Is the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV the Best Model in the Lineup? Watch this Review
Jeff Glucker from Autotrader gets behind the wheel of the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV and offers a detailed review of the new plug-in SUV
The popularity of electrified models is at an all-time high, especially in the SUV and crossover segments. So it is not surprising that the all-new Audi Q5 PHEV is one of the best-selling models in the Ingolstadt-based automaker’s product portfolio. Jeff Glucker from Autotrader recently got a chance to get behind the wheel of the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV and offered a detailed review of the new plug-in SUV.
Jeff argues that Audi has probably delivered one of the best iterations of the Q5 with the 2021 plug-in hybrid model. “For years now Audi has been refining and improving the Q5, as they should, as the Q5 represents nearly 30% of their total sales volume in the U.S, and the 2021 Q5 plug-in hybrid might just be the best one yet, actually, not might, it is,” said Jeff.
The hybrid powertrain of the 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV features a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder IC engine, which happens to be a Volkswagen powerplant. The engine is mated to an electric motor that puts out 141 HP, which results in a combined system output of 362 HP of power and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Q5 hybrid also comes equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The new Q5 hybrid also gets Audi’s proprietary Quattro all-wheel-drive technology. The electric motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion pack, and once completely discharged, customers can recharge the battery pack to its full capacity in just 2.5 hours using a Type 2 charger. The Q5 hybrid offers 19 miles of range in its electric-only driving mode.
Jeff also draws a quick comparison between the Q5 PHEV and the Audi SQ5. “It’s nearly as quick as the SQ5, despite having to haul around 550 extra pounds of battery and electric motor,” said Jeff. He further adds, “like I said, I think this is a smarter buy over the SQ5. If you price it right, the Q5 plug-in hybrid is the best one in the lineup to get”. Interestingly enough, George J. Notaras from MotormanTV’ also offered a similar verdict earlier last month.
Image Source: Autotrader
Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums!
