Audi Q5 2023: plug-in hybrid confirmed for Australia with up to 55km of electric range 

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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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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