The electric-vehicle marketplace has suddenly exploded with stylish, desirable cars, trucks, and SUVs. Vehicles that plug in to charge are now quite fashionable. The trend has even expanded to plug-in hybrids such as this 2021 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e. Launched for the 2020 model year, the Q5 55 plug-in hybrid shoehorns an 11.3-kWh battery pack and a 141-hp electric motor into the existing Q5’s powertrain for a combined output of 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
Doing so required no compromise to the SUV’s cargo space, but its all-electric range estimate of 19 miles is worse compared with similar plug-in hybrids. The Lincoln Corsair PHEV and the Lexus NX450h+, for example, both can travel further on battery power alone. Furthermore, we observed 17 miles of electric driving at 75 mph on a full charge and were disappointed to see that, unlike the Volvo XC60 T8, the Audi isn’t able to recharge its battery using the gasoline engine. That means re-juicing can only be done if you have access to a charger.
With the battery depleted, the EPA estimates the Audi’s combined fuel economy at 26 mpg; that figure is lower than the Lincoln’s 33 mpg or the 36-mpg rating for the Lexus. In fact, the nonhybrid Q5 is rated at 25 mpg combined—which makes the complicated PHEV powertrain here a questionable value just to bump that up by 1 mpg.
If it’s not that fuel efficient, and its electric driving range is puny, what’s the point of the Q5’s plug-in hybrid powertrain? Well for one thing, the Q5 55 is quick—quicker than the performance-oriented SQ5, in fact. At our test track, the Q5 55 sprinted to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, beating the last SQ5 we tested (a Sportback model) by 0.3 second. For comparison, the non-PHEV Q5 Sportback made it to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds.
Handling is lithe, and the 55’s 518-pound heavier curb weight compared to the regular Q5 is barely noticeable. It’s just as easy to hustle around the skidpad, too, as both models delivered the same 0.83 g result. While the Q5 55 was the quickest Q5 variant to reach 60 mph, its stopping distance from 70 mph was the longest, requiring 176 feet. The Q5 Sportback stopped seven feet shorter, and the SQ5 only needed 156 feet.
On the road, the Q5’s hushed cabin is quieter still when running under electric power. When the gasoline engine kicks on as electrons run out, it does so with minimal disturbance. The ride is firm but not uncomfortably so, and the Q5’s steering is appropriately weighted but lacking somewhat in feedback.
Other than its electrified powertrain, there’s not much else that differentiates the plug-in-hybrid model from the regular Q5. In fact, there’s nary a badge anywhere that indicates that this Q5 is packing anything special under its hood. Take your virtue signaling elsewhere. The Q5 is roomy, practical, and well equipped. At $60,740, our Premium Plus test vehicle came with a $950 Bang & Olufsen stereo, $800 20-inch wheels, and $1500 in-dash navigation with internet connectivity.
Despite a light exterior refresh for 2021, the Q5’s design is starting to look ordinary when compared to more recently introduced rivals. The Genesis GV70, for example, wears a couture style that makes the Q5 appear more off the rack in comparison.
While it may not be on the cutting edge, it’s still an Audi and it looks expensive enough that it won’t embarrass you at the valet stand. But while we like the added power and performance from the electrified powertrain, the Q5 PHEV doesn’t live up to expectations for fuel conservation, and for us that makes it a questionable value.
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