Aside from a 2.0T and 3.0T siblings which are also getting a mid-cycle refresh this year, the quattro hybrid now resides at the top of the model range, and is priced accordingly in a well-equipped package starting at $50,900. The 2.0T starts at $35,900, and the 3.0T starts at $43,900. An $895 destination fee is also charged for Q5 on top of the sales price plus options.
So, what kind of motive power does Audi’s premier Q5 model get? It’s a full parallel hybrid based around a 2.0-liter TFSI engine which itself delivers 211 horsepower and 258.15 pounds-feet torque. Adding to the power is an electric motor rated at 54 horsepower and 154.89 pounds-feet torque.
Total system power is rated at 245 horsepower and 354.03 pounds-feet promising acceleration to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
The electric motor is powered by a 266-volt, 72-cell lithium-ion battery pack which Audi’s engineers were gratified to report did not need to occupy trunk volume to house, and otherwise do not sacrifice usable space in the vehicle.
Fuel economy is 26 mpg combined according to the EPA cycle, and the power output from the four-cylinder plus electric motor is enough to make a driver not miss the V6 turbo that is also available.
Audi’s attempts to make the driving more enjoyable and easy include adaptive cruise control with “stop & go” and “brake guard” capability. This can detect stationary vehicles and apply full braking at less than 19 mph.
Another aid is Audi side assist, a form of blind spot detection to alert drivers of vehicles approaching along side, out of immediate view.
“Audi drive select” actively adjusts steering, suspension, engine and transmission settings. The driver can select among comfort, auto, and dynamic and customize each setting in an Individual mode.
The vehicle also has an industry first factory installed wireless Internet access. Audi calls this infotainment system Audi connect. It features onboard Audi MMI Navigation plus which utilizes Google Earth’s mapping service and real-time SiriusXM Traffic information. Also included is localized weather info, news, and real-time fuel price info. Google local search is included as well to search for things like restaurant or hotel info, etc. The vehicle is also a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing and lets to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices use the wireless connectivity simultaneously.
The Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid delivers the highest torque output of all variants – 354 pounds-feet, compared to 258 peak for the 2.0T and 295 for the 3.0T.
Its net horsepower is a bit less than the 3.0T, and the hybrid’s 0-60 time is slower by .8 seconds compared tro the 3.0T’s 6.0 seconds. The Q5s are not lightweight either, and the hybrid weighs the most – 86 pounds more than the 3.0T, at 4,431 pounds.
Top speed for all the Q5s is rated at 130 mph.
The Audi Q5 Quattro Hybrid is a solid option for those wanting an SUV with performance, style, and refinement with marginally improved fuel efficiency.
