressure monitor, hill descent control, and Audi's "pre-sense city" system, which initiates emergency braking at up to 85 km/h. Additionally, "pre-sense front" emergency braking is activated up to the Q5's maximum speed.
In addition, it has a 360-degree camera with an outstanding display, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a blind spot monitor, safe exit assistance, and cross-traffic alert.
The Q5 plug-in hybrid is currently unrated by ANCAP, but the rest of the Q5 range is protected by a five-star safety rating that dates back to 2017.
Ownership: What kind of guarantee is provided? What is the duration of its services? What are the operating expenses?
Audi offers a five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty with the Q5. Audi announced this extension at the beginning of 2022, which was an increase over its previous term. Additionally, an eight-year/160,00km battery warranty is in place for the PHEV.
Audi provides a capped-price service plan for five years, which comes with a total cost of approximately $3500. Service intervals are every twelve months or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. That costs a little more than the plans of BMW and Volvo.