Audi to add Q5 PHEV in Australia mid-2023

Audi is re-introducing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to its Australian line-up from mid-2023 in the form of the Q5 55 TFSI e luxury medium SUV.

It will be the most powerful Q5 ever offered and the second most expensive model in the range behind the SQ5 high-performance turbo-diesel.

The wagon version will set you back $102,900 plus on-road costs and the sloped-roof Sportback (pictured above) $110,200.

Both versions will come with a 195kW/370Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with a 105kW/350Nm electric motor integrated into the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a combined output of 270kW and 500Nm. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

The claimed range on electric power courtesy of the 14.4kWh (net) lithium-ion battery is 55km for the wagon and 53km for the Sportback. The claimed fuel consumption rate is 2.0L/100km (WLTP). It can be charged at up to 7.2kW AC for a full charge in around 2.5 hours.

The 0-100km/h time is 5.3 sec, making this the second fastest accelerating Q5 behind the 251kW/700Nm SQ5, which reaches that speed in 5.1 secs. Top speed is 239km/h as a PHEV, or 135km/h as an EV.

This is the third PHEV to be sold by Audi in Australia following on from the 2015-16 A3 e-tron and Q7 e-tron in 2017-18.

Those vehicles were very much the first steps down Audi’s road toward electrification. But the Q5 55 TFSI e will come to Australia nearly three years after the e-tron BEV was launched locally.

The Q5 55 TFSI e will also be one of three plug-in models to be introduced this year by Audi alongside the pure EV e-tron GT (and RS) and the overhauled e-tron, which is now known as the Q8 e-tron.

Standard Q5 PHEV exterior equipment will include S line trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and red brake callipers.

Interior highlights will include leather appointed upholstery, sports front seats with heating and memory, tri-zone climate control, colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, a 10 speaker 180-watt sound system and connect plus internet services.

Driver assistance features confirmed by Audi include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, swerve assist, a 360 degree camera and park assist.

Features exclusive to the Sportback include Matrix LED headlights, S line interior and Nappa leather with diamond stitching. Roof rails are optional.

The Q5 PHEV’s rivals include plug-in versions of the BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC60. Both the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and forthcoming Mazda CX-90 will also offer petrol-electric plug-in power.

PHEVs have been the laggard in terms of electrified sales in Australia. Toyota dominates hybrid sales and Tesla leads battery electric take-up, which accelerated dramatically in 2022 to 33,410 sales. But PHEVs languished with only 5937 sales.

The federal government has also made it dealt PHEVs a blow, with a 2025 sunset clause included for plug-ins in new FBT plug-in incentives.. Beyond that time the discounts will only apply to pure EVs.

Nevertheless, Audi Australia director Jeff Mannering is talking up the Q5 PHEV’s opportunities.

“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,” he said in a press statement.

“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 line-up in Australia.”