Audi’s new Q3 plug-in hybrid has gone on sale here from €46,305.
Audi claims it offers high efficiency and outstanding driving pleasure, adding that the combination of an electric driving experience, simple charging, and a high level of suitability for everyday use makes Audi’s plug-in hybrid models especially appealing.
The Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e complete the range of plug-in hybrids Audi has brought onto the market since 2019, marking the first step into electrified Q models.
The plug-in hybrid drive installed in both models delivers a system output of 180kW (245HP ), and both compact SUVs can cover a distance of 51km for the Q3 45 TFSI e and 50km for the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e in the WLTP.
The two Q3 models include a 1.4 TFSI as the combustion engine. This four-cylinder engine delivers 110kW (150HP ). The dual-clutch transmission, which transfers the power to the front wheels, integrates an electric oil pump. This ensures the supply and thus the function of the clutches and with that the gear selection, even when the TFSI engine is switched off.
Audi claims the powertrain of these two new models offers both great driving pleasure and high efficiency. The 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor together generate 180kW of system output (245HP ) and system torque of 400Nm.
Both the Q3 45 TFSI e and the Sportback take 7.3 seconds to burst from zero to 100km/h, and both have the capability to reach a top speed of 210km/h. The Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e records the same claimed values of 1.7 to 1.4 litres of fuel per 100km (38 to 33 grams of CO2 ). The total claimed range achieved by both models is approximately 710km – testifying to their great suitability for everyday use.
The high-voltage battery is located under the vehicle floor in front of the rear axle. The battery system has its own cooling circuit, which can be coupled to the air conditioning system’s circuit to ensure effective cooling even when requirements are at their highest. The drive management system of the compact SUV models is designed for high efficiency and always started in electric mode, with the exception of extremely cold conditions.
Both plug-in models can cover up to a claimed 51km for the Q3 and 50km for the Q3 Sportback in the WLTP. In auto-hybrid mode, the main operating mode, the drive management system divides the tasks between the 1.4 TFSI and the electric motor intelligently and efficiently, supporting the four-cylinder engine in many situations. The drive management system constantly evaluates numerous data points, including the route information from the optional navigation system and the data about the near surroundings from the vehicle sensors. When the foot is taken off the accelerator, the Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e start to coast with the TFSI engine switched off.
The Audi Q3 45 TFSI e and the Q3 Sportback 45 TFSI e can be charged using alternating current (AC ) at a 400V socket with an output of 3.6kW. An empty battery can be recharged in three hours and 45 minutes using the standard power charging cable.
The free myAudi app allows the customer to control the charging, the timer and the pre-entry climate control remotely from their smartphone. The e-tron charging service, with more than 1000 locations in Ireland, covers the majority of countries in Europe and offers great convenience. With a single card, the customer has access to more than 155,000 charging points Europe-wide.
