Audi might be going all-out with a new range of
electrified models, but the rest of its range is getting the “green” treatment
as well. The latest example is the second generation Q5, which has just received
a PHEV version. It’s called the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro and combines a 2.0-liter
TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 367 PS and 500 Nm of torque.
The internal combustion unit kicks out 252 PS and 370 Nm of torque, and the electric motor, which is
integrated into the 7-speed S Tronic transmission along with the separating
clutch, has a peak output of 143 PS and 350 Nm for a 0-100 km/h run in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 239 km/h.
The 14.1 kWh battery is located under the luggage
compartment floor. It can be charged in just 2.5 hours via a 400V industrial
outlet, or in roughly 6 hours using a 220V household outlet, and provides a
WLTP electric range of 40+ km, at a top speed of 135 km/h. Drivers can choose between three
driving modes, named Hybrid, EV and Battery Hold, which allow the SUV to use
both the ICE and electric motor, the electric motor only or the TFSI petrol
burner, respectively.
The Q5 55 TFSI e quattro has a generous list of
standard equipment such as S Line exterior package, single-frame grille,
18-inch wheels, LED headlights, sport seats, 3-zone climate control,
convenience key, DIS with color display and the list can go on. The Compact
charging system, along with the Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public
stations, is also standard, whereas the charging clip is an optional extra.
Drivers can use the myAudi app to access different
functions of the car, such as the battery and range status, program the charger
timer, start the charging process and see the charge and consumption
statistics. They can also see charging stations on their mobile devices or on
the MMI infotainment system, and can use the app to preheat/precool the
interior.
The first units of the plug-in hybrid Q5 will arrive
at dealers in the third quarter of the year. Meanwhile, Audi is already taking
orders in Germany, where it starts from € 60,450, € 14,700 more than the base Q5 and € 8,450 less than the SQ5 TDI.