Audi Reveals More Detail on Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV

Audi has released details and images of its newly updated 2013 Audi Q5 range, including Audi’s first ever hybrid model, the Audi Q5 Hybrid Quattro SUV.

Unveiled at the 2011 LA Auto SHow, Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is designed as a highly efficient parallel hybrid.

Propulsive power is supplied by a 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque as well as an electric motor with a peak output of 40 kW (54 hp) and peak torque of 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft). Together, the two power sources can briefly output a system power of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft).

The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds and can reach a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). In pure electric mode, it can cover up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph). In this mode, its top speed is 100 km/h (62.14 mph), while its combined fuel consumption is just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg).

A highly modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission transfers engine power to the drivetrain without requiring a torque converter; its mounting space is taken by the electric motor, which is combined with a multi-plate clutch. The clutch engages and disengages the electric motor and the TFSI. A compact and lightweight lithium-ion battery system with 1.3 kWh energy capacity stores electrical energy. A complex air cooling system maintains battery temperatures within a suitable window.

The driver switches between the three driving modes with a button and with the tiptronic gear selection lever. The EV characteristic map prioritizes the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The S mode and the manual shift gate of the tiptronic are configured for a sporty style of driving.

Within these constraints, the hybrid control module chooses the best operating mode at any given time. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can be driven with just the TFSI, just the electric drive or in hybrid mode. It can also recover energy during deceleration, or it can boost output for powerful acceleration when both drives work together.

Outside, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can be recognized by its fully painted bumpers and by the hybrid-specific ten-arm turbine design of its wheels. 19-inch wheels are standard; 20-inch wheels are optional. Inside, special instruments display the hybrid's operating state - such as the powermeter, which replaces the tachometer.

Engine Choices for other Q5 models
Audi is also launching its updated Q5 with five engine options: three TDI and two TFSI engines. All of these engines combine direct fuel injection with charging, and a start-stop system is standard in all versions. Although most of the engines have enhanced performance, their fuel consumption values were reduced by up to 15 percent.

The most efficient Q5 series engine is the 2.0 TDI; Audi offers it in two versions. In the version with 105 kW (143 hp) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque, the four-cylinder engine in combination with manual transmission and front-wheel drive has an average fuel consumption of 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km (44.38 US mpg) – and a CO2 equivalent of 139 grams per km (223.70 g/mile). The 75 liter (19.81 US gallon) fuel tank enables driving ranges of up to 1,400 km (870 miles).

The Audi Q5 with 130 kW (177 hp) and 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) of torque (with S tronic and quattro drive) has a fuel consumption value of 6.0 liters per 100 km (39.20 US mpg). The 3.0 TDI delivers 180 kW (245 hp) and 580 Nm (427.79 lb-ft) of torque. The V6 diesel – which appears in a new, advanced design and is always paired with a seven-speed S tronic and quattro drive system – accelerates the Q5 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 US mpg).

The gasoline engines of the updated Audi Q5 also feature state-of-the-art technology. A highlight of the TFSI engine line-up is the new two-liter, four-cylinder engine that has numerous innovations such as in the control of valves and their stroke, innovative thermal management, the fuel injection system, turbocharger and integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head.

The new 2.0 TFSI outputs 165 kW (225 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft). Its fuel consumption (with a manual transmission) is 7.6 liters per 100 km (30.95 US mpg). Producing even more power is the new 3.0 TFSI – the three-liter V6 with supercharging, which replaces the 3.2-liter engine. This engine outputs 200 kW (272 hp) of power and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft) of torque. Key performance data: zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds, top speed 234 km/h (145.40 mph), combined fuel consumption of 8.5 liters per 100 km (27.67 US mpg).

Despite extensive vehicle upgrading and the addition of new features, the price of the Audi Q5 has barely risen for customers. For example, the 2.0 TDI with 130 kW (177 hp) costs just 150 euros ($200 USD) more than the previous model with 125 kW (170 hp).

Pricing for the new range in the United States has yet to be revealed.