Hybrid steal? Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid with 270kW priced identically to new 200kW turbo petrol option

Audi set to encourage Aussie Q5 buyers into plug-in hybrid power for the first time with decent electric range, more power and more spec for same money as petrol

Audi has doubled-down on its decision to offer price-parity on its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine options on midsize cars in Australia, with PHEV power returning to the Q5 badge — but with prices slashed compared to the old-gen car.

Compared to the previous plug-in Q5, the new PHEV costs at least $9000 less than the old model, despite being just as powerful. Crucially, however, the new version nabs a larger battery for approximately double the real-world electric range.

At $96,900 plus on-road costs in SUV format, or $100,400 as a coupe-SUV Q5 Sportback, the new 270kW/500Nm PHEV powertrain is priced identically to the other new Q5 engine added to the lineup this month — a 200kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder mild-hybrid.

Both engines have Quattro AWD, meaning Aussies will be able to opt for a more traditional powertrain or the more powerful PHEV for the same amount of cash. The plug-in Q5 does have a smaller boot (440-465 litres, compared to 520 litres).

That’s because of the Q5 PHEV’s enlarged 20.7kWh (usable) nickel manganese cobalt battery pack that promises 82km electric range (WLTP) at 25.2kWh/100km consumption.

It’s an aggressive play that also sees the Q5 PHEV undercut its key rivals by a considerable margin. The Mercedes-Benz GLC300e is priced at $99,900 while the BMW X3 30e is $104,800.

Audi product manager Peter Strudwicke told Chasing Cars that the brand is keen to win market acceptance of PHEV technology in Australia and that price parity was a way to do so.

“We priced it where we thought we would get good market acceptance. With Q5, we already had good market acceptance with [the previous] PHEV, but with this new pricing… we think we will get more demand now for the PHEV variant,” he said.

Other than the larger battery, the Q5 PHEV’s mechanical package is largely identical to the previous-gen Q5 55 TFSIe plug-in hybrid, with an underlying 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder producing 185kW/370Nm while an electric motor mounted between the engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission makes 105kW/350Nm.

Despite sharing pricing with the 200kW petrol, the Q5 PHEV also picks up some additional specification in the form of 20-inch Audi Sport wheels, passive sport suspension, red brake callipers, an exterior black styling package, privacy glass, charging cables, and an auxiliary air conditioning system that can be activated via a smartphone app.

It’s a move designed to encourage Australian buyers to strongly consider the PHEV, which will assist Audi in reducing its fleet-average CO2 emissions — thereby increasing the chance it can avoid a penalty under Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) legislation.

Audi made the same call in relation to the A5 midsize sedan and wagon in which the 200kW non-plug petrol and better-specified 270kW PHEV are also identically priced.

Beyond the PHEV’s unique features, standard equipment for the 200kW petrol and 270kW hybrid includes matrix LED headlights, 14.5-inch touchscreen and 11.9-inch virtual cockpit, S line exterior styling, leather upholstery with powered and heated sport front seats, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.