Audi has taken the wraps off its new Q5 55 TFSI e quattro, describing the newcomer as the “first of the new plug-in models” from the Ingolstadt-based firm.
The hybrid model combines a petrol engine and an electric motor, and features a fully electric range of “more than 40 kilometres” (at speeds up to 135 km/h).
A turbocharged 2,0-litre, a four-cylinder petrol engine produces 185 kW and 370 N.m, while a permanently excited synchronous electric motor (housed in the seven-speed S tronic transmission) has peak outputs of 105 kW and 350 N.m.
The all-wheel-drive hybrid SUV’s total system outputs are 270 kW and 500 N.m, with the sprint from zero to 100 km/h taking a claimed 5,3 seconds (and top speed pegged at 239 km/h). Audi says fuel consumption is as low as 2,1 L/100 km. Hybrid, EV and “battery hold” modes are offered.
The hybrid system’s lithium-ion battery is sited under the luggage compartment floor, comprised of 104 prismatic cells and storing 14,1 kWh of energy. Interestingly, its cooling loop is connected to both the coolant loop for the climate control system and the low-temperature cooling loop into which the electric motor and power electronics are integrated.
Audi says the Q5 55 TFSI e’s all-wheel-drive system has been “efficiency optimised” and works “predictively”. In effect, all-wheel drive is deactivated whenever it is not needed, but Audi says it “remains available at all times”.
