Audi Q5 55 TFSI e 2023 Review

The 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line isn’t the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offered by Audi Australia, but it is the only PHEV currently available from the German premium auto brand locally.

Audi Australia has dabbled in electrification over the years, delivering the Audi A3 e-tron PHEV in 2015, followed by the plug-in Q7 e-tron and then the all-electric Audi e-tron SUV, which will soon be rebranded as the Q8 e-tron.

But while the Q5 55 TFSI e might be the sole PHEV offering in its range today, Audi Australia has confirmed a larger Q8 PHEV will arrive before the end of 2023 and it’s considering the local release of the Q7 TFSI e plug-in hybrid.

For now, the new Q5 PHEV arrives as the second most expensive model in the Q5 range behind the SQ5 turbo-diesel, starting from $102,900 for the traditional SUV (wagon) and $110,200 for the Sportback ‘coupe’ (both plus on-road costs).

That makes it a good $10L more expensive than the (previously most expensive) Q5 45 TFSI quattro, but still (slightly) more affordable than the SQ5, which is priced from $110,875 for the SUV and $116,469 for the Sportback (both plus ORCs).

Every Q5 PHEV is powered by the same plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor good for a combined 270kW, while Audi’s S line styling pack is fitted standard.

Beyond the option of wagon or coupe body styles, buyers can also add a Technik Package – $4900 for SUV and $4700 for Sportback – which adds a head-up display, Matrix LED headlights, dynamic front and rear indicators, and a 19-speaker premium Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Ibis White is the only no-cost paint option, with the remaining metallic and pearl finish colours adding $1990 to the bill. Adaptive air suspension is another option, costing $4400 (wagon) or $4000 (Sportback), while larger 21-inch alloys add $1400.

The 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line comes with a generous list of standard equipment.

Outside, the S line exterior pack brings brushed alloy silver trim accents, while a Black exterior styling pack is available for $1300 (SUV) or $1100 (Sportback) and switches out the alloy exterior finishes for gloss black, while the side mirrors go from body-coloured to gloss black.

However, a panoramic sunroof, rear tinted windows, red brake callipers and 20-inch five-spoke Audi Sport alloy wheels come standard, while V-spoke gloss black 20s are a no-cost option. As mentioned above, larger 21s can be optioned for an additional cost.

Inside the cabin, an ‘EV’ button next to the Drive Select controls on the dash is just about the only difference between this and the combustion-engined Q5.

It allows the driver to choose between hybrid and pure EV drive modes, while also offering a battery ‘Hold’ mode (to reserve battery capacity at the current level) and ‘Charge’ mode, which increases the amount of energy in the battery with the aid of the combustion engine.

There are also leather-appointed Sports seats with heating up front, ambient interior lighting and illuminated front door sills. And as with every model in the range, the plug-in Q5 is covered by Audi’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line is technically classed as ‘unrated’ by independent crash test authority, ANCAP.

But even though it’s not covered by the same five-star ANCAP safety rating as its petrol and diesel Q5 siblings, an identical safety suite mean it should be just as capable of protecting you and your family.

Eight airbags are standard, along with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, active lane assist with lane change warning, park assist, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.

Audi says there’s no word yet on if or when the plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 will get an official ANCAP rating.

As expected, the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line comes brimming with tech.

It carries over the same digital displays found in the regular Q5, including a 10.1-inch centre touch-screen and Audi Virtual Cockpit (digital instrument cluster) for the driver.

Both digital displays provide great high-res graphics, are intuitive in their layout and the centre screen is responsive to the touch. The entire layout is simple and conservative, but compared to high-tech cabins found in competitors like the BMW X3/X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, the Audi Q5 can seem a little behind the times.

That said, many will appreciate its no-nonsense and very luxurious interior, which tends to feel more mature than some rivals.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a 10-speaker audio system (unless you ticked the optional Technik Package detailed above), wireless phone charging, dual-connect Bluetooth, digital radio and access to Audi connect plus, which equips you with a remote lock/unlock feature, live weather reports, car finder with remote signal and more.

Getting the wireless Apple CarPlay up and running can take some fiddling around through menus, but once connected it’s a seamless system.

Only one plug-in hybrid powertrain is available in the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line.

That consists of the familiar EA888 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which is used in various tunes across the Volkswagen Group family of vehicles, including the rung-down Q5 45 TFSI.

In this application, it produces 195kW/370Nm and mates with a 105kW electric motor and 17.9kWh lithium-ion battery.

