10 Things To Know About The Audi Q5 PHEV

Summary

• True to its aspirations, the Audi Q5 offers a luxurious, safe, and powerful driving experience, solidifying its reputation as a top plug-in hybrid SUV.
• The Q5 PHEV is packed with cutting-edge tech and comfort features, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable driving experience for both the driver and passengers.
• Audi goes above and beyond with customizable options, offering various trims, powertrains, exterior colors, and wheel choices to meet the unique preferences of drivers.

Some cars offer you mind-numbing speed, others offer unmatched luxury and comfort. But if there’s one popular midsize luxury SUV that offers you nearly everything, it is the Audi Q5. Launched in the North American market in 2009, a year after its introduction in Europe, the first generation of the Audi Q5 lasted three years. It offered three engines, an all-wheel drive setup, and an eight-speed automatic or six-speed automatic transmission.

Audi had the intention of offering a hybrid Q5 from the get-go, but had to suspend the plan for a while owing to failed crash test results for the nickel metal hydride batteries. Fast-forward to 2022, and Q5 was awarded the “Top Safety Pick+” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That’s a prime example of automotive poetic justice.

In 2013, Audi offered its first hybrid powertrain in the Q5, pairing a supercharged 3.0L v6 with a lithium-ion battery and electric motor. This model was dropped later in 2016, only to be reintroduced in 2020 with new hybrid tech. This PHEV is the most powerful Q5 model in the lineup. With three trim options, the standard 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a 261-hp four, and the 362 horsepower plug-in hybrid, the Q5 stands as one of the best bang-for-your-buck plug-in hybrid SUVs available in 2024.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Audi and other authoritative sources, including EPA.

UPDATE: 2024/04/11 13:00 EST BY VEDANT OJHA

The article has been updated to reflect the technical specifications and performance figures of the latest 2024 Q5 55 TSFI e, the luxury plug-in hybrid SUV. Apart from comparing it with its competitors, the article now highlights the key facts you need to know about the latest Q5 PHEV.

1 The Audi S-Line Exterior Design Is Standard

The Audi S-Line is a trim level for Audi cars that gives them a sportier look and feel, and with the Q5 PHEV, you get all that as standard. This innovative design language devised by the German automaker upgrades a lot of Audi models with bigger wheels, streamlined bumpers, lower suspension, and leather-upholstered seating, for starters.

The S-Line Design Is What Makes The Audi Q5 Plug-In Hybrid So Sporty

The Q5 is one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, and with the S-Line package being standard for Q5, you get a host of upgrades already installed, including but not limited to:

• Large vent body panels, with deeper skirts.
• A lower profile gives the Q5’s front a more aggressive design.
• LED or Xenon headlights and taillights add to the Q5’s luxury appeal.
• Stiffer damper setting for better aerodynamics and improved traction.
• The iconic S Line badges near the front wheels announce it as a sporty SUV.

If that wasn’t enough, the exterior design also includes deeper skirts below the doors, and a prominent spoiler at the lower edge of the bumper. The commanding grille is surely not one to be missed, and the stylish 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels only enhance its sporty appearance.

2 The Audi Q5 Plug-In Hybrid Goes From 0 To 60 MPH In 5 Seconds

The 2023 Audi Q5 PHEV features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor that produces an impressive 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, making it a thrilling ride. This power allows the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest hybrid vehicles available.

The 2024 Audi Q5 PHEV Has A Top Speed Of 130 MPH

The most powerful Q5, the 55 TFSI e, competes with the likes of the BMW X3 xDrive 50e and Volvo XC60 Recharge. In terms of just power, it lags behind the two. However, it is worth noting that the X3 xDrive 50e is the most expensive of the lot.

3 The 2024 Q5 PHEV Has Amazing Tech Onboard

The 2024 Q5 hits the necessary marks in the tech department. The center console includes an impressive MMI touch display, which is a central hub for accessing a range of features and functions, such as navigation, adjusting settings, and the sound system. The sound system is provided by Bang and Olufsen, and includes 19 speakers with 3D sound tech.

