2023 Audi Q5 price and specs: Entry-level diesel back for good
James Wong
‘Hybrid’ and ‘electric’ are the buzzwords of the industry at the moment – ‘plug-in hybrid’ not so much.
Most European brands play in a field that incentivises the extended electric range of PHEVs to drive down official emissions figures and avoid hefty fines, and have skipped Toyota-style hybrids.
The lack of a formal emissions policy in Australia has meant they’re are constantly at war with head office to get the latest, most efficient powertrains Down Under – including mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric – as their finite production is prioritised for markets like Europe and North America where manufacturers are penalised for not meeting fleet targets.
German luxury marque Audi is entering its first hybrid in the premium mid-sized SUV segment in Australia in the form of the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro.
The concept of a hybrid Q5 isn’t new. In 2011 the company released a limited run of Q5 hybrids based on the previous-generation SUV, featuring an EA888 2.0 TFSI turbo petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor and small nickel-metal hydride battery – not too dissimilar in concept to a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Cost | 7.5 |
Ride | 8.5 |
Overall | 7.9 |
Purpose | 8 |
Handling | 8 |
Interior | 7.5 |
Efficiency | 8 |
Technology | 7.5 |
Performance | 8.5 |
Infotainment | 8 |