
That’s the angle Audi is taking with its 2012 Q5 hybrid. The company says it’s the sportiest hybrid SUV going, and we’re having a hard time finding fault in that claim. It’s also Audi’s first production vehicle to incorporate both gas and electric drive, the former a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder, the latter a 44-hp electric motor sandwiched between the engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 241 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, directed to all four wheels. A 72-cell, 1.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is positioned under the load floor, and it takes a minimal toll on the rear cargo area.