Audi Q5, A6, A7 PHEVs get bigger batteries, more range – Australian potential unclear

Larger battery cells have been equipped to plug-in hybrid variants of the Audi Q5 SUV, A6 and A7 sedans allowing a longer all-electric range.

So far, none are available in Australia, with Audi's local arm focused on a rollout of pure-electric models rather than the mere electrification of petrol models.

European buyers will see the trio receive a new 17.9kWh battery instead of the previous 14.1kWh unit, borrowed from the larger Q8 TFSI e quattro.

This allows the Q5 TFSI e quattro to travel 61 kilometres (WLTP tested) on all-electric power – enough for the bulk of a daily return commute for most Aussies – while its Q5 Sportback sibling is set to get the increased-capacity battery too.

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As before, the electric batteries supplement a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in two tunes, offered on all three models. Combined output for the 50 TFSI e produces 219kW, and the uprated 55 TFSI e stocks 269kW of power.

Despite the battery capacity upgrade, nothing has been changed in the charging system. AC charging capacity is capped at 7.4kW, which means a full charge from empty should take around 2.5 hours.

On a household outlet, Audi says charging is more likely to take over eight hours. Fast DC charging is unavailable.

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Audi is continuing its electrification efforts overseas with this latest upgrade, the three models joining a model line-up that includes plug-in hybrid versions of the A3, Q3, Q7, Q8 and A8.

Audi Australia is not likely to adopt any of the new plug-in hybrid variants locally, instead choosing to skip ahead to full electric vehicles like the Audi E-Tron and E-Tron GT.

We’ve contacted Audi's local arm for comment.

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