2023 Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid SUV

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug in hybrid comes with two trims to offer: the S line Premium 55 TFSIe, and the S line Premium Plus 55 TFSIe. The base price starts at an MSRP of $58,595 for its base variant and goes up to the MSRP of $62,895 for the Prestige Plus 55 TFSI trim. The S line Premium 55 TFSIe comes with standard features such as leather seats with front-seat heating, adaptive cruise control, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display infotainment system. It also gets connectivity features with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The top trim of S line Premium Plus 55 TFSIe gets additional features like an electrically adjustable steering column and power panoramic sunroof.

There are several optional packages available with the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid. Rear side airbags are an option available on all Audi Q5 versions starting at $350.

Black Optic Package includes:-

• Black exterior mirror housings and high-gloss black exterior elements
• Wheels: 20" Cutter Design w/Black Finish

Convenience Package includes:-

• Power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors
• Passive keyless entry
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver's seat memory functions
• Satellite radio

Warm Weather Package includes:-

• Front sport seats
• Ventilated front seats
• Manual rear side window shades

Sport Plus Package for Premium Plus includes:-

• Adaptive Air Suspension
• Black Headliner, Wheels: 20" 10-Spoke-Star Design
• Platinum Finish
• Tires: 20" Summer, Brushed Aluminum Inlays

Sport Plus Package for Prestige includes:-

• OLED taillights
• Deletes front seat ventilation
• Adaptive Air Suspension
• Black Headliner, Wheels: 20" 10-Spoke-Star Design
• Platinum Finish, Tires: 20" Summer
• Brushed Aluminum Inlays

We Recommend

The best trim for 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid remains to be the mid-range Premium Plus 45 TFSI which is priced at an MSRP of $52,495. The Premium Plus comes with several features such as Simulated leather trim on the center console and door panels, 19-inch wheels, a Panoramic sunroof, and a Digital instrumentation display. We recommend you add Sports Plus Package as well to get the best out of the car.

Release Date

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid is already available for purchase.

With only 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, the base 2.0L turbocharged Inline 4 powertrain feels underpowered. The Q5 has a respectable acceleration once moving, but it takes 6.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 before hitting its top speed of 130 mph. It is highly recommended to upgrade to the 45 TFSI, which features the same 2.0L turbocharged Inline 4 which generates 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The duration from 0 to 60 mph now only takes 5.9 seconds. The transmission performs quick and smooth changes, matching the engine well.

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid offers a better power delivery as compared to the Volvo XC60 Recharge and the Lexus NX 350h Luxury. Furthermore, the Q5 also has a better torque output than all the rivals. The Q5 dominates in terms of the 0-60 MPH mark and provides a quicker acceleration than the XC60 Recharge and NX 350h Luxury. The top speed of the Q5 plug in hybrid is 130 MPH which is at par with the other cars in the segment.

2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid Ride and Handling

The main focus of this 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid is composed and pleasant. Most surfaces are easy to navigate while more significant pavement undulations are met with an aptly tuned suspension that curbs unpleasant input. In city traffic, Audi's electromechanical steering for the majority of the drive is light and accurate. In dynamic mode, it weighs up accurately but doesn't provide the driver with a lot of feedback. The 2023 Q5 has adequate cornering stability but disappoints over the track. The Q5 is more enjoyable to drive, thanks to the additional power of the hybrid model, but that doesn't change the fact that its primary ambition is to be a cozy family SUV.

2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid Braking Performance

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid comes with vented disc brakes on all four of its wheels. It comes with 13.8 in and 13 in brake rotors in front and back respectively. The brake pedal is responsive and provides accurate feedback to the input. The car also has Regenerative braking, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold Control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, and Electric Parking Brake.

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid comes with the front biggest brake rotors as compared with the Volvo XC60 Recharge, and Lexus NX 350h Luxury. It also has a bigger rear brake rotors, followed by the XC 60 Recharge and the Lexus NX 350h Luxury. The Q5 is also heavier than the XC60 Recharge and the NX 350h Luxury, contributing to its increased momentum. The data for the stopping distance of the Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid is yet to be determined.

The Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid will achieve 23 MPG in a city, 29 MPG on a highway, and 25 MPG combined with the basic 2.0L Inline 4 engine, falling to 22 MPG in a city, 29 MPG on a highway, 25 MPG combined for the more powerful 45 TFSI. The 45 TFSI sacrificed efficiency for increased performance. The Audi is marginally more economical in AWD form. The 18.5-gallon gas tank in the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid allows it to travel about 462 miles before needing to be replenished.

The Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid offers a better city and highway economy than the Volvo XC60 Recharge. Amongst the rivals, the Lexus NX 350h Luxury has the best gas mileage. The Q5 plug in hybrid offers a better combined fuel economy. Furthermore, the XC60 Recharge comes with the largest fuel tank, followed by the Q5 plug in hybrid, and the NX 350h Luxury.

