New Audi Q5 TFSI e will be the brands first plug-in hybrid offering

A first from the new range of plug-in models from Audi, the Audi Q5 TFSI e has been showcased. The SUV is a plug in hybrid that combines a 2-litre TFSI petrol engine with a 14.1kWh battery hooked up to an electric motor. The Q5 TFSI e which also gets the quattro AWD system can run in a fully electric mode, as well as a hybrid mode to maximise efficiency.

Under the hood

The drivetrain of the Q5 TFSI e combines a 2-litre TFSI turbo petrol engine which produces 249bhp and 370Nm of torque with an electric motor. The electric motor has a peak output of 141bhp and peak torque of 350Nm, and together, the system churns out 362bhp and 500Nm torque from 1,250 rpm. The SUV sprints from 0-100kmph in just 5.3 seconds and top speed is 238kmph . The seven-speed gearbox hooked up to an all-wheel-drive system to transfer torque to the wheels. To maximise efficiency, Audi has designed it such that it works as a front-wheel drive system but four-wheel capabilities are always on standby when needed.

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Going silent

The  hybrid mode is activated automatically, it can also be activated manually using the Mode button. Beside hybrid, there are two other modes, the EV and battery hold modes. EV mode allows the Q5 TFSI e to be driven in pure electric mode: it has a range of 42km and a top speed of 135 kmph in this mode. This allows the Q5 to be emission-free in urban areas and over short distances. If hard acceleration is required, the petrol engine will start automatically and fill in the required torque. Battery hold mode, on the other hand, makes sure the battery does not deplete more than it already has.

Features on offer

The Audi Q5 TFSI e comes equipped with LED headlights with High Beam Assist, 20-inch contrasting grey alloy wheels, fully electrically adjustable seats with massage function, three-zone automatic climate control and a technology pack incorporating virtual cockpit as standard. The Audi Q5 TFSI e quattro comes with a compact charging system plus a Mode 3 cable. The charging system is capable of fully charging the battery in approximately six hours.