The Audi Q5 Sportback TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid: The Complete Guide For India

---

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram

---

Electric Cars: The Basics

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

---

Sign up to the newsletter

---

The Audi Q5 Sportback TFSIe PHEV

---

Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.

With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position is to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles.  Audi also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:

• A3 Sportback TFSIe
• A6 TFSIe
• A6 Avant TFSIe
• A7 Sportback TFSIe
• A8 TFSIe
• A8 L TFSIe
• Q3 TFSIe
• Q3 Sportback TFSIe
• Q5 TFSIe
• Q5 Sportback TFSIe
• Q7 TFSIe
• Q8 TFSIe

The Audi Q5 is mid-size premium SUV. The Q5 has been manufactured since 2008. The SUV is now in its second generation and uses the Volkswagen MLB platform. The Audi Q5 is available as a standard SUV or Sportback body style. The Q5 is also available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

The coupé-SUV body styling has certainly gained a loyal following, seeking the best of what a SUV has to offer, albeit, with a sportier exterior design. The Audi Q5 Sportback PHEV is a good example! Though the Q5 Sportback has much in common with the more traditional Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid SUV, the Sportback has a more aggressive sloping and aerodynamic roofline.

The Q5 has successfully demonstrated its positioning as a premium-badged mid-size SUV, since it went on sale in 2008. The SUV has been a family-favourite with those seeking practicality, without compromising on quality and luxury. With the introduction of the hybrid drivetrain, the SUV has further extended its reach to those keen to benefit from lower tailpipe emission electric driving (42g CO2/km).

The Q5 Sportback TFSIe PHEV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery that the manufacturer claims can deliver up to 59 km (WLTP) on a full battery charge. The EVs onboard battery is a larger size compared to the average PHEV, but that would be expected, given the size of the vehicle. However, expect the real-world EV range closer to 50 km, which is certainly sufficient for most daily needs.

Audi claims a fuel economy up to 1.5 l/100km, but like EV range, the real-world fuel efficiency will depend on a number of factors, to include, the use of the e-mode, powered by the electric motor/ EV battery.

Bottom-line, inculcating a habit of charging on a regular basis, so that the EV range can be leveraged, is key in achieving financial savings from a driving a PHEV. Charging on a regular basis is also good for the long-term maintenance and health of the EV battery. Audi offers a 8 years or 160,000 km warranty.

The Q5 EV has a 7.2 kW onboard charger, sufficient for charging the 17.9 kWh EV battery relatively quickly at home or at public AC charging. The EV can be fully charged in 2 hours and 30 minutes. Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we would encourage EV drivers to charge using a dedicated residential EV charger like myenergi zappi: faster and safer in charging operation, compared to a domestic 3-PIN plug! The EV does not offer DC charging compatibility.

In terms of performance, the all-wheel drive Q5 plug-in hybrid does not disappoint, despite the extra weight of the EV battery. The e-SUV pairs the electric motor with a 2.0-litre petrol engine. The EV can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds for the 55 TFSIe quattro S tronic and 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds for the 50 TFSIe quattro S tronic. Maximum output is 299 PS and 367 PS, respectively (top speed: 239 km/h). Bottom-line, the plug-in electric SUV is well suited for urban and motorway driving.

Apart from the attractive exterior styling, the PHEV offers a generous and spacious interior for front and rear seat passengers. Having said that, the sloping roofline does slightly impact the headroom in the rear and also the rear-view visibility.

Cargo volume has been impacted by the onboard EV battery and the coupé stying, but there is still 455 L available, albeit, smaller than the conventional Q5 SUV. The interior quality is high, and the SUV is technology-laden, to include: Audi parking system plus, Audi pre-sense city, hill hold assist, city assist pack (optional), Audi virtual cockpit, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch and more.

The EV has claimed tailpipe emissions up to 42g CO2/km. Again, substantially lower than the emissions of the conventional petrol variant. Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! The Audi electric car is not available in India.

---

PROS	CONS
High quality interior and standard specifications	Rear seats can be a squeeze (lower headroom due to sloping roofline)
Good looking exterior styling	For top trims, fuel economy not as good as some alternative PHEVs
Decent EV battery size and zero-emission EV range	Rear view: blind spots

---

The Audi Q5 Sportback TFSIe (credit: Audi)

---

At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In India:	No

---

Variants (1 Option)
Audi Q5 Sportback (from ₹ N/A)

---

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	42 – 36g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:	8 years or 160,000 km

---

Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging DC (50 kW+):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+):	0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW):	0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

---

Dimensions
Height (mm):	1658
Width (mm):	2140
Length (mm):	4689
Wheelbase (mm):	2819
Turning Circle (m):	11.8
Boot capacity (L):	455

---

50 TFSIe quattro S tronic
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	59 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	20.5 – 21.6
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.5 – 1.8
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	239 km/h
0-100 km/h:	6.1 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	299
Torque (Nm):	500
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,150
Colours:	9
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

---

55 TFSIe quattro S tronic
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	59 km
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	21.4 – 21.6
Fuel Consumption (l/100km):	1.7 – 1.8
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs 30 mins)
Top Speed:	239 km/h
0-100 km/h:	5.3 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	367
Torque (Nm):	500
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,150
Colours:	9
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

---

Air Quality: The Basics

---

It does not matter where in India one lives, no one can escape the increased level of air pollution engulfing our villages, towns and cities, across the country. However, this is not unique to India.

Air pollution has been documented globally as one of the key issues in increased mortality rates, in particular, for those that are most vulnerable: the children and the aged. Increased air pollution has been linked to increases in premature deaths, higher rates of cancer, heart attacks, stroke and lung diseases.   

In India, air quality worsens closer to more densely populated urban centres, the 1st, 2^nd and 3^rd tier cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru are just some of the examples of cities with dangerous levels of toxic air pollution or poor air quality. In fact, air pollution levels have been so high in India in the recent years, that it has captured the attention of the world media. 

Many factors affect the level of air pollution, but one that is significant, is the pollution released from road transportation, commonly referred to as ‘emissions’ or tailpipe emissions. For the majority of the globe, to include, India, emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles contribute more than 30% to air pollution. 

This is an average, and certainly, in more populated cities like Delhi and Mumbai, the level of toxic contribution from vehicle exhausts will be even higher. The other major contributor to air pollution is energy production and consumptions (fossil fuels).  

---

So, what is air pollution?

---

• Air pollution is the release of pollutants in our atmosphere that have a negative impact on the health of individuals and the environment as a whole. 

• The majority of pollutants are invisible. The are minutely small particles (finely divided solids) or gases that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These extremely small solid or liquid particles are also called particulates. Examples are: fumes, smoke, dust and soot. The majority of these particulates are less than 10 micrometres.    

• Air pollution can affect the environment both outdoors and indoors. There are a number of different types of pollutants, but the most well known are particulate matter, carbon dioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.  

• Both carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO2), contribute to smog formation, very common in the winter months. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) contributes to haze and also acid rain formation. Particulate matters also contributes to haze and acid rain. All the above negatively impact health by increasing irritation of breathing passages, aggravation of asthma and irregular heartbeat. 

• Pollutants like carbon dioxide have a far reaching consequence on our lives. It is not only air pollution that it impacts, but as being a major source of greenhouse gas, CO2 has a long-term and detrimental impact on our environment and ecosystem. More commonly refereed to as ‘climate change’.

• Most of us know in India are familiar with PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter). These are tiny particles or droplets that are two and one half microns or less in width. A micron is a unit of measurement of length equal to one millionth of a metre. An increase in levels of PM 2.5 concentrations result in an increase in unhealthy air quality, haze etc. Vehicle exhausts are a major contributor to higher levels of PM 2.5 in the air.    

• Though measures like reducing traffic (odd-even system in Delhi), wearing air masks etc. can help reduce the impact of pollution, the reduction is not far-reaching. Zero-emission road transportation i.e. electric cars, are a panacea for a sustained and comprehensive improvement in air quality. The sooner, we in India, migrate to electric vehicles, the sooner can we start to improve our local air quality.  

---

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

---

Related articles

---