2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid vs gas: is the plug-in worth it?

45 TFSI S line Premium AWD vs 40 TFSI Premium AWD

No. Does not pay back in 6 years.

12.7years to pay back

Plug-in: $2,500 more. Saves $197 a year.
Break-even: 152,400 miles.
No gas trim with the same name. Cheapest gas AWD/4WD trim used.
12,000 miles a year. Gas $3.20. Electricity 17 cents a kWh. Plug-ins: 50% of miles on electricity.

Bars: total energy saving after each year. Dashed line: the $2,500 price gap. Orange bar: the saving passes the gap.

Every plug-in pair

2023 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid vs gas: every pair
Pair	MSRP	Rating	Energy a year	Price gap	Saves a year	Payback	Ahead after 6 years
45 TFSI S line Premium AWD 40 TFSI Premium AWD	$46,700 $44,200	25 mpg, 56 kWh/100 mi 25 mpg	$1,339 $1,536	$2,500	$197	12.7 years	Gas, $1,319
45 TFSI S line Premium Plus AWD 40 TFSI Premium AWD	$46,700 $44,200	25 mpg, 56 kWh/100 mi 25 mpg	$1,339 $1,536	$2,500	$197	12.7 years	Gas, $1,319
45 TFSI S line Prestige AWD 40 TFSI Premium AWD	$57,400 $44,200	25 mpg, 56 kWh/100 mi 25 mpg	$1,339 $1,536	$13,200	$197	67.1 years	Gas, $12,019
Plug-in Hybrid e quattro Premium Plus S Line AWD 40 TFSI Premium AWD	$57,400 $44,200	26 mpg, 56 kWh/100 mi 25 mpg	$1,310 $1,536	$13,200	$226	58.3 years	Gas, $11,842
Plug-in Hybrid e quattro Premium S Line AWD 40 TFSI Premium AWD	$61,700 $44,200	26 mpg, 56 kWh/100 mi 25 mpg	$1,310 $1,536	$17,500	$226	77.3 years	Gas, $16,142
Plug-in Hybrid e quattro Prestige S Line AWD 40 TFSI Premium AWD	$67,000 $44,200	26 mpg, 56 kWh/100 mi 25 mpg	$1,310 $1,536	$22,800	$226	100.7 years	Gas, $21,442

45 TFSI S line Premium AWD vs 40 TFSI Premium AWD: other differences
Measure	Plug-in	Gas	Change
Horsepower	261 hp	201 hp	+60 hp
Torque	273 lb-ft	236 lb-ft	+37 lb-ft
Max towing	4,400 lb	4,400 lb	about the same
Cargo, seats up	25.9 cu ft	25.9 cu ft	about the same
Cargo, seats down	54.1 cu ft	54.1 cu ft	about the same
Curb weight	4,079 lb	4,079 lb	about the same

Incentives, insurance, upkeep and resale are not included.

Your own mpg will differ.