The Q5 Hybrid Won’t Save You Money, But Otherwise, It’s Good (Audi Q5 55 TFSIe PHEV 2023 Review)

Detailed review of the 2023 Audi Q5 55 TFSIe plug-in hybrid, including breakeven analysis, range, fuel economy, driving dynamics, price and more.
Simply put, it’ll take more than a decade to break even on the Audi Q5 PHEV if fuel prices remain about the same (even though they will probably keep going up). So in 2023 terms, this luxury hybrid SUV doesn’t really make financial sense. But it is good to drive and the Q5 Hybrid has the feel good factor of being able to drive in EV mode with zero tailpipe emissions.
At $10K more, the SQ5 is significantly better again and you’d need to consider the (up to) $27,000 cheaper 45 TFSI four-cylinder version…
Time codes:
0:00 - Why has Audi released it?
0:30 - More PHEVs on the way
0:55 - Q5 PHEV price
1:10 - in this video?
1:30 - S Line and black pack
1:55 - Weight sensing roof rails
2:18 - Sportback alternative
2:25 - Interior design
2:50 - Touchscreen
3:02 - Apple CarPlay
3:19 - Materials and build quality
3:30 - Seats
3:50 - Technic package
4:08 - Bang & Olufsen stereo
4:38 - Panoramic sunroof
4:50 - Back seats
5:54 - 465L boot space
7:00 - Fuel economy tests
7:48 - Servicing plan
8:00 - Warranties
8:12 - Battery and charging
8:42 - Electric range
9:20 - Driving in EV mode
9:40 - Adaptive regen braking
10:18 - Capable petrol engine
10:45 - Electric motor
11:15 - Power and torque
11:30 - 0-100km/h time
11:50 - Low-end torque
12:25 - Refinement
12:40 - Doesn’t drive like an EV
13:30 - Handling
13:59 - Safety features
14:50 - Breakeven analysis
15:53 - Verdict
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[@xenonozhid3383]

Great review - thank you. Also good to see the TCO table, but did you include the cost of charging?

[@agc812]

How will it not save you money? It’s priced similarly to the SQ5, which it can also perform like (with a full charge); that’s the Audi to which it should be compared…not the base Q5.
Most of my daily driving is within the limited range of this Q5 in EV mode, and it gets better fuel economy than my 2018 SQ5 when it’s operating in hybrid mode. It’s on the short list for my next vehicle.

[@dannyrodriguez8143]

Great review - thanks for sharing! Q: The financial analysis of not breaking even for approx. 10 years, I presume is based on buying this vehicle new? Assuming that is starting point, is it then fair to say that if you picked up a used Q5 for say, $20K below retail/sticker with approx. 15K - 20K miles, would it then make more economic sense?

[@zaamuro8408]

Does that mean it's actually got the ea888?

[@Wulf44445]

Tests have proven this thing can go 60km pure electric up to over 100km/h. I cant figure out how it wont save you money?

[@hartoz]

I would be concerned about battery life. Such a small battery with such a small range means that you're constantly going to be discharging and fully re-charging the battery to get the best out of the system. With only 55km of EV range that means most users will have to fully charge the car daily, and possibly at work as well if they want to make the most of fuel saving.
Far better to just bite the bullet and go full EV and charge once a week, as you know the battery is going to last longer. Also, if you're going to commute on battery power, then you're carrying the weight of the unused ICE system.
It just seems like a lot of money for something that's basically a compromise, like all PHEVs it doesn't really exceed at being an EV or an ICE platform.
Would love to see a review of the Q5 Etron.

[@Hamilton112]

SQ5 all day long

[@Coastmac2001]

A lot of $$$$ for virtually no saving. My current diesel car is far more efficient than the PHEV Audi. The payback period on the Q5 PHEV will be a good decade plus

[@PH-kl5qq]

Potentially good option for people leasing as save fbt

[@mryizhao]

@@PH-kl5qqFBT savings for EV/PHEV cars under $89k, otherwise it’s pretty small.

[@davidperry3531]

At least 15 years for pay back and then who knows what state the battery would be. Road tax in Victoria and probably other states to follow makes this financially unviable. Buy a 35 TDI instead.

[@Pelinas]

I don't think so, I work 2 miles from my house, charge my car every another day, i didn't put any gas in my car for few months

[@Coastmac2001]

@@Pelinas depends on where you are. In Aust this variant is far more expensive than the FWD 35Tdi or AWD 40 Tdi which combined account for over 70% of Q5 Sales in Australia . My other brand diesel car gets over 1200km to a tank . Uses about 4.5l/100km on the open road . Most PHEV/Hybrid petrol vehicles are only at their most efficient on city cycles. This one seems less efficient than many other brands. Running one of these 4500km from Sydney to Perth , or 3800km from Adelaide to Darwin won't save you much If any $$$$. The diesel Q5 over the longer term will offer substantial savings over the Q5 PHEV.

[@camdcam]

First!

[@bry120]

Interior outdated

[@oja7561]

Tesla Y looks a lot cheaper

[@Tabac-en-paris]

But that’s not a hybrid so pointless comparison