Audi's Q5 e-hybrid PHEV is a sensible premium segment mid-sized SUV choice, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Background

Unlike some of its competitors, Audi is still firmly committed to diesel power with its mid-size models - and particularly with its Q5 SUV. But lately, it's also been hedging its bets by considerably enhancing its Plug-in Hybrid offering too, creating the Q5 e-hybrid model we look at here. When PHEV tech was introduced to the previous generation Q5, quite a few customers dismissed it; the meagre EV range figure from the relatively small drivetrain battery wasn't impressive and the price premium was high. But forget about that now because this new generation e-hybrid is quite a different proposition. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

This Q5's new generation e-hybrid powertrain is carried over unchanged from the A5 and A6 e-hybrid models, which means that much about it is recognisable. Principally the EA888-era 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol unit, its associated seven-speed s tronic dual clutch auto gearbox and the quattro 4WD system you have to have. New (compared to this model's TFSI e predecessor) is the 142PS electric motor the e-hybrid system links to it, energised by a 25.9kWh (20.7kWh net) battery that's 45% bigger than that used by that outgoing TFSI e model. EV drive range is rated at 62 miles and total output at 299PS with 450Nm of torque, allowing for 0-62mph in 6.2s en route to 155mph. Europe also gets a 365PS version of this powertrain, which isn't offered here. Two operating modes are available; 'EV' (for all-electric power) and 'hybrid' (combining engine and battery). This Q5 always prefers to drive on electric power, can do so at speeds of up to 87mph and can be started in either mode. Whatever setting you're in, the combustion engine engages in kick-down and the engine charges the battery at speeds of over 40mph. If you're if you've keyed in a navigation route, your Q5 e-hybrid will automatically calculate which parts of it are suitable for electric driving and save charge accordingly (eg for town travel at the end of a long trip). There's a braked towing capacity of up to 1,900 KG (pretty good for a PHEV). And there are three different levels of selectable brake energy recuperation activated by steering wheel paddles (just like in an Audi EV). The left pedal increases regen, while the right paddle reduces it. The system can recover up to 88kW of power and feed it into the HV battery.

Design and Build

Apart from the badgework and an extra charging socket flap, there are no visual differentiators to this e-hybrid model's PHEV status. Audi says this third generation Q5 has become 'even sportier'. You might perhaps think that of the alternative SUV-Coupe Sportback version of this car, but the standard SUV model remains, like its predecessor, a conservative but confident piece of penmanship. A taut, high shoulder line aims to make the car look larger. While at the front, the wide Singleframe grille is flanked by vertical air curtains and more focused-looking LED headlights. On pricier models, the rear can feature the brand's latest OLED lighting tech, with entry animations and proactive features to warn following motorists. And the positioning and shape of the tailpipes is determined by the engines fitted up-front. Inside the 'human centric' cabin, Audi's set out to establish a new class standard for interior tech and quality. As in the A5, a so-called 'soft wrap' element runs from door to door across the entire width of the dashboard. Together with fabric panels on the doors and armrests, this aims to create what Audi calls a 'homely ambience'. And of course screens are everywhere, primarily the 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster in front of the driver and the 14.5-inch infotainment screen in the centre of the dash. These together forming the basis for what Audi calls a 'digital stage', mounted under one huge slab of curved glass. If that's not enough, there's the option to order an extra 10.9-inch MMI passenger-side display, fitted with a polarising filter so that use of it (for video streaming apps or to send nav instructions and media to the central screen) won't distract the driver. A 'dynamic interaction light' can be specified, which spans the interior as an LED light strip and not only provides comfort features (like a welcome function) but also interacts with the safety and communication systems to more quickly alert the driver. Like its predecessors, this MK3 Q5 is supremely practical. On all e-hybrid models, there's a fully adjustable tilting/sliding rear seat and three adults could fit on the second row bench. Boot capacity falls with the PHEV system installation - from 520-litres with a conventionally-engined model to 438-litres with an e-hybrid SUV (or 433-litres with the Sportback version). There's up to 1,358-litres with the backrest folded (down from 1,473-litres normally); it's 1,300-litres with the Sportback version. Usefully, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed in a specially designed compartment under the boot floor.

Market and Model

Q5 e-hybrid pricing starts from around £59,000 for the SUV model and around £61,500 for the Sportback version. That's about £5,000 more than a conventional Q5 petrol TFSI (with 204PS), about £1,000 more than a Q5 TDI diesel (which also only has 204PS) and about £4,500 less than the Q6 e-tron SUV. As usual with an Audi model launch, sales offer a choice of 'Sport', 'S line', 'Black Edition' or 'Vorsprung' trim levels. All Q5 e-hybrid models get S sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, the 'LED headlights plus' package and the 'LED rear lights pro' set-up as standard. The 'MMI experience plus' infotainment system, which also comes as standard, is equipped with the Audi Application Store, a smartphone interface, and the Audi sound system. One especially practical feature is the fully adjustable 'rear seat bench plus' arrangement. It can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted as well. Opt for 'S line' trim (as most customers will) and you'll be offered the change to find an extra £2,650 to get Audi's optional 'Sound and Vision Pack'. This includes a head-up display, headrest speakers, increased charging capacity for the USB ports and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound. The pack also includes Audi's 'ambient lighting package pro' set-up, which means you get the useful 'dynamic interaction light' which arches around the top of the dash and illuminates in different colours to warn you of safety issues, drive mode selections or 'phone settings. Many customers will also want to pay extra for the optional 'dynamic' panoramic sunroof. All the usual camera driver assistance safety systems you'd expect are of course included.

Cost of Ownership

The efficiency figures here aren't as outlandish as they usually are with Plug-in Hybrids, but they're probably a great deal closer to stats you might get somewhere near in day-to-day motoring when fully charged; 73.5-94.1mpg on the combined cycle and a weighted figure of 56-75g/km of CO2, which are virtually the same stats as for the A5 e-hybrid. Audi says these figures will make an important contribution to helping it achieve its CO2 reduction targets. Obviously to get close to the stated figures, you'll need to regularly engage the most frugal drive mode (Efficiency) and get proactive with the provided three brake regen settings. Charging power is much better than the old TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid system could provide, increased from two-phase 7.4kW to three-phase 11kW (if you can use that). With a three-phase supply, you could completely re-charge this Q5 e-hybrid model's battery in 2.5 hours. As usual with Audi models, there's a choice of either a 'Fixed' or a 'Flexible' servicing regime, the choice between the two depending on the extent of your likely annual mileage. The 'Fixed' schedule is aimed at drivers covering fewer than 10,000 miles a year and includes an oil change service every 9,000 miles or every year, plus an inspection service every 19,000 miles or every two years. If you cover more than 10,000 miles a year, the 'Flexible' service schedule will be more appropriate, this regime including oil change and inspection services at variable intervals of up to every 19,000 miles or every two years.

Summary

If you've settled on a Q5, then this e-hybrid version is certainly the most sensible variant you could choose. You might also think it to be a cleverer choice than that mid-sized EV crossover you might previously been considering - and we wouldn't disagree. Are there really many times when you'll need to go more than 62 miles on a trip? If not, then this Audi can function pretty much like its more expensive Q6 e-tron EV showroom stablemate. Except that long journeys will be much less of a hassle. In fact, just about everything about this car is hassle-free and familiar-feeling. Audi hasn't reinvented the Q5 for this generation - but you might be thankful for that, particularly if you owned and liked the previous model. And if that previous model was a PHEV, you'll be hugely impressed by the step forward taken here.