LA Auto Show: Audi Q5 Hybrid

by David Kiley (RSS feed)
Nov 18th 2010 at 3:02PM

German automaker Audi is best known for diesel engines when it comes to alternate drive-trains that save on gas. But at the Los Angeles auto show this week, Audi is debuting a hybrid version of its Q5, which will go on sale in 2011.

Audi has paired a 2.0 liter turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a 33.6 mpg highway fuel economy claim.

Combining the two drive systems, the Q5 Hybrid produces 245 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. If the driver is gentle on the pedal, he or she, in city driving or stop-and-go traffic, might be able to get about 1.9 miles without burning any gas. Audi claims the Q5 will also cruise at speeds of up to 62 mph using only electric power for very short distances.

The Hybrid will be priced above the Q5's gas versions--in the $45,000-$49,999 range. For comparison, the Lexus RX 450h V-6 hybrid with all-wheel-drive carries a $45,700 sticker.

Audi says the Q5 Hybrid will go 0-62 mph in 7.1 seconds.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is part of the package, as is engine start-stop technology, which shuts off the engine at stop-lights and idle, but kicks back on as soon as the driver touches the gas pedal.

Tags: Audi Q5 Hybrid, HYbrid cars, la auto show, los angeles auto show