Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen Group), the Germany automotive group. Audi manufacturers across nine production facilities globally. In Germany, the company’s manufacturing facilities are based in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. The Audi e-tron family is series of electric and hybrid cars introduced since 2009. The first e-tron concept car was introduced at the 2009 International Motor Show (Germany). The Audi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) portfolio includes:
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Overview Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG (Volkswagen Group), the Germany automotive group. Audi manufacturers across nine production…
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The Audi Q5 is a mid-size premium SUV. The Q5 has been manufactured since 2008. The SUV is now in its second generation and uses the Volkswagen MLB platform. The Audi Q5 is available as a standard SUV or Sportback body style. The Q5 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The coupé-SUV body styling has certainly gained a loyal following, seeking the best of what a SUV has to offer, albeit, with a sportier exterior design. The Audi Q5 Sportback PHEV is a good example! Though the Q5 Sportback has much in common with the more traditional Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sportback has a more aggressive sloping and aerodynamic roofline.
The Q5 has successfully demonstrated its positioning as a premium-badged mid-size SUV, since it went on sale in 2008. The SUV has been a family-favourite with those seeking practicality, without compromising on quality and luxury.
With the introduction of the hybrid drivetrain, the SUV has further extended its reach to those keen to benefit from lower tailpipe emission electric driving (42g CO2/km). In particular, company-car drivers can benefit from the reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-14%) tax rate for the PHEV.
But the financial savings are not confined to company-car drivers, indeed, all drivers can take advantage of the lower cost of driving on pure electric mode. In fact, driving on e-mode costs less than 10 pence per mile i.e. far cheaper than using the internal combustion engine (ICE) for driving for shorter journeys.
The Q5 Sportback TFSIe PHEV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery that the manufacturer claims can deliver up to 37 zero-emission electric miles (WLTP) on a fully charged battery. The EVs onboard battery is a larger size compared to the average PHEV, but that would be expected, given the size of the vehicle. However, expect the real-world EV range closer to 30 miles, which is certainly sufficient for most daily needs.
Audi claims a fuel economy up to 188.3 mpg, but like EV range, the real-world fuel efficiency will depend on a number of factors, to include, the use of the e-mode, powered by the electric motor/ EV battery.
Bottom-line, inculcating a habit of charging on a regular basis, so that the EV range can be leveraged, is key in achieving financial savings from a driving a PHEV. Charging on a regular basis is also good for the long-term maintenance and health of the EV battery. Audi offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.
The Q5 EV has a 7.2 kW onboard charger, sufficient for charging the 17.9 kWh EV battery relatively quickly at home or at public AC charging. The EV can be fully charged in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we would encourage EV drivers to charge using a dedicated residential EV charger like Easee: faster and safer in charging operation, compared to a domestic 3-PIN plug! The EV does not offer DC charging compatibility.
In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive Q5 plug-in hybrid does not disappoint, despite the extra weight of the EV battery. The e-SUV pairs the electric motor with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds for the 55 TFSIe quattro S tronic and 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds for the 50 TFSIe quattro S tronic. Maximum output is 299 PS and 367 PS, respectively (top speed: 148 mph). Bottom-line, the plug-in electric SUV is well suited for urban and motorway driving.
Apart from the attractive exterior styling, the PHEV offers a generous and spacious interior for front and rear seat passengers. Having said that, the sloping roofline does slightly impact the headroom in the rear and also the rear-view visibility.
Cargo volume has been impacted by the onboard EV battery and the coupé stying, but there is still 455 L available, albeit, smaller than the conventional Q5 SUV. The interior quality is high, and the SUV is technology-laden, to include: Audi parking system plus, Audi pre-sense city, hill hold assist, city assist pack (optional), Audi virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and more.
Like other PHEVs, the Audi Q5 TFSIe plug-in hybrid does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). The EV is suitable for both families and company-car drivers. Company-car drivers can take advantage of the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate for electric cars. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet.
You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!
The Audi Q5 Sportback TFSIe (credit: Audi)
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