Audi Hybrids to Arrive in Months, Not Years. Plug-in Q5 May Return
Senior Vice President of Audi of America Filip Brabec stated: new electrification options will appear in months, not years. The Q5 may return as a plug-in hybrid.
Audi of America is preparing new powertrain options for the U.S. market, though exact models and timelines have not yet been announced. Brabec noted that the first changes will appear "in months, not years" and will include various forms of hybridization.
One of the most likely candidates he mentioned was the Audi Q5. The model previously had a version with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, which, according to Brabec, was successful. Therefore, the company sees potential for its return in the future.
Plug-in hybrids may also appear in other SUVs, but Audi does not plan to equip its entire lineup with them. The discussion involves several vehicles for which such a powertrain will make sense in a specific segment. Simultaneously, the brand will continue to consider mild hybridization and other hybrid solutions for different lineups.
According to Audi’s assessment, for a plug-in hybrid buyer, the minimum attractive benchmark is currently a range of about 40 miles, or 64 km, on electric power. The company believes that future models will be able to achieve and exceed this figure.
