Plug-in Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro debuts

Audi has announced it will expand its plug-in hybrid offering with the introduction of the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro.

Claimed to cover around 40km between charges on pure-electric power, the German car-maker claims the 270kW Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro's blend of performance and efficiency will attract more buyers.

Featuring a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol TFSI four-cylinder that alone can churn out 185kW and 370Nm, the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro neatly integrates a 105kW/350Nm electric motor within its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Feeding said electric motor is a small 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery that lives beneath the Q5's floor.

The result is an SUV that produces an impressive 270kW and 500Nm, and is claimed to launch itself to 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds before topping out a 239km/h, although many will be drawn to its claimed fuel consumption of around 2.1L/100km.

New tech for the Q5 includes a climate control system that features a heat pump that drags waste heat from the battery pack in cold conditions to heat the cabin. That battery can be charged using a 400V in just 2.5 hours, although most will charge from home using a 220V outlet that increases the time needed for a full charge to six hours.

Usefully, when redeploying all that electrical energy, the plug-in Q5's can not only run for a WLTP-verified 40km but cruise at speeds of up to 135km/h.

Like other Audi PHEVs, the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro comes with three driving modes; Hybrid, EV and Battery Hold, which prioritises whether to use electric or petrol power.

Set to be launched in Europe in the third quarter of 2019, in Germany the Audi Q5 55 TFSI e quattro is priced from €60,450 ($A98,000). There's no word yet on whether the plug-in Q5 is destined for our market but the success (or failure) of the bigger Q7 e-tron could help pave the way.