Reviews
Gallery 54
7.8
/10
Score
Things we like
- Potent hybrid powertrain and straight-line performance
- Stupendous stopping power
- Quiet, refined and well-appointed cabin
Not so much
- Nudges into SQ5 territory with exxy sticker price
- Slight drop in overall cargo capacity
- May be too late, given growing e-tron range
Audi has launched its Q5 55 TFSI e locally, its first PHEV since that false start with the slow-selling A3 and Q7 E-Tron models.
This time around, the brand has approached things with a clear focus on performance.
First things first: The go-fast PHEV is actually the most powerful Q5 ever, yet it’s just two-tenths of a second slower to triple figures than the top-spec SQ5 – although it’s not much cheaper than its big brother, either.
Audi opted for the more powerful of two Q5 PHEV variants available globally, positioning this model as a performance hybrid for buyers wanting the ‘best of both worlds’.
Click here for specifications and launch details of the new Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
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JUMP AHEAD
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Pricing and features
The Audi Q5 is offered in both SUV and sportback variants, with slight specification differences but identical powertrains.
Audi’s Q5 PHEV SUV starts from $102,900 before on-road costs, while the sportback is priced from $110,200, the latter scoring Matrix LED headlights, S-Line interior and Nappa leather upholstery.
Both models offer a rich array of standard inclusions, in line with their premium pricing. Goodies like Audi Sport 20-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof and S-line exterior styling all hint at their sporting potential.
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The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor offer up healthy combined outputs of 270kW and 500Nm, propelling the mid-size SUV to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
A dedicated EV mode allows you to drive up to 55 kilometres using only the electric motor, with Audi claiming regular hybrid use will return fuel use of just 2.0L/100km.
Audi Australia offers a full five-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty on all new models.
| 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSIe SUV equipment and features | |
|---|---|
| S-Line exterior | Ambient lighting |
| 20-inch wheels | Illuminated door sills |
| Panoramic sunroof | Audi connect plus |
| Privacy glass | Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto |
| Red brake callipers | 10-speaker 180W sound system |
| Leather appointed upholstery | Adaptive cruise control |
| Sports front seats with memory function | Swerve/park assist |
| Three zone climate control | 360 surround view camera |
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Safety
The Q5 range has a full five-star ANCAP safety rating, however the PHEV is yet to be rated.
Eight airbags are fitted throughout the Q5 PHEV, including front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags for front and rear passengers, and head-level curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.
Audi’s full suite of safety and driver assistance technology is standard on this model too, with inclusions like autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane assist, cross traffic assist and adaptive cruise.
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On the road
Pros
- Linear power band that offers effortless pace
- Perks of an EV, with long distance hybrid capability
- Frugal sipper, even if we couldnu2019t quite get achieve the claimed 2l/100km
Cons
- Itu2019s expensive, potentially pitting it against the sportier SQ5
- May have come too late, as e-tron range grows at a faster pace to PHEV range
- A little roly-poly in corners, but only noticeable because straight-line performance is so swift
The Q5 PHEV is deceptively quick in a straight line, however when pushed in corners it leaves a little to be desired compared with the sportier SQ5.
It is, however, the most refined Q5 so far and, while expensive with its six figure asking price, it is also richly appointed. It is equal parts luxurious, efficient and engaging.
Watch this space for a more comprehensive assessment of the Q5 PHEV’s on-road capabilities as we get a proper post-launch run with the car.
Click here for more detailed expert opinions of the sportier Audi SQ5’s on-road qualities.
If any of the terms in this section have left you scratching your head, these articles will help bring you up to speed!
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- What is a Powertrain or Drivetrain?
- Power vs torque
- Car suspension explained
- Automatic transmissions (‘gearboxes’) explained
- Chassis control systems explained
- Car vs Ute vs SUV: How the vehicle you buy should guide the way you drive
While mild hybrids are rather common across the SUV segment, plug-in hybrids aren’t as plentiful.
Add to that the Audi Q5’s premium positioning and it narrows down the field considerably. However, there are still a few standout premium SUV options, with the category lending itself well to the PHEV format.
EV-assisted rivals worth considering
- Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge ($101,990)
- Land Rover Discovery Sport PHEV ($103,450 – coming)
- BMW X5 xDrive50e ($149,900)
Something a little more affordable, perhaps? ?
Should I put the Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid EV on my shortlist?
The Q5 PHEV comes in at a high price point but, given its extensive list of standard inclusions and its performance capabilities, it does offer value for the right buyer.
If you already own an electric vehicle but want a second, more versatile all-rounder the Q5 55 TFSI e might just be the SUV for you.
After all, it will still embarrass plenty of performance cars off the line, while returning sub-five litres per 100 kilometres of fuel use.
The best of both worlds? Could well be…
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MORE
Everything Audi
MORE
PHEV and Hybrid Cars
7.8
/10
Score
Things we like
- Potent hybrid powertrain and straight-line performance
- Stupendous stopping power
- Quiet, refined and well-appointed cabin
Not so much
- Nudges into SQ5 territory with exxy sticker price
- Slight drop in overall cargo capacity
- May be too late, given growing e-tron range
We recommend
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