Audi will launch a new plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 in June, priced from £55,000.

The Q5 55 TFSI e is targeted at company car drivers and commuters, with CO2 emissions of 49g/km and a zero-emission range of more than 26 miles.

It uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor, generating a total output of 367PS and 500Nm.

Power is distributed via an all-wheel-drive ‘Quattro’ drivetrain.

Acceleration from zero to 62mph takes 5.3 seconds and fuel economy on the WLTP cycle is 113mpg.

The SUV’s 14.1kWh battery is located under the luggage compartment floor and is connected to the coolant loop for the climate control system.

To maximise efficiency, the all-wheel-drive system can adapt to the road surface and driver input by disconnecting the power to the rear wheels when not needed.

There is also a predictive efficiency assistant (PEA), which adjusts coasting recuperation behaviour to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar.

Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and regeneration. It also works with the adaptive cruise control.

The driver is free to choose whether and how to intervene in the interplay between engine and motor. There are three driving modes from which to choose.

The Audi Q5 55 TFSI e is equipped with LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable sport seats with massage function, three-zone automatic climate control and a virtual cockpit.

More articles on: