Audi will offer its first hybrid model in the U.S. when the 2013 Audi Q5 Hybrid arrives this fall. The EPA recently finalized that crossover's fuel economy numbers, giving it a rating of 24/30 mpg city/highway.
Those figures are improvements over the 20/28-mpg rating of the gasoline-only 2.0 TFSI model, which produces 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4. The Q5 Hybrid, however, is quicker than the standard model thanks to the combined efforts of its 211-hp, 258-lb-ft turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 and 54-hp, 155-lb-ft electric motor. Audi estimates the hybrid crossover will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds, while the non-hybrid 2.0 TFSI takes 7.6 seconds. Compared to its current closest competitor, the all-wheel-drive Lexus RX 450h (30/28 mpg), the Q5 Hybrid achieves a better highway rating, but significantly less in the city. The larger RX hybrid is also more powerful at a combined 295 hp from its 3.5-liter V-6 and electric motor combo.
The Q5 Hybrid receives the same changes as the rest of the 2013 Q5 lineup, sporting an updated front fascia with revised grille and new LED running lights, along with a refreshed interior. The Q5 Hybrid model will be joined next year by a new diesel-powered model, which will pack a 245-hp, 428-lb-ft 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6, and may achieve 37 mpg on the highway.
Would the Q5 Hybrid's city fuel economy advantage over the regular turbo-four and upcoming diesel be enough to convince you to jump for that model? Tell us in the comments section below.