Audi says that combo produces maximum combined outputs of 270kW of power and 500Nm of torque, enabling it to hit 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 239km/h in hybrid model, or 135km/h in EV mode.

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is standard and power is sent to all four corners via Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, which can disengage the rear wheels when the vehicle is coasting, temporarily making it a front-drive SUV.

Being a plug-in hybrid, you also get the benefit of electric-only driving, but more on that in a moment.

We’re keen to spend more time with the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line to find out whether it can live up to Audi’s fuel consumption claims because during our short time with it at the launch, it didn’t deliver in the efficiency department.

On paper, Audi says it’ll use just 2.0L per 100km on the combined cycle, along with energy consumption of 23.9kWh/100km.

On test, we saw average fuel consumption as low as 5.3L/100km (17.0kWh energy consumption) and as high as 8.9L/100km.

That’s after a mix of athletic country-road driving as well as some highway kays.

Audi’s claim of a 55km electric-only driving range seems about right, but again, more time behind the wheel could reveal otherwise.

For a full charge, Audi quotes around 2.5 hours using AC power, where it can be charged at up to 7.2kW. The Q5 PHEV can’t be charged using a DC fast-charger.

The Audi Q5 has always been a solid performer in terms of driving dynamics and the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line is similarly charming to drive.

The electrified powertrain is deceiving when you first take off because you can tootle around town without realising how much power the Q5 PHEV has on tap. It’s not until you really plant the throttle that you feel the full brunt of its performance, and it’s impressive.

We don’t doubt Audi’s 0-100km/h claim of 5.3 seconds – just two-10ths behind the SQ5 – and the transition between petrol and electric power is seamless.

Driving in EV mode is as quiet as you’d expect, but it feels best left in hybrid mode, where it makes good use of its high-tech plug-in hybrid powertrain.

There’s a nice, meaty feel to the brake pedal – even more so after initial deceleration, when the hydraulic disc brakes kick in alongside the electric motor’s subtle energy recuperation system.

On road, the plug-in Q5 feels resolved and reasonably nimble on the move. You don’t tend to feel its size, making it easy to keep between the lines.

We’d happily save thousands and go without the optional adaptive air suspension, because it feels nicely damped and composed as standard, gliding over pockmarked surfaces and road imperfections with ease.

Only once, over a particularly sharp dip in the road, did the plug-in Q5’s suspension feel challenged, taking a moment to settle again after the unexpected undulation.

Tipping the scales at around 2075kg, the plug-in Q5 is only around 100kg heavier than the petrol-powered SUV on which it’s based, and on tight and twisty stuff the Q5 PHEV is a weapon of an SUV. It’s sharp as a tack, with crisp steering and loads of confidence-inspiring grip.

Functional and stylish, the cabin of the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line is a lovely space to spend time in.

But it probably won’t win any awards for storage. While all four doors get a storage compartment in the lower door trim, storage within the lidded centre console is compromised thanks to the fitment of the wireless phone charging pad, and there are three odd-shaped cubbies splayed in front of a pair of cup holders.

None seem to hold much more than a packet of gum, and both items we attempted to store in the pocket in front of the gear shifter – a hair clip and a pair of sunglasses – ended up on the driver’s floor, every time.

Those in the second row get generous amenities, including a centre armrest with cup holders, USB ports and temperature controls.

It’s spacious for all involved, with decent head and legroom for both rows, despite the fitment of a lithium-ion battery at the rear-end.

Audi says the battery pack is placed low beneath the boot floor, so while the luggage compartment in PHEV models is reduced compared to petrol variants, cabin space is unaffected.

For reference, you lose around 50 litres – or about two inches from the boot floor – depending on whether you get the SUV or Sportback.

Its hybrid powertrain should make the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line appeal to a larger audience, even at more than $100,000. It’s powerful, athletic and offers mid-size luxury SUV buyers a taste of electrification without committing to a full EV.

But while it’s clear the first plug-in Q5 is every bit as sporty as its specs sheet suggests, the jury is out on whether the same can be said for its efficiency claims, so we look forward to spending more time in it to get the answer.

2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro S line at a glance:
Price: $102,900 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid
Output: 195kW/370Nm (electric motor: 105kW/350Nm)
Combined output: 270kW/500Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Battery: 17.9kWh lithium-ion
Range: 55km (ADR Combined)
Energy consumption: 23.9kWh/100km (ADR Combined)
Fuel: 2.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 45g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated (Q5: Five-star ANCAP 2017)