Audi Q5 to Offer Hybrid First -Diesel Second

The head of Audi’s dealer council has revealed further information about the upcoming Q5 crossover. Stating that the Q7 is a larger vehicle that competes primarily with the Lexus RX, he doesn’t fear that the Q5 will steal sales away from its larger sibling. Rather he sees the Q5’s main competition as BMW’s X3 and Acura’s RDX, although by the time the Q5 reaches the market, the Mercedes GLK and Cadillac BRX shouldn’t be far behind.

Unlike the American Q7 which is expected to be offered with a diesel engine in the near future, Audi will first be offering a hybrid powertrain in the Q5. The problem with offering a diesel engine in the Q5 first is that it would cost $2000 more than a gasoline powered version. With US market not yet to fully embrace diesel engines, launching a hybrid Q5 first makes more sense.