Audi to add Q5 PHEV in Australia mid-2023

Audi is re-introducing a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) to its Australian line-up from mid-2023 in the form of the Q5 55 TFSI e luxury medium SUV.

It will be the most powerful Q5 ever offered and the second most expensive model in the range behind the SQ5 high-performance turbo-diesel.

The wagon version will set you back $102,900 plus on-road costs and the sloped-roof Sportback (pictured above) $110,200.

2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e.
2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e.

Both versions will come with a 195kW/370Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine mated with a 105kW/350Nm electric motor integrated into the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a combined output of 270kW and 500Nm. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

The claimed range on electric power courtesy of the 14.4kWh (net) lithium-ion battery is 55km for the wagon and 53km for the Sportback. The claimed fuel consumption rate is 2.0L/100km (WLTP). It can be charged at up to 7.2kW AC for a full charge in around 2.5 hours.

The 0-100km/h time is 5.3 sec, making this the second fastest accelerating Q5 behind the 251kW/700Nm SQ5, which reaches that speed in 5.1 secs. Top speed is 239km/h as a PHEV, or 135km/h as an EV.

2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e interior.
2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e interior.

This is the third PHEV to be sold by Audi in Australia following on from the 2015-16 A3 e-tron and Q7 e-tron in 2017-18.

Those vehicles were very much the first steps down Audi’s road toward electrification. But the Q5 55 TFSI e will come to Australia nearly three years after the e-tron BEV was launched locally.

The Q5 55 TFSI e will also be one of three plug-in models to be introduced this year by Audi alongside the pure EV e-tron GT (and RS) and the overhauled e-tron, which is now known as the Q8 e-tron.

Standard Q5 PHEV exterior equipment will include S line trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, privacy glass and red brake callipers.

2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV tech.
2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV tech.

Interior highlights will include leather appointed upholstery, sports front seats with heating and memory, tri-zone climate control, colour ambient lighting, illuminated door sills, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, a 10 speaker 180-watt sound system and connect plus internet services.

Driver assistance features confirmed by Audi include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, swerve assist, a 360 degree camera and park assist.

Features exclusive to the Sportback include Matrix LED headlights, S line interior and Nappa leather with diamond stitching. Roof rails are optional.

2023 Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e.
2023 Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e.

The Q5 PHEV’s rivals include plug-in versions of the BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC60. Both the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and forthcoming Mazda CX-90 will also offer petrol-electric plug-in power.

PHEVs have been the laggard in terms of electrified sales in Australia. Toyota dominates hybrid sales and Tesla leads battery electric take-up, which accelerated dramatically in 2022 to 33,410 sales. But PHEVs languished with only 5937 sales.

The federal government has also made it dealt PHEVs a blow, with a 2025 sunset clause included for plug-ins in new FBT plug-in incentives.. Beyond that time the discounts will only apply to pure EVs.

2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e.
2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e.

Nevertheless, Audi Australia director Jeff Mannering is talking up the Q5 PHEV’s opportunities.

“With its all-electric capability for urban driving and its powerful TFSI engine for longer trips, it delivers the best of both worlds without compromise,” he said in a press statement.

“The size and appointment of the Q5 has made it a resounding success since its first introduction and offering this powerful plug-in hybrid variant will significantly broaden the appeal of the already impressive Q5 line-up in Australia.”