Even for passengers who are 6 feet tall, the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid provides adequate headroom and legroom, whether they are seated in the front or the rear row. However, there won't be much shoulder room with three in the rear. Even the entry-level trims feature stylish leather-upholstered seats. The Premium model comes with standard leather upholstery. There are four paint combinations to choose from: Okapi Brown with Granite Gray, Black with Rock Gray, Atlas Beige with Granite Gray, and Rock Gray with Granite Gray.

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid comes with better front headroom than Volvo XC60 Recharge and Lexus NX 350h Luxury. The car also provides worse front legroom than the rivals. The cargo capacity of the second row in the Q5 plug-in hybrid is also more than both the cars. All the rivals have straightforward interior styling, but the Q5 plug-in hybrid has a more appealing center console that gives the impression of premium materials.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid include:

• Power adjustable seats
•  Adaptive cruise control
• Sunroof
• Leather upholstery
• Ambient interior lighting
• Automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid infotainment system?

All 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid models use a 10.1-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen with MIB 3 software, but the Audi virtual cockpit plus is only available on the highest two trim levels. The removal of the conventional dial has increased one's dependence on the screen, even though it reacts well and utilizes haptic feedback well. The system has the typical USB/auxiliary input ports, Bluetooth communication, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit + digital gauge cluster is available at this level, but SiriusXM satellite radio is only available on the mid-range Premium + trim level. It features three watching options and ultra-clear graphics.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Audi Q5 include:

• USB/auxiliary input ports
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster
• Audi virtual cockpit + digital gauge cluster

The new 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid is an attractive SUV. It’s recommended to put larger wheels than the 18-inch alloys on the base model which makes it appear even better. Since the S line exterior package is standard in 2023, the grille has lost the vertical chrome bands and has been replaced with a sportier honeycomb design. LED headlights are standard for both front and rear. The base model includes aluminum roof rails, heated side reflectors, a tailgate roof spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels. A panoramic sunroof and larger 19-inch bi-color alloy rims are added to the upper trims Matrix-inspired LED headlights with washers are included on the top trim Prestige. The SUV stands at 65.4 inches tall and has a width of 74.5 inches.

The 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid is shorter in length than the Lexus NX 350h Luxury. It is, however, taller in height than the rival. It also leads in terms of the wheelbase as compared to the Lexus NX 350h Luxury. The XC60 Recharge appears more upscale and sporty. The Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid has a boxier look while the Lexus NX maintains its distinctive styling.

Some standout exterior features include

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated side mirrors
• LED headlights
• LED taillights
• Single Frame front grille
• Dynamic Turn Signals

Dual-front, dual-side, and front/rear curtain airbags make up the sum of 6 airbags. Rear side airbags are an optional feature that can be added to any version, bringing the total to 8. All trims of the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid include blind-spot monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, a rearview camera, and a Lane departure warning. Pre-sense rear, front, and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic warning are additional features included with all variants. The top two trims in the lineup get Traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and a top-view video system. The top-end Prestige now gets a head-up display. Overall, the NHTSA gave the Audi Q5 a full five stars. Moreover, the SUV received five stars in the frontal and side crash tests and four stars in the rollover test. The Q5 received the highest grade offered by the IIHS in 2022—Top Safety Pick+.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid include

• Head up display
• Active blind spot monitor
• Adaptive LED headlights
• ABS brakes
• Lane departure warning
• Traction and stability control

2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid vs 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge

The 2023 Volvo XC60 Recharge is a more expensive option as compared to the 2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid. The new XC Recharge comes with an attractive exterior profile and excellent handling capabilities. It is also roomier and comes with an attractive overall cabin. On the other hand, the Q5 plug-in hybrid provides better power and torque output than the rival. It is also quicker to reach a speed of 60 MPH.

2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid vs 2023 Lexus NX 350h Luxury

The 2023 Lexus NX 350h Luxury is less expensive, delivering less power and torque delivery than the new Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid. The Q5 plug in hybrid provides a quicker acceleration as per the 0-60 MPH. Furthermore, the Audi Q5 plug in hybrid offers better combined fuel economy. The Q5 is also more comfortable when it comes to seating and provides better tech features to the customers. If you ask us which car looks better from the outside, we will suggest you go for the Q5.

Despite having many tough rivals to contend with in this particular market segment, the Audi Q5 has managed to carve out a small space for itself. The hybrid engine on the base model and the optional powertrain on the Q5 offers adequate power and torque output to the users. The SUV also comes with a tuned suspension that provides excellent control to the car. The fuel economy of the Q5 is decent as per the segment. The interior is simple, yet tech loaded. The exterior of the SUV also is sporty and aggressive. The brand provides several protective features like automatic emergency braking, lane detection warning, etc. The brand also boasts a dependable image in the SUV segment. The best choice would be to go with the mid-trim Premium Plus which comes with more exciting features at a reasonable price point.