Audi is gradually adding plug-in hybrid versions to its entire model range and it’s the turn of the Q5 Sportback to get the electrification treatment. Like other Audi PHEVs, the high-riding coupe is available in two states of tune; 50 and 55, with the only difference being the way the combined petrol and electric power is managed.
Aside from the fact the Q5 Sportback is getting the TFSI e PHEV option, the powertrain itself has undergone some tweaks – predominantly in electrical power management – which have increased the Q5 Sportback’s electric-only range compared to that of the previous generation powertrain launched in the regular Q5 SUV back in 2019. Happily, the Q5 SUV, A6 and A7 will all now come with the uprated technology, too.
It will be possible to buy the Q5 Sportback TFSI e in either 50 or 55 form, with the former in a slightly lower state of tune. Common to both is the brand’s venerable 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine which is good for 261bhp and 273lb-ft of torque. Also common to both models is the 141bhp, 258lb-ft electric motor which is integrated into the seven-speed S tronic transmission. Quattro comes as standard, albeit the rear wheels only receive power under heavy acceleration or cornering conditions.
The Q5 Sportback 50 TFSI e gets a total system power of 295bhp and 332lb-ft, enabling it to reach 62mph in 6.1 seconds. Step up to the 55 TFSI e and the total system power is raised to 362bhp and 369lb-ft which reduces the 0-62mph sprint to 5.3 seconds. Both cars are limited to 148mph.
The battery consists of 104 cells and has a net storage of 14.4kWh (up from 14.1kWh on the previous version). Charging is via a 7.4kW onboard charger enabling overnight charging on a three-pin or faster charging at public charge points. With the tweaks to the powertrain, the Q5 Sportback can manage up to 37 miles on electric power at speeds of up to 83mph, delivering as much as 156.9mpg and 42g/km on the official test.
Alongside the uprated powertrain, Audi has made a few tweaks to the Q5 Sportback’s cabin. At its heart is the latest MIB 3 infotainment system which is controlled via a freestanding 10.1 inch MMI touchscreen, which can also be controlled using voice activation. This is augmented by the 12.3 inch Audi Virtual Cockpit plus which provides a high-definition, multi-feature driving display. This can relay live traffic information from the Audi fleet, fuel or charging prices, weather or even news.
Vorsprung and Competition models get a panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound, a head-up display and an array of driving assistance systems. Across all models, owners can use the myAudi app to pre-condition the cabin and activate seat, steering wheel and window heating remotely so that the car is ready to go before stepping into it.
On the outside LED headlamps are standard with Matrix LEDs on higher-spec models. Also standard is parking system plus, supported by a reversing camera, and alloys ranging from 18 inches in the Sport model up to 21 inches in the Competition Vorsprung version.
The Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e is available now from £53,435. If you want the powertrain but in a different Audi model it is available in the regular Q5 SUV too, or the A6 Saloon with 43 miles of electric range from £53,340, A6 Avant offering 41 miles for £55,440 or A7 Sportback splitting the difference with 42 miles of range from £60,290.
Related Articles...
