Thanks to an upgraded 17.9 kWh battery pack, Audi Q5, A6, and A7 PHEV now bring a longer electric range and even better fuel efficiency.
When Audi first introduced PHEV variants of the Q5, A6, and A7 Sportback models, they were among the best plug-in hybrids in the segment. With Audi’s recent announcement, these just got even better. The Q5, A6, and A7 will now feature a bigger lithium-ion battery pack, increasing their EV driving range.
Indeed, all aforementioned Audi PHEV models will now come equipped with a 17.9 kWh battery pack instead of the 14.1 kWh battery pack present on the current models. The bigger battery will effectively increase the EV range by up to 56 miles as per the NEDC cycle and up by 45 miles according to the WLTP standards.
Interestingly, and despite the larger battery, the dimensions haven’t changed a bit. Moreover, the new battery pack now supports a charging capacity of 7.4 kW, allowing the battery to go from o to 100% in just two and a half hours.
Apart from a bigger battery pack, all upgraded models also get the new “Charge” driving mode in addition to the “Auto,” “Hold,” and “EV” mode already present on the existing ones. Upon selecting the “Charge” mode, the combustion engine will recharge the battery pack while driving.
Even the luggage capacities of all these Audi PHEV models remain unchanged despite the battery update. You get 405 liters of luggage capacity on the A6 Avant, while the figures for the Q5 are 465 liters. You can also fold the rear seats that increase the luggage capacity of the A6 Avant to 1,535 liters and 1,405 liters for the Q5.
Powertrains on the Audi Q5, A6, and A7 Sportback PHEV remain the same with two power output options: a 50 TFSIe variant producing 294 hp and a 55 TFSIe variant churning an impressive 362 hp. Both variants make use of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, with the power being sent to the wheels with the help of a seven-speed S Tronic direct-shift transmission.
Audi will also launch the A6 Avant 50 TFSIe Quattro in Europe as the new entry-level trim. The A6 Avant features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TFSI engine paired with a 140 hp electric motor producing a combined output of 294 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque.
With the battery upgrade for the Q5, A6, and A7 Sportback models and with the launch of the plug-in hybrid A6 Avant, Audi is proceeding ahead with its electrification strategy, and it’s only a matter of time before Audi starts the transition from plug-in hybrid to all-electric.
