It hasn’t been long now since the all-new Audi Q5 and SQ5 (B10, type GU) began arriving in American dealers, and Europe has revealed details of this new generation’s Q5 e-hybrid. The hardware appears to be practically identical to the hybrid system of the A6 e-hybrid shown a few weeks ago, though here in Audi’s best-selling model.
If you’re familiar with the current hybrid Q5, this new one will operate much the same, yet mark an evolution for greater performance and efficiency. Like the A6, there are 220 kW and 270 kW versions that, in this case, offer 100 kilometers (62 miles) of electric range presumably measured on the European cycle.
One key element for improvement is the high-voltage battery with larger capacity than before. Additional improvements also include increased recuperation capabilities and optimized hybrid management.
What about America?
Before diving into the details, it’s probably first worth mentioning what is known about plans for a North American Q5 e-hybrid. Notably, specs and photos did not appear via Audi of America’s usual public relations channels, which typically either means a model isn’t coming or is simply far enough out in the pipeline that it’s too early to message from a public relations perspective.
Reaching out to a source at Audi of America, I’ve learned that the reasons are the latter. There are plans to offer the B10-generation Q5 e-hybrid here, but it’s too early to mention specifics. Whether or not we’ll get both the Q5 e-hybrid SUV and the Q5 e-hybrid Sportback isn’t yet known, though currently only the SUV version of the outgoing current B9.5 Q5 e-hybrid is offered in North America even though the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback are sold here.
Updating Naming Convention
One change noticed in the released text about the Q5 e-hybrid is the naming convention. At least in Germany, Audi is now referring to the original Q5 body style logically as “SUV”, more specifically calling it out from the “Sportback” with the more sloped and coupe-like roof.
Will that transfer to the USA? It’s unclear. A quick check across markets for a nomenclature challenging car like new A5 with its 4-door hatchback configuration sees various uses from A5 “Limousine” by Audi Deutschland, A5 “Saloon” by Audi UK, and simply A5 by Audi USA. So, while it could be a German market thing like “Limousine”, it could also be a new convention used to differentiate Audi’s long roof, station wagon-style crossovers from the coupe-like Sportbacks with their hatchback configuration.
Full specs, photo gallery and press release can be found in the ooooIYKYK Audi Archive project HERE.
PHOTO GALLERY
