THE third-generation Audi Q5 has launched into the Australian market this week with two notable exceptions – the absence of a plug-in or totally hybridised providing.
Whereas the whole native Q5 line-up does arrive with 48-volt gentle hybrid expertise, the dearth of a extra substantial electrified providing is one Audi Australia has assured us shall be rectified within the very close to future, the vary to be joined by a PHEV mannequin inside the coming months.
Talking with GoAuto on the launch of the brand new Q5 and SQ5 in Queensland this week, Audi Australia head of product Matt Dale mentioned manufacturing timing and the recognition of plug-in hybrid fashions elsewhere has seen the native providing pushed additional down the queue.
“Clearly, we had one within the outgoing vary, and we do have one out there to us within the new-generation automotive. We’ve began manufacturing cycles for our all-new technology automobiles, and as a worldwide producer, it takes time for every little thing to ramp up,” he defined.
“It will likely be coming (to Australia) – and we’ve proven what we are able to do with plug-in hybrids within the not too long ago launched A5 vary.
“So, basically what we’re seeking to do is to place the Q5 accordingly inside the market and inside the SUV phase.”
Whereas Mr Dale wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not the plug-in hybrid could be as competitively positioned because the forthcoming A5, he urged the Q5 PHEV will provide Australian patrons extraordinarily robust worth.
“Relative to our competitor set, the Q5 presents extraordinarily robust worth throughout the vary,” he said.
“We predict you will note that we’ve the credentials required for a PHEV at a worth level that may be very distinctive in that phase, and that can provide a terrific alternative for the Audi model.
“We’re definitely going to make it an excellent worth providing when it arrives inside the subsequent 12 months.”
The Q5 vary shall be additional bolstered by the inclusion of the Sportback vary from This fall this 12 months, with Audi Australia saying the brand new Q3 compact SUV and Sportback duo are additionally headed right here shortly.
Remaining on the SUV entrance, it additionally plans to launch a brand new entry grade to the Q7 SUV vary quickly amid an intensive catalogue of latest or facelifted fashions.
“Earlier this 12 months we mentioned we’d have 20-plus mannequin launches over the following 18 months, and I feel we’re proper within the thick of it now,” added Mr Dale.
“It’s sensible to see all the brand new technology merchandise arriving on all-new platforms – in addition to these merchandise coming which might be mannequin life cycle updates.
“The group has achieved a incredible job of specifying and equipping the Q3 and Q3 Sportback for the Australian market, and there’s a important quantity of buyer worth in that automotive.
“We’ve additionally received a brand-new entry mannequin coming to the Q7 which is able to carry a brand new worth level to the vary, and that shall be right here in quarter-four as effectively,” he mentioned, indicating that the mannequin variant might arrive concurrently the all-new Q3.
GoAuto understands Q5 and Q6 Sportback fashions are additionally anticipated earlier than the top of the calendar 12 months, with every vary coordinated to time effectively with the depletion of current inventory.
“We’ve got been very conscious to have the suitable run-out and run-in technique, as a result of it permits our sellers to have actually clear inventory, and for us to offer the suitable assist and coaching to our sellers with the brand new automobiles coming in,” he continued.
“Each supplier has the newest coaching, they’re throughout our applied sciences, they’re throughout our new platforms, the MMI, the styling, and so forth, and it actually helps in permitting our sellers to be on the entrance foot with our clients.
“It helps to push our USP (distinctive promoting factors) onto the client as effectively, and to have the ability to communicate brazenly and confidently and the brand new autos.”
Whereas Mr Dale mentioned it was too early to verify full gear and specification particulars for the Q5 e-hybrid (PHEV), GoAuto understands the mannequin will provide a bigger 25.9kWh battery (+45 per cent) that may be charged from 0-100 per cent in as little as (claimed) two hours and half-hour through an 11kW AC charger.
In its house market, the mannequin is obtainable with two engine outputs – 220kW/450Nm or 270kW/500Nm – with petrol energy arriving courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit acquainted to different fashions within the Q5 vary.
Go to GoAuto once more quickly for our Australian launch assessment of the 2026 Audi Q5 and SQ5 vary.
