The Q5 e — often referred to as the Q5 55 TFSI e — is a five-seat midsize crossover that now boasts a 17.9-kilowatt-hour battery, permitting it to go as much as 23 miles on a unmarried fee. The Q5 e is assembled in Mexico and went on sale within the U.S. for the 2021 style occasion with a fairly smaller battery and no more electrical area than it now has. It recently includes a mixed 362 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque between its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and electrical motor. It begins at $58,595 together with transport.
Di Si, who began the CEO process in September, mentioned including a alike plug-in hybrid for VW can be a “perfect transition” as the emblem pivots clear of interior combustion engines and towards an all-electric lineup — particularly within the scale down time period.
“Until Electrify America doubles up [its U.S. charging network] in 2025, I think it’s a perfect transition. And we have the technology,” Di Si mentioned. “We have the systems, we have the engineering, the staff. [The Q5 e] works well, it drives well. It’s a great vehicle. And I’ve heard from a lot of customers over the last six months” expressing pastime in a VW logo plug-in hybrid.
One query rest: Which car is perhaps to get a plug-in hybrid variant? Di Si wouldn’t say, nor would a spokesperson for the emblem later the interview. Then again, given VW’s stream gross sales — greater than 90 p.c of the emblem’s first-quarter U.S. gross sales had been crossovers — and its day product plan, the Tiguan or the Atlas would absolute best are compatible the invoice, with the Tiguan edging forward in hypothesis handiest on account of its product cycle, which has it due for a redesign in 2025.
Excerpts from Automobile Information’ interview with Di Si will likely be printed this date as a part of the Communicate From the Lead order.