2020 Audi Q5 PHEV – For when you’re… EV Curious

Jeff Glucker

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There are more and more electric options available in the market, but maybe you’re not ready to make the deep dive. That’s where a plug-in hybrid fits the bill and the 2020 Audi Q5 PHEV may be just what you’re looking for…

[Disclaimer: Audi tossed us the keys to the Q5 PHEV and included a tank of gas and a tank of electrons.]

About

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker

Jeff Glucker is the co-founder and Executive Editor of Hooniverse.com. He’s often seen getting passed as he hustles a 1991 Mitsubishi Montero up the 405 Freeway. IG: @HooniverseJeff

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3 responses to “2020 Audi Q5 PHEV – For when you’re… EV Curious”

  1. Zentropy Avatar
    Zentropy

    That’s actually a nice tech spin on one of the most soul-less cars I’ve ever driven (my wife drives a Q5). In all seriousness, though, I think this is a great way to convert people to EVs, removing the range anxiety issue and allowing some breathing room for battery technology to improve in the meantime. Smart move, Audi.

    I know using a volume model for this technology is wise, but damn… the Q5? My wife’s car is peppy enough to not disappoint when pulling out of the subdivision, but otherwise is well-executed boredom paired with a tidy fit and finish. The steering is respectably precise, but with regards to feel and feedback it’s the automotive equivalent of wearing three condoms. Outside, hers has a blasé-grey paint job that helps it look like a giant mechanical pillbug. Not a fan, but she loves her personal rolling appliance. Honestly, I prefer to drive our Kia minivan, if that says anything.

    Reply
    1. Jeff Glucker Avatar
      Jeff Glucker

      So this takes your wife’s car and injects SQ5-grade power without adding unnecessary “sport” styling. It’s actually a pretty smart move tossing this tech on this car. Will they sell any? If the sales person can highlight the fact that you can get it for basically the same price as the standard one but with more power (and the carpool options depending where you live)…

      Reply
      1. Zentropy Avatar
        Zentropy

        I completely think it’s a smart move, but that’s beside the point.

        It’s not about the hybrid’s power or stealthy appearance. If the steering were better, I wouldn’t be as critical of my wife’s as it sits now, in regular 4-cylinder turbo form. You said it yourself at the beginning of the video: “There’s nothing that exciting… about the vehicle I’m driving today.” And you’re right. More power doesn’t cure the mundaneness of the Q5.

        Reply