Audi’s 2026 Q5 family SUV range in Australia has expanded once again, with the return of plug-in hybrid power and the introduction of new all-wheel-drive petrol variants set to arrive early next year. Audi Australia has officially confirmed that the Q5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will be sold at the exact same price as the new TFSI quattro 200kW petrol-only grades. Order books are now open, with both versions expected to begin reaching Australian showrooms between January and March 2026.
Both the petrol AWD and plug-in hybrid models will launch from $96,900 before on-road costs for the standard Q5 SUV, while the sleeker Q5 Sportback versions will begin at $100,400. This pricing strategy mirrors the approach taken with the new-generation Audi A5 sedan and wagon, which are also available in matching 270kW PHEV and 200kW TFSI petrol grades at equal cost. The decision is notable because the plug-in hybrid variants offer significant upgrades—more electric power, stronger performance, and better equipment—despite not being more expensive than the petrol models.
The Q5 e-hybrid receives a suite of enhancements that normally distinguish the PHEV models in the A5 range. These include 20-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, red brake calipers, black exterior highlights, rear privacy glass, and auxiliary air-conditioning capable of pre-cooling or pre-heating the cabin. These features are exclusive to the PHEV and are not standard on the TFSI quattro 200kW grade, making the plug-in model stronger value for buyers seeking both performance and efficiency.
Interestingly, this new-generation PHEV arrives at a more affordable price point than the outgoing Q5 55 TFSIe S line quattro ultra, being between $9,084 and $13,584 cheaper, depending on configuration. Despite the lower pricing, the new Q5 e-hybrid benefits from a larger battery, a more generous electric-only range, and updated technology features. Audi Australia’s product manager, Peter Strudwicke, acknowledged that achieving price parity between petrol and plug-in hybrid models required difficult negotiations, but said it was made possible due to rising customer interest in hybrids and the impact of Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
As it enters the market, the Q5 e-hybrid will compete with other plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs such as the BMW X3 30e xDrive (from $104,800), Mercedes-Benz GLC350e 4Matic (from $99,900), and Lexus NX450h+ (from $84,500).
The new petrol AWD Q5 variants use a 200kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission—an upgrade over the 150kW/340Nm engine offered in the entry-level FWD Q5 TFSI.
Meanwhile, the Q5 e-hybrid combines a 185kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 105kW electric motor, and a 20.7kWh battery, delivering a combined 270kW and 500Nm. This matches the total power output of the high-performance SQ5 but falls slightly short in acceleration, with a 0–100km/h time of 5.1 seconds—just 0.6 seconds behind the SQ5’s 3.0-litre V6 petrol model. The new Q5 PHEV offers a WLTP electric-only range of 87 kilometres, significantly improved from the older model’s 55km NEDC rating.
The Q5 e-hybrid supports AC charging up to 11kW, though it does not provide DC fast-charging capability, a feature some newer PHEVs in Australia now offer.
Both the 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid quattro 270kW and TFSI quattro 200kW are officially on sale in both SUV and Sportback forms, ahead of first customer deliveries early next year.