Hybrid Audi Q5 makes Chinese market debut in Shanghai

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai June 28) - Audi's first hybrid luxury SUV, the Q5 Hybrid quattro, went on sale in Shanghai on Wednesday, chinanews.com reported today. The SUV carries a starting price of 608,000 yuan ($96,320).

The Q5 hybrid (pictured) is powered by a TFSI gasoline engine linked to a lithium ion battery pack. The Q5 boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.1 seconds and maximum speed of 225 km/h. The battery pack can use wind force generated during driving to cool itself. If the wind force is not enough, the engine will begin automatically cooling itself. This cooling system is also linked with the Q5's air conditioning system, and goes a long way in optimizing battery output. Additionally, the Q5 can be driven in pure electric mode under certain conditions, which outputs zero emissions for limited distances. The sort of emission savings the Q5 offers are in the forefront of its class.

According to various reports, Audi's entire model range in China will be hybrid powered two years from now. The manufacturer is committed to developing new energy technology for its automobiles.