Audi Outfits The 2024 Q5 With A 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster

• You get a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an infotainment suite featuring a 10.1-inch display on the base model.
• But stepping beyond the Premium trim to Premium Plus and Prestige models equips a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
• The Audi Q5 boasts wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and cool features like a temperature-controlled cupholder.
• Prestige models come with built-in navigation and a head-up display, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard.

Moreover, for 2024, the Q5 gets remote engine-start capability via the myAudi app, which is also updated to work with third-party services, including Amazon Music and Spotify.

4 It Boasts A Spacious And Luxurious Interior

One of the primary reasons behind Q5’s success is its spacious and luxurious interior. Audi’s bestselling model, the Q5, comes in three powertrains, dubbed 40 TFSI, 45 TFSI, and 55 TFSI e Quattro (the plug-in hybrid), which are offered in three trims. Moving up through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige — guarantees you more luxury features, including Audi’s slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster.

The Offers 2024 Audi Q5 Decent Passenger Space, But The Cargo Space Falls Short

• With around 40 inches of front legroom and 38 inches of rear legroom, the Audi Q5 is more spacious than the 2023 BMW X3, falling just short of beating the Genesis GV70.
• However, the Q5 falls behind the pack when it comes to cargo space.
• With 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up, and 54 cubic feet of space with the seats down, the Q5 falls behind the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70, both having roughly the same space of 28.8-cubic feet.
• According to Car And Driver, the Q5 beats the smaller Macan in terms of cargo space, but only just.
• The rear seats easily fold in a 40/20/40 fashion, however, providing flexibility that the Lexus RX doesn’t have.

What’s more is that moving up through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige — guarantees you more luxury features, including Audi’s slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster.

5 The Q5 PHEV Is Loaded With A Lot Of Comfort Features

The whole idea of a luxury plug-in hybrid is to not just offer top-of-the-line features and design, but comfort as well. And like most Audi cars, the Q5 TFSI e doesn’t disappoint there either. The 2024 Audi Q5 PHEV is designed for optimal comfort for both the driver and the passengers.

From Heated Rear Seats To Panoramic Sunroof, The Q5 Plug-In Hybrid Has It All

• The warm weather package is a standout feature, providing ventilated front sports seats and manual rear-side window shades.
• The adaptive air suspension adapts to the driving conditions and adjusts the shock valves automatically.
• Other comfort features include automatic climate control with directional air vents in the rear, heated rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
• In the rear, the Q5 also has a pair of USB-C charge ports and a 12V outlet, with netted map pockets, large bottle holders, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders.

Thanks to what Audi calls the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive with ultra technology, all-wheel drive remains available at all times, as it is deactivated whenever it is not needed. This innovation is a first of its kind, and offers drivers the option to use it as per their preference.

6 The Optional Upgrades Make The 2024 Audi Q5 Practical

While nearly all automakers offer optional upgrades, the host of options Audi provides is unmatched. Speaking specifically of the Q5 PHEV, or the 55 TFSIe Quattro, to be more accurate, the optional upgrades only improve your overall experience of the vehicle, at a price that’s virtually a steal for the options it includes.

Audi Offers The Convenience Package Priced At $950 For All Trims

The Convenience Package offered by Audi for the Q5 includes a host of innovative and practical features like:

• Audi advanced key for keyless entry doors and trunk.
• Auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors
• Memory for driver’s seat and mirrors
• SiriusXM with 360L (3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription)

To add to that, Audi offers rear-side airbags for a price of $350, and a panoramic sunroof is optional for a premium of $1,450. While the Bavarian automaker lists Gray-Brown Birch natural wood inlays as an option, they come at no cost.

7 An Abundance Of Safety Features

Safety features often show up towards the end of reviews, but they’re a critical factor in determining which cars check all the boxes for a customer’s needs. As a bestseller, the 2024 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid, like the other trims, comes with a range of advanced safety features that make it a safe choice.

