Audi Introduces Plug-In Hybrid Versions of 2020 Audi A8 and Q5

The Q5 is Audi’s bestselling SUV in North America. Based on the Volkswagen group’s premium new MLB platform, much of the vehicle’s popularity can be attributed to its luxurious comfort, stellar and handling, and all-around usefulness.

But with the entire automotive world going electrification’s way, the Q5 was in danger of getting left behind by its contemporaries like the Volvo XC60 and BMW X5, which saw their hybrid models released last year.

Audi looks to make up for lost time with the release of the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant of not only the Q5, but the A8 sedan as well.

The electrified Q5 will get an EPA-estimated 32 kms of electric range and 27.63 kml once the 14.1 kWH battery loses all its power.

Aside from improved efficiency, the Q5 PHEV also gets a boost in acceleration, going from 0 to 100 kmh in 5.18 seconds—that’s almost a second faster than the gas-only Q5. The addition of the electric motor to the powertrain is what makes this improvement possible.

A 7-speed Stronic dual clutch auto transmission hands the Q5’s engine a total power output of 349 hp and 500 Nm of torque, which renders the gas-only model’s 248 hp and 370 Nm pale by comparison.

The Q5 SUV is standard-equipped with quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology.

Meanwhile, the A8 TFSIe joins Audi’s flagship model line, and like the Q5 PHEV, serves as the first plug-in hybrid variant of the A8. The 14.1 kWh battery installed in the A8 is good for 27 kms and 23 kml. The A8 PHEV is differentiated from its gas-only siblings by a unique light signature in the front bumper.

The A8 PHEV comes with the same turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine found in the A8 L 55 TFSI, albeit tweaked for a more powerful 443 hp and 700 Nm of torque. That compares favorably to the other gas-powered A8 Audi sells in the US, which comes with a 4.0-liter TFSI V8 that produces 453 hp and 660 Nm. The plug-in model runs up from zero to 100 in 5.07 seconds, which coincidentally, is also a second faster than the standard A8 V6.

The 2020 Audi Q5 PHEV will start at USD 53,895 (approx. PHP 2.75 million) for the Premium trim, almost USD 10,000 (approx. PHP 510k) more than the Premium trim for the non-PHEV Q5, which starts at USD 44,295 (approx. PHP 2.26 million). Higher trims of the plug-in-hybrid Q5 include the Premium Plus, which costs USD 57,595 (approx. PHP 2.94 million), and the Prestige, which is priced at USD 61,345 (approx. PHP 3.13 million.

The 2020 A8 60 TFSI e starts at USD 94,995 (approx. PHP 4.84 million), while the non-PHEV A8 can be had for USD 86,195 (approx. PHP. 4.4 million).

Also read: 2020 Audi A5 Arrives with Refreshed Design, New Tech, and Lower Price
Audi Brings 2020 Audi SQ7, SQ8 SUVs to US Market