Audi Q5 FY Hybrid (2017–2023): Pioneering the Future of Hybrid Luxury SUVs
I’ve spent enough time in the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid to know its habits the way you know your favorite coffee order. Cold mornings? The seat heaters earn their keep. Tight city streets? Electric glide. On a fast motorway run, it settles into that hushed, confident lope Audis do so well. The second‑gen Q5 (internal code FY) ran from 2017 to 2023, and the plug‑in hybrid model—badged 50/55 TFSI e depending on market—joined the range a bit later. It’s the right kind of hybrid: one that doesn’t nag you to think about it. You just drive, and it quietly dodges fuel stops.
A quick history of the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid
When the FY-generation Q5 landed in 2017, it sharpened everything people already liked about the original: cleaner design, lighter architecture, and a cabin that felt a class up. The plug‑in hybrid powertrain arrived for the 2020 model year in many markets (a whisker earlier in some regions), bringing a meaningful electric range without turning the Q5 into a science experiment.
Across its run, the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid benefitted from a battery upgrade (to around 17.9 kWh gross from 2021 onward), plus tech and infotainment improvements. Translation: better real‑world EV miles and slicker screens.
Audi Q5 FY Hybrid: powertrain and real‑world numbers
The recipe is familiar but well executed: a 2.0‑liter turbocharged four married to an electric motor integrated with the transmission, driving all four wheels via quattro. In “55 TFSI e” tune, you’re looking at roughly 362 hp and 369 lb‑ft (US figures), good for a 0–60 mph run in the low fives. It’s brisk without being shouty—classic Audi.
- Battery: 14.1–17.9 kWh (model-year dependent)
- Electric range: up to about 23 miles EPA (more on WLTP), weather and wheel size dependent
- Charging: ~2 hours on a 240V Level 2 (7.2 kW), overnight on 120V if you’re patient
- Efficiency: up to 61 MPGe combined (EPA, varies by year), mid‑20s mpg on gas only
In practice, my suburban loop returned 20–24 electric miles in mild weather. Winter trimmed that to the mid‑teens (heated seats beat heat pumps). The transition from EV to engine is mostly seamless, though at low speeds the brake pedal can feel a touch spongy as it blends regen with hydraulic bite—nothing worrisome, just a different rhythm your foot learns.
Audi Q5 FY Hybrid interior: the quiet achiever
Slide inside and the vibe is “urban penthouse with practical drawers.” Materials are the good stuff—soft leather, tight grains, neatly knurled switchgear—with proper German attention to fit. Early cars used the MMI controller with a tidy screen; later ones moved to a crisper touchscreen with quicker responses and wireless phone mirroring. Either way, the digital instrument cluster (Virtual Cockpit) remains one of the cleanest layouts in the game.
One note: the hybrid’s battery lives under the boot floor. You still get a practical space, but it’s a touch shallower than the pure petrol Q5. A family of four for a long weekend? You’ll be fine—just pack soft bags instead of the hard cases.
On the road: how the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid actually drives
I noticed right away how calmly it deals with rough sections. Even on 20‑inch wheels, the adaptive dampers take the sting out of bad tarmac. If you live where roads resemble a cheese grater, spec the smaller wheels and thank me later. Steering is light but confident. The chassis has more poise than most “premium SUV” rivals, and the added weight of the hybrid bits is tucked neatly; you feel it only if you’re really leaning on it along your favorite B‑road.
EV mode is brilliant around town. The car wakes silently, glides off, and you get that instant electric torque for lane changes. On the motorway, I preferred Auto Hybrid: let the Audi’s brain juggle the electrons while I set the cruise and enjoy the quiet.
Audi Q5 FY Hybrid vs the competition
Spec sheets don’t tell you how a car feels, but they do give you a lay of the land. Here’s where the Q5 PHEV sits among its closest rivals:
| Model | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (sec) | EV Range (EPA est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q5 FY Hybrid (55 TFSI e) | ~362 | ~5.0–5.3 | Up to ~23 miles | Balanced ride, excellent cabin tech |
| BMW X3 xDrive30e | 288 | ~5.9–6.0 | ~17–20 miles | Sporty feel, smaller EV buffer |
| Volvo XC60 Recharge | ~455 (T8) | ~4.5 | ~35–41 miles | Strong EV range, plush seats |
| Lexus NX 450h+ | 302 | ~6.0 | ~37–41 miles | Superb efficiency, calmer demeanor |
The Audi’s talent is its easygoing refinement and interior execution. Some rivals offer more electric range on paper, but few blend powertrain smoothness with day‑to‑day polish this neatly.
Ownership notes: the bits you only learn by living with it
- Brake feel: light at the top of the pedal as it favors regen; stronger bite deeper in. You adapt within a week.
- Cold‑weather range: expect a 20–30% dip when temperatures plummet, especially with short trips.
- Charging cadence: a 240V home charger makes the Q5 Hybrid shine—plug in at dinner, wake up to a full battery.
- Towing: check your market spec; capability can differ slightly from non‑hybrid Q5s.
- Cargo: slightly reduced underfloor space versus petrol Q5; the floor itself remains usefully flat.
Make it yours: premium floor mats for the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid
Confession: I’m fussy about footwells. Cheap mats ruin an otherwise expensive interior. If you’re in the same camp, the tailored sets from AutoWin fit neatly, don’t curl at the edges, and are easy to clean after a muddy dog‑walk detour. Explore the full Audi and Q5 ranges, or go directly to the Q5 FY Hybrid sets here:
Feature highlights you’ll actually use
- Quattro traction and instant electric torque for confident winter getaways
- Genuinely quiet EV cruising for short commutes
- Upgraded battery (from 2021) for improved electric range
- Virtual Cockpit with clean hybrid‑specific energy displays
- Comfortable, supportive seats for long hauls (ask my lower back after a 400‑mile day)
Conclusion: why the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid still makes sense
The Audi Q5 FY Hybrid nails the brief: a luxury SUV that sips fuel in town, stays serene on the motorway, and doesn’t demand you change your life to suit it. It’s the sensible choice that doesn’t feel sensible—just premium. If you’re fitting one into your daily routine, dial in a home charger, spec the wheels thoughtfully, and protect that handsome cabin with a proper set of AutoWin mats. Simple as that.
FAQ: Audi Q5 FY Hybrid (2017–2023)
When was the Audi Q5 FY Hybrid available?
The FY generation ran from 2017–2023. The plug‑in hybrid (50/55 TFSI e) joined the lineup around the 2020 model year (varies by market) and continued through the end of the FY run.
What’s the real electric range?
Plan on roughly 18–23 miles in mixed driving for most model years, with the 2021+ cars benefiting from a larger battery. Cold weather, hills, and wheel size make a noticeable difference.
How long does it take to charge?
On a 240V Level 2 charger, you’re typically looking at about 2 hours from near‑empty to full. On a standard household outlet, think overnight.
Can it run on gas only?
Yes. If the battery is depleted, it operates like a refined turbo four with hybrid assist. You still get regen braking to harvest a bit of energy back.
Any downsides to the hybrid versus a non‑hybrid Q5?
A slightly shallower boot floor, a touch more weight, and a different (initially softer) brake feel. In return you get quiet EV miles and fewer fuel stops—fair trade in my book.
