Audi was originally reported that it would offer Q5 hybrid as launch model, but it was later reported that Audi suspended the plan because of unsatisfying crash test result for the nickel metal hydride batteries. In 2009, Audi announced it would resume the Q5 hybrid development. It included a 266V, 1.3kWh, battery pack. The Q5 has an all-electric range of about 3 km (2 mi) and maximum all-electric speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).

The production version would be on sale in 2012 for Japanese market. The release in the U.S. market is scheduled for late 2011.