Audi will be releasing a high-tech hybrid version of its Q5 small SUV next year.
Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro
The Q5 hybrid quattro will arrive with a 245 hp engine, which combines Audi’s 211 hp 2.0 liter TFSI (4 cylinder) gasoline engine as well as a 45 hp electric motor. Audi promises that the SUV will deliver the agility of a V6-powered SUV with fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. According to the manufacturer, the hybrid will deliver 33.6 MPG, which is the equivalent of many mid-size and compact sedans.
The Q5 is said to hit 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds while providing a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft. The electric motor provides 155 lb-ft by itself and can run the Q5 by itself, but only for about 1.9 miles and only if you limit yourself to about 35 mph. So it is not a car that is meant to be driven in electric mode, but in a electric assistance mode. Editors for German media already had a chance to review the car and the conclusion seems to be that the car is not quite as fast as the 3.2 liter V6, simply because the batteries and motor add substantial weight.
The Q5 hybrid deviates from the strategy of VW and Porsche, which use hybrids in SUVs that are positioned one class higher. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Q5 will be especially affordable. Expect pricing to be close to Lexus’ RX 450h hybrid, which starts just under $45,000 and tops out around $65,000. Edmunds estimates the Q5 hybrid quattro base price to be about $41,500, but there is a long list of options, which easily lifts the Q5 hybrid quattro above $55,000 with the usual gadgets as well as premium and navigation packages.
Audi will also be offering some unique optional features such as integrated 4G access with a “stable” data connectivity rate of up 7.2 Mb/s as well as hotspot package that will enable the car to be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
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