Audi Q5 55 TFSI e PHEV Review

Range 

The Q5 will do 26 miles on a charge providing you drive it sensibly and it can be held in all-electric mode, meaning you can use the EV-only capabilities when needed – something that may be of benefit in future geo-fenced low-emissions zones, for example. Or even if you just want to arrive home silently without waking the neighbours. 

It’ll go for 400 miles on a tank of petrol as well, should you need to undertake a longer journey. This means you could commute on electric all week and pop to see your gran at the weekend without having to stop.

Battery 

The battery is 14.1kWh, so it’s a fairly compact thing which means it can be charged relatively quickly via the mains. Other similar cars have bigger batteries but Audi claims it has found the ideal balance for its target customers for whom the majority will be able to commute within the car’s EV range. It does mean the Q5 isn't as tax efficient compared to some new rivals though, notably those from BMW.

Charging 

The Q5’s battery is not geared for fast-charging, so you can’t just plug it in at the services while drinking a Frappucino. Instead, you’ll have to plug it in at home and make your cup of instant last two hours via a home charger, or six hours if you plug it in at the mains. That's actually fine if you are working or sleeping though. If you find a public charge point you should be able to get a decent 'tank' full in the time it takes to do a shop or have lunch too.