The Sexy Audi Q5 55 Sportback TFSI e Quattro S-Line PHEV Review

For convenience let’s just call this the Q5 Sportback PHEV otherwise I’ll go quite mad. The mid-size SUV has been popular since it went on sale, and the German carmaker continues to expand its crossover fleet even further. The latest craze is to satisfy those not yet ready to jump into a full electric car. Hybrids, Mild Hybrids, and Plug-In Hybrids assuage the uneasy feeling some get as they get range anxiety without ever having been in an EV.

Mild, or 48V hybrid, is the first baby step, and full hybrid is the next. The latter can spend time in pure EV mode as long as its tiny battery has charge. A plug-in hybrid raises the stakes even further by being able to run a considerable distance without the petrol engine coming on. It is always there if the PHEV needs extra assistance but under normal circumstances it stays off. Even in EV mode, the petrol engine fires up should you put your hoof flat to the floor.

ABOVE: The Sexy 2024 Audi Q5 55 Sportback TFSI e Quattro S-Line PHEV

The Audi Q5 Sportback PHEV is the (sexier) coupé version of the regular Q5. It is handsomer than Q5, yet still has that understated look Audi is famous for. For $110,900 I’d have hoped for more inclusions on the standard equipment list, none the less the fitted gear is still impressive.

The Q5 PHEV comes in regular and Sportback forms as an S-Line with e-Quattro. The 270kw/500Nm hybrid uses a 7-speed S-Tronic, Audi’s name for a double clutch automatic. It gets to 100kph in 5.3 seconds, has 6 drive modes, and a luxurious cabin as befits a premium ride.

The drive modes fettle ride, handling, gearbox, and engine responses, and gives the drive quite the peppy feel, especially for a 21150kg SUV.

Steering and brakes are gentle yet precise, and although the handling is sharp, the high-set vehicle will never feel good as a regular passenger sedan/coupé. Pointing at gentle bends is quite the wafting, luxurious experience, but as the turn tightens to a sharp bend, the driver needs to have washed off some speed well in advance.

The Q5 Sportback PHEV has the driving sensation of a full electric vehicle, yet carries the reassurance of a petrol car. It’s reach goes as far as the next petrol station, without the need for long periods charging. That’s as well, because the Q5 Sportback PHEV can only charge at 11kw from AC outlets with fast charging unavailable. Most PHEVs don’t have the battery management needed to cool rapidly charging systems.

Other than the 2 power sockets, one each side ahead of the front doors, the Q5 Sportback PHEV looks rather like any other Q5. The Q5 Sportback PHEV’s S-Tronic gearbox is vastly superior to the fun-sapping CVT, a hideous blancmange fitted to most hybrids. It makes the Q5 Sportback PHEV feel like a normal, run of the mill SUV except for a distinct lack of noise. Even when the engine cuts in there is almost no vibration, and the noise entering the Zen-like cocoon is minimal.

What happens when the battery runs out?

After around 55kms at a gentle trot, the Q5 Sportback PHEV reverts to hybrid mode if left to its own devices. The “EV” menu has settings to use the petrol engine to fully charge the battery, or to preserve the charge it already has. That function would be used when entering an ultra-low emissions zone for example.

Economy was 2.4L/100k with the battery fully charged, 4.8L/100k running as a regular hybrid, and almost 10L/100km when the petrol engine is used to simultaneously charge the battery and propel the SUV. The latter will keep the engine running until the battery builds up some store. It won’t charge to 100% but you should be able to get to 40km range or so.

Who does a PHEV suit?

Home charging is essential otherwise the PHEV benefits will never be fully realised. The 17.9kwh battery takes about 2.5 hours to charge at its fastest rate, far too long to spend in a shopping centre or a dreary open car park.

Q5 Sportback PHEV is like a normal Q5 Sportback ICE version

The looks are so similar that only an eagle-eyed spotter will pick the difference. The charging ports are a giveaway, but the “e” badging is what you should look for.

There are 8 airbags, and the same driver and safety aids (see specifications sheet HERE: Audi_Q5_TFSI_e_Specification_Guide_MY24 )

There are over the air updates and other connected services, Apple CarPlay, a fabulous audio setup, digital driver and MMI screens, a head up display, and 3 zones of climate control. The seats are heated, powered, have 2 memory positions, and are covered in sumptuous Nappa leather.

Like most carmakers, Audi constantly updates the inclusions, often making standard something that was an option last year. Our car had Matrix lights with dynamic indicators and a head-up display, both were included in the Technic pack, but the pack was not listed as an installed option.

It also had adaptive suspension, $4,000 worth last year. Is it now standard?

We will check as soon as we are able and update this story.

Conclusion:

With on-roads, our car is going to be around $135,000, perhaps more. There is a $5,000 dealer charge that seems a trifle steep.

I don’t say this often, but the Q5 Sportback PHEV is a car I’d happily live with if I had access to home charging. I don’t, so I can’t. Although a road trip is in easy reach, travel without mercy gives me hives.

Even around town, you waft along in regal splendour, resting on nappa, with cool air gently caressing your cheek. Soft music plays from a sublime speaker set-up, and you never have to worry your pretty little head about running out of charge. You can use EV mode when it suits you, making your daily life polar bear friendly. Farther afield is only a whim away, no planning required.

Q5 Sportback PHEV is an absolute triumph.