If you’re environmentally conscious but still want to ride in style, Audi has you covered. The luxury auto manufacturer currently has two plug-in hybrid models: the Q5 TFSI e and the A7 TFSI e.
For over a decade, hybrid vehicles have become more and more popular for drivers looking to save at the pump as gas prices steadily increase. Since 2011, Audi has joined other popular automakers in creating fuel-efficient vehicles with the introduction of the Audi Q5 Hybrid. Audi’s first hybrid compact luxury SUV combined a 2.0L TFSI petrol engine with a high-performance 33-kilowatt electric motor, and they haven’t looked back since then.
Here's a closer look at each of Audi's plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now2022 Audi plug-in hybrid models guide
Audi began their hybrid journey back in 2011 when they debuted the Q5 Hybrid in the United States. And the German automaker has continued to perfect its craft every year since then with the arrival of the compact luxury SUV plug-in hybrid: the 2022 Q5 TFSI e.
If you’re not into SUVs, Audi also recently came out with their luxury sedan plug-in: the 2022 A7 TFSI e. Both of Audi’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) not only help you cut down on fuel costs but they’re both built to deliver exceptional power performance as well.
The table below details each Audi plug-in hybrid model, along with pricing information and the fuel economy numbers for the base trim.
Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric car: what’s the difference?
How do the Q5 TFSI e and A7 TFSI e plug-in hybrids differ from standard hybrid vehicles? As PHEVs, both luxury vehicles can function as electric cars when fully charged, thanks to their much larger batteries. Once the charge runs out, that’s when the gas engine steps in.
On the other hand, standard hybrid vehicles still rely on gas to keep them going. Hybrids are powered by a gas engine and usually one or more electric motors, but they can’t be plugged in to charge the battery—a hybrid battery is charged by regenerative braking.
Audi currently has four all-electric vehicles: the Q4 e-tron, the e-tron, the e-tron S, and the e-tron GT Family. The Q4 e-tron starts at $49,900 while the e-tron GT Family is on the higher end and starts at $102,400.
The best Audi hybrid cars
So, what’s the best Audi plug-in hybrid you can buy? Finding the best car for you depends on many factors, like performance, reliability ratings, and of course your own personal taste.
Best Audi PHEV overall: Audi A7 TFSI e
It’s a difficult choice to pick between the two most recent Audi plug-in hybrids. But the 2022 Audi A7 seems to be the clear choice among critics.
The A7 has a 9/10 rating from Car and Driver
and it’s also ranked as #1 on the Best Luxury Large Car for 2022
list, according to U.S. News & World Report. The A7 is a luxurious yet practical sedan that provides comfort and the smoothest of rides with a 70 combined MPGe making it one of the best PHEVs in the market. Best used Audi hybrid: Audi Q5 hybrid
If you’re looking to save on upfront costs usually related to buying hybrid vehicles, then you should consider buying used. One of the best options is the used Audi Q5 hybrid.
Avoid the 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015 model years if you plan to buy used. Drivers complained of airbag and seatbelt problems for the first two years along with engine and electrical problems from 2011 to 2013. But any Q5 plug-ins from 2014, 2016, and 2017 are excellent choices with solid reliability ratings.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers Are Audi hybrids worth it?
Let’s look at what makes Audi hybrids so compelling.
Performance
It’s all about superior performance power with most Audi vehicles, even the plug-in hybrid versions! The Audi Q5 TFSI e, for example, is one of the fastest PHEV vehicles you can buy. This plug-in hybrid’s electric motor produces 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque helping the compact SUV go from zero to 60 in an impressive 4.5 seconds.
So what’s the verdict? You obviously won’t lose any performance power if you opt for the PHEV version of any Audi.
Reliability
Reliability is a mixed bag for the latest Audi plug-in hybrids. The Q5 has a 3.5/5 rating from RepairPal, which makes it above average for reliability! The A7, on the other, has a 2.5/5 rating which makes the full-size sedan below average when it comes to reliability.
Cost of ownership
Though the Audi has great performance and decent reliability, it’s still considered a luxury vehicle that unfortunately comes with a high luxury price tag. There is currently no information on the cost of ownership for the Audi Q5 TFSI e specifically, but we can look at gas-only Q5 to get a better understanding of what you might expect.
CarEdge calculates the five-year cost of ownership as $52,290. That includes:
While you may pay similar costs for most of these categories with the Q5 TFSI e, you can expect to save when it comes to fuel costs. In fact, with the 2020 Audi Q5, you’ll actually save $2,500 in fuel costs over five years
! And thankfully, if you own a hybrid or plug-in Audi, you might even qualify for a hybrid/electric vehicle insurance discount. Additionally, if you buy a brand-new Q5 TFSI e or A7 TFSI e, you could potentially receive a federal tax credit of up to $7,500
. How to get sustainable rates on car insurance
No matter which Audi hybrid or plug-in hybrid you decide on, save a little extra green by shopping for car insurance
with insurance comparison super app
Jerry. How does it work? The process is easier than deciding which hybrid vehicle you want! All you have to do is download the Jerry
app, answer a few basic questions, and in less than one minute you’ll receive multiple customized quotes from top insurance providers. Once you make a decision, Jerry’s team will get straight to finalizing all the paperwork—and even help you cancel your old policy. If you have any questions about your new policy, our friendly expert agents are available by phone or text to provide you with any help you need.
Jerry is a one-stop shop that all drivers need in their pockets. How much can you save? On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year when they make the switch!
“WOW. Jerry
has been so easy to use. I called a representative when I wanted some clarification, and they walked me through the entire process of finding a new rate for full coverage on my luxury vehicle.” —Beth G.
RECOMMENDEDInstantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?
FAQs