However, it seems like the hybrid incarnation of the Q5 is set to make its world premiere at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show, as autoblog.it writes.
The vehicle is expected to hit the market next year. It will allow Audi to be a (niche) segment creator, as it will be the first compact SUV on the market to use a hybrid powertrain.
As we said, the exact specification of the upcoming vehicle are still a mystery. However, Audi is expected to use a 2.0 liter TFSI engine that delivers 211 hp (this is the unit that powers the Volkswagen Golf GTI), in conjunction with an electric motor that produces 245 hp. This would give the model a total output of 245 hp, which would allow it to offer a satisfying level of performance.
This is the same layout that Audi has used for the A8 hybrid concept, which was introduced at this year’s Geneva Auto Show. And the powertrain might also be used for future hybrid models offered by Audi, with the A4 hybrid, which is expected to debut next year, being one of them.
Audi could also be preparing a sporty version of the Q5 hybrid. This might use the SQ5 name and should borrow the powertrain used by the hybrid incarnations of the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. This means that the Q5 would receive a 333 hp V6 TFSI engine and a 47 hp electric motor.
However, such a version doesn’t seem too likely to be produced, as Audi has previously indicated that it only sees hybrids as marketing tools, its true desired efficiency direction being diesel powerplants.
Update: Subsequent to publishing this news, we received an email from an Audi representative who denied the fact that the Q5 hybrid will come to the L.A. Auto Show.
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