Audi Q5 2026 review: e-hybrid - Australian first drive | BMW X3 rival tested

Audi has officially launched the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its new, third-generation Q5 mid-size SUV in Australia.

Dubbed the Audi Q5 e-hybrid, it has launched much earlier in the model lifecycle this time around. There are still the classic SUV and swoopier ‘coupe’ SUV body styles.

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How much does the 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid cost?

The 2026 Audi Q5 SUV e-hybrid is priced from $96,818, before on-road costs, whereas the Q5 Sportback e-hybrid is $3500 more at $100,318, before on-road costs.

This notably brings price parity with the Q5 TFSI quattro 200kW. It follows a similar structure Audi introduced when it launched the A5 e-hybrid last year and it’s a great motivator to incentivise electrification.

The pricing also sees it compete with the following:

• Lexus NX450h+ F Sport: $96,090 before on-road costs
• Mercedes-Benz GLC350e: $99,817 before on-road costs
• Volvo XC60 Ultra T8 PHEV: $101,990 before on-road costs

It costs a little less than the BMW X3 30e xDrive ($107,700 before on-road costs).

Standard equipment for the Audi Q5 SUV e-hybrid includes:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Matrix LED headlights
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Hands-free power tailgate
• 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.5-inch touchscreen multimedia system
• Three-zone climate control
• Leather-appointed upholstery

However, opting for the e-hybrid brings unique features like:

• Sport suspension
• Black exterior package
• Privacy glass for the rear windows
• Red brake calipers
• Auxiliary air-conditioning
• Multiple charging cables

On top of standard the equipment, you can very easily add thousands to the asking price with optional extras:

• Premium pack: $5900
• Tech pro pack: $5400
• Winter pack: $1350
• Adaptive air suspension: $4650
• Ventilated front seats: $2200
• Front dash cam: $1000

What is different under the bonnet?

The 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid is powered by a familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Total system outputs are an unchanged 270kW and 500Nm.

It’s a step up in power over the Q5 TFSI quattro's 200kW and brings it in-line with the V6-powered SQ5. 

The claimed 0-100km/h sprint is 5.1 seconds. There’s plenty of oomph on tap, but when the petrol engine revs harder, the note isn’t awe-inspiring.

Feeding the electric motor is a 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for up to 88km of WLTP-claimed electric driving range. This is up from 55km in the previous-gen car.

AC charging has been upped from 7.2kW to 11kW, but fully charging the battery still takes 2.5 hours due to its larger size. There are no DC fast-charging capabilities.

What is the 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid like on the inside?

For 2026, all Q5s gain physical scroll wheels on the steering wheel. They’re easy to use and have a tactile feel. It feels like Audi should have had these from the start.

However, it’s disappointing there still aren’t many physical buttons around the cabin. You’re required to use the touchscreen to change the climate control settings, for example. The few physical buttons are glossy piano black, meaning they easily attract fingerprints with use.

Another difference is the new multimedia interface. It looks nice on the central touchscreen and the additional apps give the optional passenger display more use, but configurability on the digital instrument cluster has been reduced. It’s a big step back as Audi used to lead the game on this front.

The rest of the Q5 e-hybrid’s interior is virtually identical to the regular Q5. However, boot space is reduced due to the placement of the battery. 

There is 438L in the SUV and 433L in the Sportback, expanding out to around 1300L with the seats folded for both.

Like many PHEVs, there is no spare tyre available. There’s only a tyre repair kit which isn’t helpful if you have a proper puncture.

How is the 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid to drive?

The Q5 e-hybrid is a comfortable and serene place to be while driving around. It’s inherently quiet in EV mode and you barely notice when the petrol engine fires up.

As standard there is sport suspension with frequency-selective dampers, but you can option adaptive air suspension which further irons-out road imperfections and allows the ride height to change.

I’d personally save my cash as the standard set-up is compliant and supple enough.

The Q5 gains a long-range radar for 2026 and it can occasionally be overly sensitive when using adaptive cruise control. Additionally, there is finally active lane-keep assist, but it tends to ping-pong within the lane.

What about safety and ownership?

The Q5 e-hybrid comes with the following safety equipment:

• Nine airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-keep assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Surround-view camera
• SOS emergency calling

Like all Audis, there is a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet.

There are a total of 82 Audi dealer and service centres in Australia.