The Q5 55 TFSIe is probably the most highly effective Audi Q5 ever created and likewise probably the most gas environment friendly. As with different plug-in hybrid electrical automobiles (PHEVs), the Q5 guarantees the very best of each worlds, delivering all-electric motoring for brief distances and the liberty of getting a gas tank for these longer adventures.
However does the Audi Q5 55 TFSIe ship?
In any case, it arrives at a time when gross sales of battery electrical automobiles are booming and PHEVs proceed to wrestle.
Maybe serving to the TFSIe’s trigger is Audi pitching the PHEV as a efficiency car as a lot as one for low emissions motoring.
Rivals embrace nearly any mid-sized premium SUV, from the Tesla Mannequin Y to the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLE – and even one among Audi’s different Q5s.
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Worth
The Audi Q5 55 TFSIe Quattro begins at $102,900 plus on-road prices. That makes it by far the most costly of the common Q5 fashions, with solely the SQ5 inching above it.
It’s about $20,000 greater than the 45 TFSI Sport, which is slower (0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds) however has related ranges of apparatus. And it’s about $10,000 lower than the SQ5, which is faster (0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds) and extra targeted dynamically.
A Q5 55 TFSIe Sportback mannequin – with a sleeker roof profile – is priced from $110,200 plus on-roads and will get matrix LED headlights however misses out on roof rails.
In any other case, the 2 share a excessive degree of apparatus. There’s 20-inch alloy wheels (no spare wheel), tri-zone air flow, a mixture of actual and faux leather-based, 360-degree digicam, sensible key entry, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, heated entrance seats, 30-colour ambient lighting and a 10-speaker sound system.
Roof rails are normal on the SUV however are deleted for the Sportback.
All get a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a ten.1-inch central infotainment display screen incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Choices embrace a head-up show and Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Brakes are bigger to cope with the extra weight and the calipers are painted crimson.
The Q5 PHEV is roofed by a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee, though the battery pack has a separate eight-year guarantee.
Inside
It’s pure Q5 inside, from the back and front seats to the boot. The one inkling this one is any totally different are some further shows inside the digital show screens.
That interprets to a cushty cabin, however one which’s displaying its age. It’s properly completed, however missing the fizz of newer fashions.
The fundamentals are completed nicely, from the assortment of buttons and controls to the sprint structure and storage choices.
However a few of the finishes and supplies merely fall into the appropriate camp. Inoffensive and upmarket, however not precisely pushing any boundaries.
Highlights embrace the Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel and real aluminium inserts to interrupt up the gray.
Reminiscence settings on the motive force’s seat are helpful and the seats themselves are supportive and properly padded.
Within the rear it’ll simply accommodate a few adults, however with three throughout the again they’ll be in shut quarters.
The 465-litre boot is usefully broad and could be expanded with split-folding again seats.
Efficiency and effectivity
There’s a well-recognized 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine making 195kW and 370Nm and it’s teamed to an equally acquainted seven-speed twin-clutch transmission.
The large distinction is that there’s additionally an electrical motor built-in into the transmission, including one other 105kW and 350Nm to the equation.
Mixed, the 2 powerplants could make as much as 270kW and 500Nm.
That makes it probably the most highly effective Q5 ever, though the diesel-fed SQ5 wins within the arm wrestle over torque.
Nonetheless, the pitch from Audi is that there are six-cylinder-like outputs, one thing that results in a 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds.
However that efficiency relies on an enthusiastic proper leg and having each propulsion programs working collectively.
Left to its electrical motor the Q5 is respectable and responsive however a great distance from fiery. And if you wish to overtake or win that visitors mild grand prix you’ll have to wake the petrol engine.
Blame it partly on weight. The PHEV is about 300kg heavier than an everyday Q5 as a result of further weight of batteries and a motor.
If you’ll want to, it might additionally tow as much as 2000kg.
As at all times, the PHEV gas consumption declare is all however unachievable. It’s claimed to make use of 2.0 litres per 100km, a determine derived from a laboratory check unlikely to imitate anybody’s driving.
