2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5

2013 Audi Q5

As with any good hybrid, the Q5's system can operate via the electric motor, gasoline engine or a combination of both power sources. As such, it combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor. The gas engine produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm, while the electric motor chips in with another 45 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the system boasts a net system output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque when both power sources are giving their all.

In a crossover that weighs less than 2,000 kilograms (and just 130 kg more than the regular Q5), this delivers great performance and surprising fuel economy, with Audi saying the vehicle achieves a European test cycle average of 7.0 litres per 100 km.

The electric side gets its power from a 1.3-kWh battery that operates at 266 volts. It sits in the spare tire well where it does not eat into the usable trunk space - at 29.1 cubic feet with the seats up and 57.3 cu. ft. when folded flat, the Hybrid has the same capacity as its gas-only sibling. The battery relies on regenerative braking to keep it topped up. Down the road, a plug-in derivative will be added.

The net result is a system that is exceptionally well integrated. During the test drive, the system remained invisible to me as it switched between electric, gas and gas/electric modes. Unlike so many hybrids, the gas engine comes to life without the usual stumbling hiccup. Even the idle stop function is seamless - the main electric motor spins the engine to life and matches its rpm with the rest of the system. Likewise, the regenerative braking is effective and, unlike so many hybrids, it boasts some true brake pedal feel.

The net result is a system that is exceptionally well integrated. During the test drive, the system remained invisible to me as it switched between electric, gas and gas/electric modes. Unlike so many hybrids, the gas engine comes to life without the usual stumbling hiccup. Even the idle stop function is seamless - the main electric motor spins the engine to life and matches its rpm with the rest of the system. Likewise, the regenerative braking is effective and, unlike so many hybrids, it boasts some true brake pedal feel.