Overview

• The third-generation Q5 is on sale in Australia with 48-volt MHEV plus across the range, delivering limited electric operation at low speeds.
• Audi says dropping diesel would forfeit buyers in key regions, noting the four-cylinder TDI has historically made up about 25% of Q5 sales.
• Official testing for the new Q5 TDI returns 5.4L/100km across urban, extra urban and combined cycles, which Audi credits in part to the MHEV system.
• A Q5 plug-in hybrid is slated for Australia in the coming months and within 12 months, with GoAuto reporting an expected 25.9kWh battery and a claimed 0–100% recharge in about 2.5 hours on an 11kW AC charger.
• Q5 remains a pillar for Audi locally with more than 50,000 sold and roughly 20% of the brand’s sales mix, as rivals scale back diesel and national diesel sales show July growth but year-to-date decline.