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All market segments are under consideration for an Audi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, joining petrol and full-electric options.
Electric Cars
Audi Australia is looking to diversify its powertrain options, aiming for petrol, plug-in hybrid, and full battery electric choices across all the segments it plays.
“I think it’s important that we probably see some more plug-in hybrids come from us, I think plug-in hybrids will play a more important part,” Mannering said.
“We’ve got a clear strategy. In the segments you need a BEV, you need a PHEV and you need an ICE car, and that’s what we’re focusing on because at the end of the day, the consumer decides.
“If we’ve got an offering for every consumer, we’re actually in a good position.”
At present, only the Q5 mid-size SUV and Q8 large SUV model lines feature a plug-in hybrid option, with the former due to be refreshed with a new-generation version expected later this year or next.
Audi’s Q5 PHEV sold 351 units last year, trailing the Mazda CX-60 (1481), Volvo XC60 (872), and Porsche Cayenne (490) – and equalling the Lexus NX – in sales of premium plug-in hybrid mid-size SUVs.
However, supply was constrained in the lead up to a new-generation Q5, with supply of the PHEV variants now all sold through.
The Q8 PHEV meanwhile, found just 41 new homes in 2024 – it’s first full 12 months on sale in Australia.
However, Mannering said to expect plug-in hybrid options to expand to more model lines going forward, with all shapes and sizes being considered.
“That’s the goal [to have PHEV] in the segments, we have all the selection of powertrains,” Mannering said.
“Whether we get there or not [is to be seen].
“And you’ll probably see in the coming months where we’ve been successful, and maybe in the not-too-distant future – maybe next year – you’ll see another segment that’s an important segment that’s got the three variants as well.
Internationally, the A3 small car, outgoing A6 and A7, flagship A8, and Q3 and Q7 SUVs are also available with a PHEV option, which would be in the mix to come to Australia based on Mannering’s comments.
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Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
