Audi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV Review

Electrifying.com score

7/10

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The Q5 55 TFSI e hybrid is as polished as you'd expect from an Audi, but the electric range isn't as impressive as rivals.


  • Battery size: 14.1 kWh
  • Company car tax: 13%
  • Emissions: 49 g/km
  • Range: 26 miles (electric only)
  • Fuel economy: up to 108 MPG
  • Battery size: 14.1 kWh
  • Company car tax: 13%
  • Emissions: 49 g/km
  • Range: 26 miles (electric only)
  • Fuel economy: up to 108 MPG
  • Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
  • Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
  • Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
  • Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
  • Audi Q5 55 TFSI e

Nicki Says

“The Q5 PHEV is clearly a very desirable and competent car, and the plug-in powertrain means company car drivers will save a fortune in tax compared to a diesel version. But rival PHEVs and pure-electrics will save you more if you can make them work for you.”

Ginny Says

“The Q5 is a spacious and well built family car which has a lot going for it, but it's let down by a pretty poor electric only range. It means you'll need to plug in to charge after all but the shortest journeys if you want to get the best savings and economy.”

The Q5 is quick in EV mode, but slightly more sober when the petrol motor kicks in or the battery is exhausted.

  • Top speed:148 mph
  • 0-60 mph:5.1 seconds
Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
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Performance 

Under the bonnet you’ll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine linked to an electric motor and battery. When combined, the result is a healthy 362bhp making it far punchier than you’d expect. In fact, 0-60mph takes just over five seconds, which puts this Q5 only just behind the performance-orientated SQ5, in fact. That’s pretty rapid.

Things slow down a bit when the petrol engine kicks in, though, for while the 2.0-litre turbo is punchy enough to not leave the Q5 straggling, the lack of instant torque and power delivery from the EV powertrain is instantly noticeable. 

Drive 

The Q5 drives in much the same way as its ICE-powered range-mates, so expect a commanding driving position and impressive steering for an SUV, but offset by an overly firm ride, which means you feel every bump on broken road surfaces. Audi still hasn’t cracked the trade-off between ride and handling in its crossovers, which genuinely feel firmer and harsher than most rivals – though some people prefer this, especially those who like to drive quickly or blast up and down motorways, which is where you’ll find many a Q5. It does temper the urban appeal of the Q5, though, which feels unsettled and bumpy on badly-maintained roads.

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