Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid here soon

THE third-generation Audi Q5 has launched into the Australian market this week with two notable exceptions – the absence of a plug-in or fully hybridised offering.

While the entire local Q5 line-up does arrive with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, the lack of a more substantial electrified offering is one Audi Australia has assured us will be rectified in the very near future, the range to be joined by a PHEV model within the coming months.

Speaking with GoAuto at the launch of the new Q5 and SQ5 in Queensland this week, Audi Australia head of product Matt Dale said production timing and the popularity of plug-in hybrid models elsewhere has seen the local offering pushed further down the queue.

“Obviously, we had one in the outgoing range, and we do have one available to us in the new-generation car. We’ve started production cycles for our all-new generation cars, and as a global manufacturer, it takes time for everything to ramp up,” he explained.

“It will be coming (to Australia) – and we’ve shown what we can do with plug-in hybrids in the recently launched A5 range.

“So, essentially what we’re looking to do is to position the Q5 accordingly within the market and within the SUV segment.”

While Mr Dale would not be drawn on whether the plug-in hybrid would be as competitively positioned as the forthcoming A5, he suggested the Q5 PHEV will offer Australian buyers extremely strong value.

“Relative to our competitor set, the Q5 offers extremely strong value across the range,” he stated.

“We think you will see that we have the credentials required for a PHEV at a price point that is very unique in that segment, and that will offer a great opportunity for the Audi brand.

“We are certainly going to make it a very good value offering when it arrives within the next 12 months.”

The Q5 range will be further bolstered by the inclusion of the Sportback range from Q4 this year, with Audi Australia saying the new Q3 compact SUV and Sportback duo are also headed here shortly.

Remaining on the SUV front, it also plans to release a new entry grade to the Q7 SUV range soon amid an extensive catalogue of new or facelifted models.

“Earlier this year we said we would have 20-plus model launches over the next 18 months, and I think we’re right in the thick of it now,” added Mr Dale.

“It’s brilliant to see all the new generation products arriving on all-new platforms – as well as those products coming that are model life cycle updates.

“The team has done a fantastic job of specifying and equipping the Q3 and Q3 Sportback for the Australian market, and there is a significant amount of customer value in that car.

“We’ve also got a brand-new entry model coming to the Q7 which will bring a new price point to the range, and that will be here in quarter-four as well,” he said, indicating that the model variant may arrive at the same time as the all-new Q3.

GoAuto understands Q5 and Q6 Sportback models are also expected before the end of the calendar year, with each range coordinated to time well with the depletion of existing stock.

“We have been very mindful to have the right run-out and run-in strategy, because it allows our dealers to have really clean stock, and for us to provide the right support and training to our dealers with the new cars coming in,” he continued.

“Every dealer has the latest training, they’re across our technologies, they’re across our new platforms, the MMI, the styling, and so on, and it really helps in allowing our dealers to be on the front foot with our customers.

“It helps to push our USP (unique selling points) onto the customer as well, and to be able to speak openly and confidently and the new vehicles.”

While Mr Dale said it was too early to confirm full equipment and specification details for the Q5 e-hybrid (PHEV), GoAuto understands the model will offer a larger 25.9kWh battery (+45 per cent) that can be charged from 0-100 per cent in as little as (claimed) two hours and 30 minutes via an 11kW AC charger.

In its home market, the model is offered with two engine outputs – 220kW/450Nm or 270kW/500Nm – with petrol power arriving courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit familiar to other models in the Q5 range.

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 range.