Audi Q5 hybrid quattro

The sporty Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is the first full hybrid in the mid-class premium segment to offer a lithium-ion battery as standard. Conceptualized as a parallel ­hybrid, it combines the driving performance of a six-cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. A 2.0 TFSI developing 155 kW (211 hp) and an electric motor with an output of up to 40 kW (54 hp) and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque handle drive propulsion together; their system power is 180 kW (245 hp) and system torque is 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft).

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). When driven at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph) it can cover up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) in pure electric mode. Its top speed in electric mode is 100 km/h (62.14 mph). Combined fuel consumption is just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg) on average, equivalent to CO₂ emissions of just 159 grams per km (255.89 g/mile).

The hybrid SUV from Audi can be powered entirely by the internal combustion engine, entirely by the electric drive or in hybrid mode; it is also capable of energy recovery and can utilize boosting. The driver can select one of three programs: the EV characteristic map gives priority to electric driving, the D program controls the two drives for optimal efficiency, while the S mode is configured for a sporty style of driving.

A highly modified eight-speed tiptronic transfers power to the drivetrain without requiring a torque converter. Its mounting space is occupied by a disc-shaped electric motor that is combined with a multiplate clutch. It engages or disengages the electric motor and the TFSI, operating smoothly, rapidly and with high precision in all situations.

Electrical energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery system weighing just 36.7 kg (80.91 lb); the compact battery is located under the cargo floor and does not reduce the vehicle’s usable cargo space at all. The battery consists of 72 cells, and it supplies 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and 39 kW of power.

Depending on loads, it can be cooled in two different ways – by air from the passenger compartment or by a coolant circuit coupled to the main automatic air conditioning system.

The hybrid’s compact and lightweight power electronics, which is water cooled like the electric motor, converts direct current from the battery into alternating current. The power electronics integrates a DC/DC converter, which connects electrical consumers in the 12-Volt electrical system to the high-voltage network. All key components in this network are electrically isolated, i.e. they have no electrical connections to the rest of the vehicle. If the belt tensioners or airbags trigger, the high-voltage system is automatically switched to a de-energized state.

Sporty look: 19-inch wheels in turbine design
In contrast to the other Q5 models, the Q5 hybrid quattro exhibits slightly different dimensions in height, track width and wheelbase. Visually, this model can be recognized by hybrid badges, 19-inch wheels in 10-arm turbine design and door sill trims with hybrid badges. The bumpers are fully painted, and the exclusive exterior color Polar Silver, metallic is offered.

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro implements a display concept that clearly shows the driving states of the hybrid drive. A powermeter replaces the tachometer in the instrument cluster; its needle indicates total system power on a scale from zero to 100 in percent.

A second scale is subdivided into color segments – its green and orange colored segments indicate how the Q5 hybrid quattro is currently being powered. An auxiliary instrument visualizes the charge state of the battery.

In parallel, the color display of the driver information system and the monitor of the MMI navigation plus unit – which is also standard – depict power flows and operating states of the hybrid system in elegant graphics. The MMI monitor also shows detailed fuel economy and energy recovery statistics.

The suspension underscores the sporty character of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. It lowers the ride height by 25 mm (0.98 in); 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, and 20-inch wheels can be ordered as an option. Large brakes ensure powerful braking, and the brake servo unit is supplied by an electric vacuum pump. A complex control strategy adapts braking processes to the specific conditions of electric driving and energy recovery.

The air conditioning compressor has a high-voltage electric drive; an electric auxiliary heater completes the interior heating system. Altogether, components specific to the hybrid system account for less than 130 kg (286.60 lb) of added weight. The curb weight of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro without driver is 1,910 kg (4210.83 lb) – despite extensive features that also include the Audi Sound System and rear bench seat plus.

This model’s basic price is 53,900 euros.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.