2026 Audi Q5 hybrid confirmed for Australia

In a surprise to absolutely no one, Audi has confirmed a plug-in hybrid version of its mid-sized Q5 SUV, known as the Q5 e-hybrid quattro will join the local roster next year.

Slated to arrive in the first half of 2026, the Q5 e-hybrid quattro will join two petrol-powered Q5s and a single diesel variant, giving the five-seater a full spread of powertrain options.

Crucially, the Q5 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is set to give the brand a bit of respite from mounting New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) requirements.

With the flurry of activity in the plug-in hybrid space at present, Audi Australia managing director Jeff Mannering acknowledged the company needed to nail the marketing strategy to ensure the Q5 e-hybrid’s success.

“It needs to be positioned correctly because the volume probably is important because of the NEVs [new energy vehicles] that are around these days,” he told carsales.

“But we’ve got a clear strategy in the main segments; we want to have a nice PHEV and a BEV [battery-electric vehicle].”

That BEV, of course, would be the similarly sized Q6 e-tron which starts at $115,000 before on-road costs.

The Q5 e-hybrid quattro’s powertrain is based around a 185kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 105kW e-motor and a 25.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, good for a combined 220kW/450Nm; enough for 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds.

A more powerful 270kW/500Nm version is available overseas and stops the clock in 5.1 seconds.

Meanwhile, contrary to previous intel, the replacement for the small Q3 will arrive in the first of 2026 – as opposed to the initially reported second half.

Audi Australia says it’s still finalising specs and pricing for the hybrid Q5, with production expected to start in the first quarter of 2026 in its San José Chiapa plant in Mexico.

Details on the Q3 weren’t forthcoming, but expect to hear more after the Christmas break.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au