“The Q5 has been a standard-bearer in the premium midsize SUV market in New Zealand for more than ten years,” said Dean Sheed, General Manager, Audi New Zealand. “Kiwis have shown that they are drawn to its combination of practicality, luxury, style, comfort and performance.”
“This new plug-in hybrid variant Q5 is the first of our new TFSI e range to land in New Zealand this year and it will enable Kiwi families to join to make a change towards a more sustainable way of living.”
The new drive concept comprises a four-cylinder, 2.0L TFSI turbocharged engine producing 195 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) has a peak electrical output of 105 kW and 350 Nm of torque. It and the separating clutch are integrated into the seven-speed S tronic transmission, which uses ultra-technology to transfer the drive torque to the quattro drivetrain. The hybrid SUV impresses with a total system output of 220 kW and 450 Nm of torque just above idle. According to the standard for plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel consumption ranges from 1.6l/100 km, corresponding to 38 grams CO2 per kilometre.
The SUV’s lithium-ion battery is located under the luggage compartment floor. It stores 14.1 kWh of energy with a voltage of 381 volts. For optimal temperature control, its cooling loop is connected to both the coolant loop for the climate control system and the low-temperature cooling loop into which the electric motor and power electronics are also integrated. The climate control system uses a highly efficient heat pump that pools the waste heat from the high-voltage components. With 1 kW of electrical energy, it can generate up to 3 kW of thermal heating output. That makes the car more efficient and provides a more comfortable climate for the occupants.
quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology
The Q5 50 TFSI e marks the first time that Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology is used in combination with an electric motor. The all-wheel drive intelligent control system works predictively, always looking ahead by means of sensors and the continuous analysis of the data collected during driving. The quattro all-wheel drive system is thus always ready when needed. At low loads and a sufficient coefficient of friction between the wheels and the road surface, the transmission of power to the rear wheels is deactivated. The drivetrain then functions with high efficiency as a front-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive is deactivated whenever it is not needed, but it always remains available. Fast, automatic activation of the all-wheel drive system follows a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive, and reactive. By networking quattro drive with Audi drive select, drivers can adjust not just the character of the engine, but also the all-wheel-drive properties to suit their individual preferences.
Driver modes and the updated predictive efficiency assistant
Particularly quiet and with zero local emissions when in full electric mode, high range on long-distance trips with the combined power of the combustion engine and the electric motor, the Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro intelligently manages several versatile drive modes. The concept is designed so that customers can do the lion’s share of their daily driving electrically.
The predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) adjusts coasting recuperation behaviour to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy.
When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort. If the driver is driving without ACC, however, a haptic signal from the active accelerator pedal and a visual signal in the cockpit and head-up display indicate the proper time to let off the accelerator to use as much kinetic energy as possible. At the same time, symbols in the cockpit indicate the reason for the reduction in speed. There are indicators for: speed limits, town signs, curves and downhill slopes, traffic circles, intersections, highway exits and traffic ahead.
The driver is free to choose whether and how to intervene in the interplay between engine and motor. There are three driving modes from which to choose:
Hybrid mode is activated automatically with route guidance in the navigation system. It can also be activated manually using the Mode button. In this mode, the battery charge is optimally distributed over the route to reduce fuel consumption, with primarily electric driving in urban areas and stop-and-go traffic. The system chooses between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation. Coasting recuperation can recover up to 25 kW of power. The electric motor is responsible for all light braking up to 0.1 g, i.e., most of the braking in everyday driving. If route guidance is active in the MMI navigation system, the predictive operating strategy attempts to drive the last urban segment of the route fully electrical, and arrive at the destination with the drive battery nearly empty. The control function is based on a large amount of data. These include online traffic information, distance to the destination, the route profile of the chosen route, precise information about immediate surroundings from the navigation data, such as speed limits, types of roads, uphill and downhill slopes and the latest data from the onboard sensors.
The driver can also choose between EV and Battery Hold modes. In EV mode, the car is driven exclusively electric, as long as the driver does not depress the accelerator past a variable pressure point. EV mode is the base setting each time the vehicle is started. In Battery Hold mode, battery capacity is held at the current level.
Individual: equipment and design
The Audi Q5 50 TFSI e offers a generous list of standard equipment such as S Line styling, LED headlights, sport front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, convenience key, and 20-inch 5-arm alloy wheels. The rear seats can be shifted lengthways, and their seat back angle adjusted.
Convenient: fast charging in just a few hours
The Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro comes standard with the Compact charging system plus, a Mode 3 cable with a Type 2 plug for use at public charging stations. The Compact charging system comprises cables for household and industrial outlets plus a control unit. The system features an LED status display and safety functions such as temperature and residual current monitoring. Audi also offers the optional wall-mounted holder clip, and a lockable holder for the charging system.
To further support customers in preparing their homes for efficient EV charging, Audi is offering individual home assessment and installation services for the charging system through HRV. If you purchase any new e-tron or TFSI e plug-in hybrid vehicle from an Approved Audi dealership, Audi will contribute up to $1,750 (including GST) towards home installation**.
Exterior styling
The design language of the new Audi Q5 TFSI e combines size, sporty performance, and functionality. With high air inlets and an octagonal radiator protective grille, its sculptural front testifies to the vehicle’s distinctive self-confidence. The spacious family SUV looks premium from all angles with its S line trim which includes an S line-specific radiator protective grille (honeycomb style) in titanium black, an S line roof edge spoiler, roof rails with roof rack detection, and the S line emblem on the wings.
Charge management from the couch: the myAudi app
The myAudi app allows customers to use the services from the Audi connect portfolio on their smartphones, which is particularly practical with electrified models. The app can be used to check the battery and range status, start the charging process, program the charge timer, and view the charge and consumption statistics.
Another function of the myAudi app is preheating/precooling prior to departure. In this case the climate control system compressor and the auxiliary heater in the car are powered electrically. The customer can determine exactly how the interior should be heated or cooled while the battery is being charged. Depending on the optional equipment chosen, the same applies to the seat and steering wheel heating, heating of the windshield, rear window and mirrors, and the seat cooling.
The Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro is now available in New Zealand and is priced with a MRP of $114,990 + on road costs*.
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*Prices are maximum retail including 15% GST. Prices & specifications are subject to change without notice. Maximum Retail Price does not include additional on road costs.
WLTP (real world driving test) sets the Audi Q5 50 TFSI e range at up to 62km. This is variable based on driving conditions, style, situation and terrain. The average New Zealander drives approx. 40km per day.
**The contribution towards your home installation costs is only available to the first registered owner and will be paid by Audi to HRV directly. The contribution is only available for installations done by HRV and cannot be redeemed for cash or anything else. If the installation cost is more than the contribution that is your responsibility and will be invoiced by HRV to you before the completion of installation. Offer available until 31 December 2023.
The Audi Group, with its brands Audi, Ducati and Lamborghini, is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the premium segment. It is present in more than 100 markets worldwide and produces at 18 locations in 13 countries. 100 percent subsidiaries of AUDI AG include Audi Sport GmbH (Neckarsulm), Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. (Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy) and Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Bologna, Italy).
In 2018, the Audi Group delivered to customers about 1.812 million automobiles of the Audi brand, 5,750 sports cars of the Lamborghini brand and 53,004 motorcycles of the Ducati brand. In the 2018 fiscal year, AUDI AG achieved total revenue of €59.2 billion and an operating profit before special items of €4.7 billion. At present, approximately 90,000 people work for the company all over the world, more than 60,000 of them in Germany. Audi focuses on sustainable products and technologies for the future of mobility.