by Michael Butler
The Audi Q5 is this German brand's most popular model and offers a tasteful balance of luxury, refinement, and tech, all wrapped up in a package that features subtle yet handsome European styling. What's there not to like? The gas-only model is a capable machine, but for those that want even more power and added efficiency, Audi offers the Q5 Hybrid. This classy plug-in hybrid features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produces a healthy 362 horsepower. This allows the Q5 Hybrid to sprint to 60 mph in only five seconds and also gives it an all-electric range of 23 miles. Direct competitors for the Audi Q5 Hybrid are surprisingly hard to come by in this market: BMW doesn't currently sell a full hybrid version of the popularX3in the USA, and the same applies to Mercedes-Benz with its GLC. That gives Audi its own little niche in this segment. The Q5 Hybrid may not be the riveting vehicle in its class, but it does almost everything well and is a class act.
Customers in the USA shouldn't expect any major changes to this car. Audi adds adaptive cruise control to the standard features list, and Premium Plus trims get a new Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Hybrid "55" model gets OLED taillights, but this only applies to the Prestige trim with the Sport Plus Package.
Finally, Chronos Gray replaces Quantum Gray for the paint palette.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | S line Premium 55 TFSI e quattro Plug-in hybrid | S line Prestige 55 TFSI quattro e Plug-in hybrid | S line Premium Plus 55 TFSI e quattro Plug-in hybrid |
---|---|---|---|
Engine |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid |
Transmission |
7-Speed Automatic |
7-Speed Automatic |
7-Speed Automatic |
Drivetrain |
All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
Price | $57,400 | $57,400 | $57,400 |
新奥迪Q5插电式混合动力车交叉的地方有限公司mfort and refinement above all else and cradles its occupants in premium luxury. Unlike its rival, the BMW X3, which is a lovely SUV that offers near sedan-like handling characteristics, the Audi Q5 Hybrid is more of a laid-back character that likes to soak up bumps and float through bends rather than cut through them. Steering is responsive enough, but there's not much feedback, and the 2023 Audi Q5 Hybrid fails to rotate through the bends the same way the BMW X3 does. This is not a sporty vehicle, but that potent 2.0-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain with a combined 362 horsepower makes up for the lack of handling prowess with strong power delivery and entertaining acceleration. Driven in a relaxed fashion, it's hard not to appreciate the Q5's comfortable seats, smooth ride, and the way it keeps wind noise from disturbing the calm in the cabin. We'd argue that these characteristics are more important than agile handling in this segment, so for the most part, the Q5 nails the luxury crossover brief.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Starting with the exterior, we think the Q5 Hybrid is a handsome-looking thing that looks more European than any of its euro rivals. The Q5 Hybrid isn't too shouty despite delivering powerful performance, and there's nothing we like more than a sleeper. On the road, the Q5 is more focused on providing comfort than being fast or fun in the corners, and we can totally live with that. Under the hood, the hybrid powertrain shines, making this SUV nearly as quick as its performance-focused SQ5 sibling. The interior is modern, refined, and features Audi's excellent build quality. We wish that Audi was a bit more generous with its driver assistance features and cargo space, but those are small niggles in a beautifully rounded package.
The most popular competitors of 2023 Audi Q5 Hybrid: