The Q5 hybrid quattro is designed as a parallel hybrid – an impressively efficient concept. Its electric motor generates 33 kW and is located directly behind the combustion engine, a 2.0 TFSI with 155 kW (211 hp). Both drives can be engaged and disengaged by means of a clutch according to a complex control logic. They transfer their power to a heavily modified eight-speed tiptronic that does not include a torque converter. The disc-shaped electric motor occupies the space previously occupied by the torque converter.
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro produces a combined total of 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque, enough for sporty performance. Its average consumption of less than 7.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (33.60 US mpg) corresponds to CO2 emissions of less than 160 grams/km (257.50 g/mile). In electric mode the hybrid SUV can cover a distance of up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) at 60 km/h (37.28 mph) and reach a top speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph).
The electric motor supports the TFSI when accelerating strongly, and acts briefly as a generator to recover energy during braking. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can also be powered by the combustion engine alone in addition to hybrid mode operation. The hybrid manager controlling the interplay of the drives makes sure that the TFSI temporarily has a greater load in the low rev range than is required for the drive – the load point is shifted to a higher range, and efficiency improves. The excess torque benefits the electric motor, which now serves as a generator and recharges the battery.
The driver of the Q5 hybrid quattro can choose between three driving modes. Special displays provide status information about the hybrid system. The air conditioning compressor and the power steering have been converted to electric drive. The brake servo also uses an electric vacuum pump.
The high proportion of electric driving achieved by the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro can be attributed primarily to the sophisticated battery cooling system. The lithium-ion battery, which stores 1.3 kWh of usable energy and weighs only 38 kilograms (83.78 lb), is located beneath the cargo compartment floor. Two cooling circuits – a passive circuit and an active circuit that is connected to the main air conditioner – keep the battery within the temperature window required for it to perform to its full potential over a wide range.
Another highlight of the Q5 hybrid quattro is the particularly compact and lightweight power electronics module, which converts the direct current of the battery into three-phase current for the electric motor. All together, the hybrid technology weighs in at less than 130 kilograms (286.60 lb). The powertrain of the Q5 hybrid quattro is also suitable for use in other Audi models with longitudinally mounted engines. These include the Audi A8, the new A6 and the new A6 Avant.