However in EV solely mode you’ll use no gas, whereas in hybrid mode you’ll use a complete lot greater than that. Whereas it’s claimed to supply as much as 55km of electrical motoring, we discovered 45km is extra lifelike.
Numerous drive modes regulate how enthusiastically it kicks down a ratio and the way a lot help the petrol engine will present. It’s also possible to choose Sport mode by popping the gear selector rearward, in flip including extra petrol help.
EV mode prioritises electrical motoring – with that related drop in efficiency – whereas Battery Cost lets you cost the battery whereas driving; it’s a made-for-Europe mode the place PHEVs are typically pressured to run solely on electrical energy in some main centres. In Australia all it is going to do is use plenty of premium unleaded charging the battery.
Dynamic additionally forces the TFSIe to make use of all-wheel drive (in different modes it might quickly disconnect the rear wheels) and leans extra closely on petrol for added punch.
Charging
It’s AC charging just for the 55 TFSIe, completed by way of the extra gas door behind the again door on the passenger aspect. That’s commonplace for plug-in hybrids and can work wonderful for many house owners, simply offering a full cost in a single day.
Audi provides a charging cable for an everyday powerpoint in addition to a three-phase adapter. Plus there’s a Sort 2 to Sort 2 cable in case you’re utilizing a public charger that requires you to BYO.
There’s a 17.9kWh battery underneath the boot ground however solely 14.4kWh of that’s usable.
Full charging from a wallbox takes about 2.5 hours, or you may plug into an everyday powerpoint for a circa-eight-hour cost.
Experience and dealing with
The Audi Q5 PHEV doens’t deviate wildly from the common Q5 dynamic equation.
Regardless of its further kilos it nonetheless has a liveliness on the highway. Steering is correct and direct and there’s ample grip.
All of which makes for a surefooted and interesting driving expertise.
The Q5 55 TFSIe feels strong and user-friendly round city whereas dealing admirably with a change of tempo on a rustic highway.
Suspension is in the direction of the firmer aspect by luxurious SUV requirements, nevertheless it’s totally acceptable given the inherent athleticism.
Speaking level
The cabin of the Q5 PHEV has some distinctive hybrid-specific readouts inside the twin screens.
The car information shows the break up between petrol engine and electrical motor whereas additionally displaying the effectivity of your driving.
It will possibly additionally provide you with a warning to how a lot further EV vary you would save when you turned off some options, equivalent to heating programs or air flow.
Security
The Audi Q5 55 TFSIe will get airbags throughout in addition to a knee airbag for these up entrance. There’s additionally a bonnet that rises barely in an impression to guard pedestrians or cyclists.
The totally different mechanical parts of the PHEV imply it doesn’t share the five-star ranking (from 2017) of different Q5s. Don’t count on it to be retested, both.
Driver help programs embrace autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, exit warning, rear cross visitors alert and lane departure warning.
Nevertheless, the Q5 does with out a velocity restrict recognition system.
Verdict
The Audi Q5 55 TFSIe delivers luxurious SUV normality in a package deal that gives a simple – if compromised – transition to an EV motoring world.
Whereas it falls wanting an EV for efficiency and effectivity, it makes up for it with the power to journey additional utilizing petrol – and respectable acceleration in Hybrid mode. Simply be ready for it to be thirsty by hybrid requirements when working in hybrid mode.
All of which suggests the Q5 PHEV is an acquired style – and one for individuals with very particular use instances.
2024 Audi Q5 55 TFSIe PHEV specs
Worth: From $102,900 plus on-road prices
Fundamentals: PHEV, 5 seats, 5 doorways, SUV, AWD
EV vary: 55km (WLTP; 45km is extra lifelike)
Battery capability: 14.4kWh (usable)
Battery guarantee: 8 years
Vitality consumption: 23.9kWh/100km (when in EV mode)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo, 195kW/370Nm
Motor: 1 built-in into the transmission, 105kW/350Nm; mixed output of 270kW/500Nm
AC charging: kW, plug kind
DC charging: NA
0-100km/h: 5.3 seconds