ABT’s Plug-In Hybrid Audi Q5 TFSI e Deserves An RS Badge With Its 419 HP

VW Group tuning specialist ABT Sportsline has tapped into the world of plug-in hybrids for the first time with the new Audi Q5 TFSI e Quattro.

The premium compact SUV packs the ‘ABT Power’ performance upgrade that has lifted the output of the 2.0-liter turbo-four from 252 PS (248 HP / 185 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque to 310 PS (306 HP / 228 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft).

Watch Also: 2020 Audi Q5 55 TFSI E Quattro Is A Fast And Comfortable Plug-In Hybrid SUV

With the additional 143 PS (141 HP / 105 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) produced by the electric motor that’s integrated into the seven-speed S Tronic transmission, the total system output grows to 425 PS (419 HP / 313 kW) and the torque to 550 Nm (406 lb-ft).

In stock form, the Q5 TFSI e Quattro comes with a combined 367 PS (362 HP / 270 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft), offering a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) of 5.3 seconds and a 239 km/h (149 mph) top speed. The German company wasn’t ready to release the new performance numbers for its tuned variant, so we don’t know how quick it is.

The exterior of the vehicle still looks the same, bar the 20-inch alloy wheels from the tuner’s GR series, portrayed here in glossy black with diamond-machined rim flange. These are also available in matte black with diamond-machined surface as an alternative.

Nothing major has been changed inside either, but fans of the model developed in Ingolstadt will notice that there is a start/stop switch cap and custom shift knob cover, while the new integrated entrance lights project the ABT logo onto the ground when opening the doors.

The Q5 TFSI e Quattro slots at the top of the Q5 range and is priced identical to the 349 HP SQ5 in the U.S., at $52,900, or $9,600 more than the entry-level grade.