The Q5 Plug-In Hybrid Has Adaptive Cruise Control As Standard

• For the 2024 model year, Audi Q5 SUVs feature adaptive cruise control with adaptive cruise assist as standard.
• It coordinates cruise, traffic-jam assist, and lane centering, for smooth operation and safety.
• Plus, the adaptive cruise assist now features an expansion of traffic-sign-recognition capability.
• The Q5 also comes with standard driver-assistance technology, including automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning.

To add to the merits, the IIHS named the outgoing Audi Q5 a 2023 Top Safety Pick, and it received five stars overall from the NHTSA. All of that makes the Q5 PHEV a promising choice for potential customers.

8 A Total Driving Range Of 390 Miles

Range and fuel economy happen to be other major factors that prove an EV or a hybrid’s worth. Compared to its rival, the Q5 plug-in hybrid doesn’t disappoint. The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid offers a fuel economy of 26 MPG combined in hybrid mode, with an estimated total range of 390 miles.

The Q5 55 TFSI e Has An All-Electric Range Of 23 Miles

• Audi claims an all-electric range of 23 miles for the Q5 plug-in hybrid, but independent tests dispute that.
• According to Car And Driver’s test, the Q5 PHEV delivered 26 MPG and managed to go on for only 17 electric-only miles.
• The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e comes standard with the Compact charging system plus a Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug for use at public charging stations.
• The Bavarian automaker also offers the optional wall-mounted holder clip, a lockable holder for the charging system.

Compared to its competitors, the Audi Q5 PHEV’s range lacks a few miles. But it is not only one of the most reliable Audis, but one of the most reliable cars in the used car market, highlighting its enduring appeal.

9 Audi Offers A Host Of Customization Options For The Q5 Plug-In Hybrid

Audi’s spot-on design language has always been talked about. And with the wide array of customization options, there’s a good chance you can get all you expect in your plug-in hybrid. As mentioned, with three powertrains and three trims, you have six broad options to choose from.

Audi Offers Eight Exterior Colors And Up To Three Wheel Options

• The Q5, like most Audi models, has a distinct metallic exterior with eight color options: black, blue, green, silver, and two shades of white and gray each.
• In 2024, Audi offers a choice of 19-inch or 20-inch all-season wheels on all trims, plus a 20-inch platinum finish option that’s contained in the Sport Plus package for Prestige trim.
• Similarly, you have 5 color choices for the interior, from an all-black to an all-gray option.
• The Audi Q5 PHEV offers several interior customization options as well, with a choice of several different leather and upholstery options, as well as wood accents.

Not just that, you can further enhance the top-spec Prestige trim of the 2024 Q5 Plug-In Hybrid, by opting for the Sports Package that is only applicable to this trim, for a premium of $2,800.

10 The 2024 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e Starts At $58,500

The base model of the 2024 Q5 plug-in hybrid is the Premium trim, with a starting price of $58,500, which is around $1,100 more than the 2023 model. For a luxury plug-in hybrid SUV by a renowned automaker, the price isn’t too bad. With an advanced line exterior, and LED headlights with DRL signature, the base PHEV packs quite some power.

The Top-Of-The-Line Prestige trim of the 2024 Q5 PHEV Costs $67,700

• Costing $67,700, the Prestige trim may not be the most affordable choice, but it tempts you with distinct features like the matrix-design LED headlights with headlight washers.
• This trim also boasts ventilated front seats, a navigation package, and a wireless phone charging pad as standard.
• The Premium Plus trim, sandwiched between the two, costs $62,400. As an upgrade over the Premium, this trim includes the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, the Audi virtual cockpit plus, and the top view camera system.
• For an extra price of $2,800 over the Prestige trim, you can get the Sports Plus Package, which adds an adaptive air suspension, brushed aluminum inlays, and OLED taillights.

When compared to other luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs, like the Volvo XC60 Recharge, the Q5 does lack some power and pace. However, in terms of comfort, styling, and offering optional upgrades and packages, the Q5 PHEV is one to beat.