Audi has already stated that a Hybrid Q5 would precede any TDI in the US. With the reality of diesel demand increasing greatly (along with no foreseeable US diesel refinery increases) I am thinking the hybrid Q5 might be the way to go as a TDI is making less and less economic sense. I think diesel fuel is going to rise faster than Premium gas for awhile. Also, the mostly city driving stop-n-go where I live I'm limited to instead of highway means a hybrid would see more benefit than TDI as well.

With that in mind, would Audi be better off offering a Hybrid w/ a 2.0T instead of the 6-cylinder prototyped in the Q7 hybrid? The newest 2.0T is tuned to 211hp for the new A4 and it would weigh less as well meaning a better handling more nimble Q5 along with better fuel mileage. It will be interesting to see what Audi announces next month and if they reveal either the 2.0T or the 6 cylinder for the hybrid.