Audi Q5 55 TFSI e gets all-electric range 22 | 05 | 2019
AUDI’S NEW PLUG-IN hybrid Q5 will deliver 362bhp and be capable of covering 26 miles solely on electric power when it goes on-sale at Scottish dealerships in June. Prices are expected to start around £55,000. (Related: Audi AI:ME all-electric city car)
Originally launched at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor. Combined output is 362bhp and 500Nm of torque, with power delivered to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Audi says the new plug-in hybrid will hit 62mph from standstill in 5.3 seconds and max out at 148mph. (Related: New Audi Q4 e-tron concept)
Utilising the 14.1kWh battery pack — which Audi predicts will deliver an all-electric range of 26 miles, at a top speed of up to 84mph — CO2 emissions drop to a claimed 49g/km. According to the WLTP test cycle, fuel economy stands at 113mpg.
To boost all these figures, Audi has reconfigured its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Now an adaptive setup rather than the more ‘standard’ permanent system, a bank of sensors monitor both the road surface and the driver’s behaviour. (Related: Audi e-tron available to order)
Depending on the conditions, the gathered information can disconnect drive to the rear axle, thus boosting efficiency.
Audi’s clever drive modes — which are available across the full hybrid range — ensure the new Q5 plug-in hybrid maximises either increased efficiency or performance. Flick to “Hybrid” mode, which works in tandem with the sat-nav system, and the system optimally distributes the available battery charge across a route and reserving electric-only drive for urban areas and stop/start traffic.
The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1g, i.e. the majority of braking in everyday driving. A maximum of 80kW of electrical energy are generated via braking recuperation at a deceleration of up to 0.2g. That essentially recharges the Q5 55 TFSI e’s battery pack on the move. But of you need to recharge the battery via a conventional household 220V socket, it’ll full recharge in around six hours.
As you would expect, the Q5 55 TFSI e is well-specced. A pair of electrically adjustable, heated sports seats with massage function; an 8.3-inch infotainment system; digital instrument cluster; three-zone automatic climate control; LED headlights; full S Line body kit and 20in alloys are all standard.
Related: Audi ditches diesel from TT range
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Jim McGill