--- title: "Audi Hybrids Are Coming in Months, Not Years. A Plug-In Q5 Could Be Back" date: "2026-11-11" modified: "2026-11-11" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder.md" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/audi-hybris-are-coming-in-months-not-years-a-plug-in-q5-could-be-back" categories: - "Audi News" - "News" - "News by Brand" --- # Audi Hybrids Are Coming in Months, Not Years. A Plug-In Q5 Could Be Back ![2027 Audi Q9]() *\Joel Feder\  * Audi was early on the EV game with its e-tron and full plans to shift its portfolio to electric models, but then the U.S. political winds changed. Suddenly, the German automaker got caught flat footed with no product pipeline featuring non-performance hybrids. That's about to change real quick. On the latest episode of *The Drivecast*, Audi of America Senior Vice President of Product Management Filip Brabec exclusively told *The Drive*, "You will see some choices in the plug-in hybrid beyond the RS" when asked if plug-in hybrids beyond RS models, such as [the new RS5]() and [upcoming RS6 Avant](), will be coming to America. Listen below from the moment Brabec addresses hybrids in the lineup and what we can expect both in terms of types and electric-only range. "You can imagine that, you know, a natural one for us would be Q5 because we already had a predecessor with that powertrain. It was a successful variant, so it’s something that we definitely see a potential for in the future," Brabec said. As for other models beyond the Q5 getting hybrid powertrains, Brabec said, "And perhaps there are more SUVs that we can look at with, with plug-in powertrains. And then beyond that, of course, we will continue to look at mild and, you know, mild hybridization and hybridization throughout the car lines." For consumers, and surely dealers, asking when we'll see hybrids start to proliferate through Audi's lineup, Brabec said, "Again, no specific announcements today, but, you know, starting fairly soon, in a matter of months, not years, we will be introducing certain electrification steps in our powertrains, um, you know, in general." For plug-in hybrids Brabec said, "Now the technology has moved forward and we see kind of the bare minimum being 40. So, like, as long as you can hit 40 miles and more miles of electric range, you’re gonna get some people." But that's just for today. "We see that technology moving to that and beyond that as well, and we’re confident we can get to those numbers with the upcoming launches and beyond," Brabec said. Dealers, and consumers, should not expect the entire Audi lineup to suddenly offer a hybrid powertrain. Brabec said, "You asked me specifically about portfolio, and I think in the portfolio, it’s a, you know, handful of cars kind of, kind of scenario. It’s not a scenario where plugins would just be proliferated throughout the car line. From our standpoint, that’s not something we’re focusing on. There may be a handful that might make sense in this specific segment." *Got a story? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he sits on the Board of Directors for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]() ## More - [2020 Audi Q5 55 Hybrid Review: Who Needs Gas, Anyway?]() - [2025 Audi Q5 Brings Full Makeover for Audi’s Best Seller]() - [2021 Audi Q5 Sportback: For When You Want a TT But Have Too Many Kids]() - [Audi Fans Want RS Wagons, V8s, and Real Buttons. The Man Who Decides Isn’t Saying No]() - [2021 Audi Q5: Money-Making Crossover Gets New Face, 13-HP Bump]() - [Audi Might Bring the RS 4 and RS 6 Avant Stateside If We Plead Hard Enough]() - [Next-Gen Audi R8 and TT Have to be Electrified, Audi Sport Boss Says]() - [New Prototype Spy Shots Confirm Audi RS6 Sedan Is Back for 2027]()