New Q5 55 TFSI e quattro leads Audi’s plug-in hybrid charge 

The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e is the first of our new range of plug-in models which combines the economic and environmental benefits of electrified driving and the demand-led efficiency of quattro with ultra-technology for the first time.

In electric mode only, the new hybrid Q5 has a range of over 26 miles and a top speed of 84mph. This allows it to cover most everyday distances – including motorway journeys – without the backup from the petrol engine. It also makes it the ideal vehicle for commuters, fleet operators and as a company car.

The new hybrid SUV will be available to order in the UK from the beginning of June, with first deliveries expected during quarter four 2019. The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro will be priced at around £55,000 OTR.

The new drive concept combines a 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine producing 252PS and 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque with an electric motor. The permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) has a peak output of 105 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft). It and the separating clutch are integrated into the seven-speed S tronic, which uses ultra-technology to transfer the drive torque to the quattro drivetrain.

The hybrid SUV impresses with a system output of 367PS and total torque of 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft) just above idle, namely from 1,250 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 62mph takes 5.3 seconds; top speed is 148mph. According to the standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles, combined fuel consumption according to the WLTP cycle is 113mpg, corresponding to 49 grams CO2 per km.

The SUV’s lithium-ion battery is located under the luggage compartment floor.

quattro permanent all-wheel drive with ultra-technology

The Q5 55 TFSI e marks the first time that the efficiency-optimised all-wheel drive with ultra-technology is used in combination with an electric motor.

The all-wheel drive system’s intelligent control works predictively, always looking ahead by means of sensors and the continuous analysis of the data collected on driving dynamics and driver behaviour. The quattro all-wheel drive system is consequently always ready when needed.

At low loads and a sufficient coefficient of friction between the wheels and the road surface, the transmission of power to the rear wheels is deactivated. The drivetrain then functions with high efficiency as a front-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive is deactivated whenever it is not needed, but it remains available at all times.

Fast, automatic activation of the all-wheel drive system follows a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive and reactive. By networking quattro drive with Audi drive select, drivers can adjust not just the character of the engine, but also the all-wheel-drive properties to suit their individual preferences.

Driver modes and the updated predictive efficiency assistant

Particularly quiet and with zero local emissions in the city, with high range on long-distance trips or appropriately dynamic when required: the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro intelligently manages a number of versatile drive modes. The concept is designed so that customers can do the lion’s share of their daily driving electrically. 

The predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) adjusts coasting recuperation behaviour to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar.

Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, ie the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy.

When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort. If the driver is driving without ACC, however, a haptic signal from the active accelerator pedal and a visual signal in the cockpit and optional head-up display indicate the proper time to let off the accelerator to use as much kinetic energy as possible.

At the same time, symbols in the cockpit indicate the reason for the reduction in speed. There are indicators for speed limits, town signs, corners and downhill slopes, traffic circles, intersections, highway exits and traffic ahead.

The driver is free to choose whether and how to intervene in the interplay between engine and motor. There are three driving modes to choose from: Hybrid mode, EV and battery hold.

Hybrid mode is activated automatically together with route guidance in the navigation system.

It can also be activated manually using the ‘mode’ button. In this mode, the battery charge is optimally distributed over the route to reduce fuel consumption, with primarily electric driving in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic.

The system chooses between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation. Coasting recuperation can recover up to 25 kW of power. The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1 g, ie the majority of braking in everyday driving.

A maximum of 80 kW of electrical energy are generated via braking recuperation at a deceleration of up to 0.2 g. The disc brakes are used for more power deceleration.

If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy attempts to drive the last urban segment of the route all-electrically and arrive at the destination with the drive battery nearly empty.

Besides Hybrid mode, the driver can also choose between EV and Battery Hold modes. In EV mode, the car is driven exclusively electrically as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variable, perceptible pressure point. EVmode is the base setting each time the vehicle is started. In Battery Hold mode, battery capacity is held at the current level.

Individual: equipment and design

The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e combines with generous list of standard equipment:

  • LED headlights with high Beam Assist
  • 20-inch contrasting grey alloy wheels
  • Fully electric adjustable sport seats with massage function
  • Three-zone automatic climate control
  • Technology Pack incorporating virtual cockpit, MMI navigation high and PHEV-specific displays

All fitted as standard and form part of the S line Competition specification.

The rear seats can also be shifted longitudinally and their seat back angle adjusted. Its visual impact comes courtesy of the S line bumpers front and rear, a diffuser with a double clasp at the rear and a unique design in the Singleframe grille with various elements in dark chrome.

Convenient: fast charging in just a few hours

The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro is supplied as standard with the compact charging system plus a Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public charging stations.

The compact charging system comprises cables for household and industrial outlets plus a control unit.

The system features an LED status display and safety functions such as temperature and residual current monitoring.

Audi also offers an optional charging clip, a lockable wall-mounted holder for the charging system. The integrated charger charges the lithium ion battery with a maximum power of 7.4 kW.

Even at a 220 V household outlet, an empty battery can be fully and conveniently recharged overnight in roughly six hours*. Convenient recharging is also possible on the road.

*charging times may vary due to UK's 230V supply

Charge management in comfort: the myAudi app

The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones, which is particularly practical with electrified models. The app can be used to check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer and view the charge and consumption statistics. Furthermore, the route planners in both the app and the MMI navigation in the car show charging stations.

Another function of the myAudi app is preheating/precooling before departure. In this case the climate control system compressor and the auxiliary heater in the car are powered electrically. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the battery is being charged. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, the same applies to the seat and steering wheel heating, heating of the windscreen, rear window and mirrors, and the seat cooling.