Audi is introducing the
plug-in hybrid Q5 TFSI E model in the United States, which adds an electric motor
to the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at US$ 52,900 not
including a US$ 995 destination charge that puts it at US$ 53,895.
The plug-in hybrid Audi Q5
offers a combined 362 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque and is offered exclusively
with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and the company’s Quattro Ultra
all-wheel drive system. That’s actually more power than the 2020 SQ5 that has a
throaty turbocharged 3.0L V6 producing 349 HP and the same peak torque at 369
lb-ft.
Audi’s new
electrified SUV is faster than both the regular Q5 and the SQ5 when
accelerating to 96 km/h from standstill at 5 seconds flat, nearly a
second faster than the former and 0.1 seconds faster than the latter. In
addition, the 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives the 2020 Q5 TFSI E a pure
electric range of 32 km, while fuel economy is rated at 65 MPGe by
the EPA.
The new Audi Q5 TFSI E comes
with three model-specific driving modes: Hybrid, which is enabled automatically
with the route guidance of the navigation system as it utilizes data from it to
optimize the use of battery power; EV, which is the default mode every time the
car is started, using just electric power as long as the driver doesn’t press
the accelerator past a perceptible point; and Battery Hold, which saves the
battery charge at its current levels for the driver to use it later on.
Audi’s latest electrified
powertrain also allows the engine to deactivate and use the battery to coast
when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator. The climate control
features a new highly efficient heat pump that harvests the waste heat from the
high-voltage components for better efficiency.
As standard, the plug-in
hybrid Audi Q5 features the S Line exterior body kit together with a black
grille surround and 19-inch alloy wheels. A set of 20-inch bi-color wheels is
offered as an option. Customers will also be offered the choice of colors like
Turbo Blue and Daytona Gray, which are exclusive to the TFSI E and SQ5 models.
Audi expects that the 2020 Q5
TFSI E will become eligible for a federal tax credit of up to US$ 6,712, with
additional state rebates also available.
