Abt has launched its first upgrade for a hybrid model with a tuned-up take on Audi's Q5 55 TFSI e, producing a combined 425hp from the SUV’s plug-in powertrain. The tuner has toyed with petrol-electric power before, producing the 1,018hp RS6 concept back in 2018. But this is its first customer-based upgrade, and centres on the 252hp turbocharged four-pot, which now outputs 310hp - a familiar figure for the ubiquitous EA888 unit.
With its in-house engine management software, Abt’s has also increased torque by 37lb ft to 273lb ft. Thanks to the factory-fit 14.1kWh battery and 141hp electric motor, that means you now get a combined total of 406lb ft - and 425hp to go with a claimed 26 miles of zero emission range.
So while this is Abt’s first go at a hybrid model, the plan of attack remains acutely ICE focussed. The tuner makes no mention of associated suspension changes, likely because the top-spec PHEV Q5 comes with air suspension out of the box. Apparently the fettling is also compatible with the lower-powered Q5 50 TFSI e, which gets the same basic hardware but a slightly smaller electric motor on the back axle. Abt’s software upgrade takes the PHEV 50 to 357hp and 369lb ft of torque, gains of 58hp and 37lb ft respectively. This lower-grade hybrid Q5 is offered with the same Abt 20-inch wheels as the 55 model, as well as the brand’s usual exterior and interior tweaks – the likes of which are shared across several of its models.
Also as usual, Abt offers its full warranty with the work – and since in this case it’s all centred around the mapping, it would likely be quite easy to return a car to standard tune at a later stage. Don’t expect things to remain this straightforward for long though: the firm already has experience with electric hardware tuning, and is likely to bring it to bear before long. As the evidenced by the earlier RS6, that's when the really silly numbers start...
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