Audi Q5 55 TFSIe quattro, plug-in hybrid technology also comes to the German SUV benchmark

Audi continues its unstoppable march towards the electrification of its entire range, and now it is the turn of its most representative SUV, the Q5, which receives a new petrol plug-in hybrid engine that will undoubtedly be an option well worth considering for all those who decide to definitively give up diesel. In addition, it will bring the corresponding tax benefits and the DGT ECO label, which will allow it to bypass the restrictions in the major cities.

Hybrid technology with 367 CV of power

Named the Audi Q5 55 TFSIe quattro, under its bonnet it houses a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 252 CV of power along with 370 Nm of torque. This is combined with a PSM synchronous electric motor delivering 105 kW and 350 Nm of torque, linked to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. The total system output is set at 367 CV and maximum combined torque at 500 Nm, allowing it to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 239 km/h, of which up to 135 km/h can be covered in fully electric mode.

Audi states that the Q5 55 TFSIe quattro will have a consumption, according to the homologation cycle for plug-in hybrids, of between 2.6 and 2.4 l/100 km, while its CO2 emissions will range between 57 and 54 g/km. To this must be added 40 km of electric range according to the WLTP cycle, provided by its lithium-ion battery. This battery, incidentally, is located beneath the boot floor and features 104 cells capable of storing 14.1 kWh, and it can be recharged using the Compact charging system or with a Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for public charging stations. Charging time at a 400 V and 16 A station takes 2.5 hours to complete, while from a 220 V domestic socket it takes 6 hours, enough time to do so overnight, for example.

But in the new Audi Q5 55 TFSIe quattro, the novelty is not limited to its powertrain; there is also the way in which the brand’s always excellent quattro traction is managed. For the first time, this is combined with an electric motor and is optimised by the technology that Audi calls “ultra”, whereby, through the use of sensors and data analysis regarding driving dynamics and our behaviour, quattro traction is predictive and is ready to operate exactly when needed. Under normal conditions it works as front-wheel drive, but if necessary the quattro traction will engage automatically.

Automatic systems at the service of efficiency and comfort
Although it will not be the only thing that operates automatically in the Audi Q5 55 TFSIe quattro, as the vehicle itself will take care of managing various driving modes for us. The PEA Predictive Efficiency Assistant will be our ally at all times, since thanks to data from the navigation system and that collected by the front camera and radar, it can choose between coasting mode or energy recovery mode. Or, for example, if we activate Adaptive Cruise Control, the PEA can assist us by braking and accelerating automatically to improve efficiency, although it can also do so even when it is not activated, through haptic feedback in the accelerator pedal and on the Head-Up Display, indicating when to ease off the accelerator.

There will be other modes that also operate automatically, although we can select them manually if required, such as Hybrid Mode, which distributes battery charge optimally along the route to reduce consumption, especially on urban journeys. Other modes we can choose are EV, activated by default on start-up to drive in fully electric mode as long as we do not pass a pressure point on the accelerator; or Battery Hold mode, which maintains the charge level for later use.

In terms of equipment, the Audi Q5 55 TFSIe quattro will come with a wide standard specification, including features such as Audi Matrix LED headlights, sports seats, three-zone climate control, comfort access and start, and a colour FIS display along with PHEV-specific screens in the instrument cluster, plus 19-inch Dynamic-design alloy wheels. Naturally, all of this can be complemented with the list of extra accessories and finishes offered by Audi, including the S line trim, which gives it a sportier appearance.

Audi is already accepting orders for the Q5 55 TFSIe quattro in Spain, with a starting price set at 66,060 euros§h57§, while deliveries are scheduled for the third quarter of this year.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverAudi Q528 versions · from 63,000 €