Audi has just unveiled their next generation best-selling SUV – the all new Audi Q5 at the Paris Motor Show. The next generation Q5 has been redesigned from the ground up to be lightest, most powerful and efficient Q5 ever.
The Audi Q5 is a well-known nameplate around the world with its intelligent drivetrain and beautiful sculpture. Therefore, it was a challenge for the designers and engineers at Audi to reimagine and better their best-selling SUV model.
Dimension wise, the Q5 has grown slightly in every aspect and it now measures at 4.66 meters in length, 1.89 meters wide and 1.66 meters tall with the wheelbase spanning 2.82 metres long. The new Q5 is now 0.3 meters longer, 0.05 metres taller and 0.02 metres longer wheelbase than before. Thanks to a new mix of steel and aluminium, the Q5 is lighter by up to 90kg, depending on engine choice.
The Q5 also holds the title for the slipperiest SUV in its class with a drag coefficient of just 0.30. This is achieved partly with the new aerodynamic roof. This helps keep wind noise at a minimum, resulting in a class-best interior acoustics.
Visually, the Q5 is instantly recognisable as it retains its iconic silhouette. At the front, the Q5 now wears the company’s signature hexagonal “Singleframe” chrome grille. The LED headlamps now feature new graphics and a more angular design. At the rear, a pair of new LED combination headlamps makes it easily distinguishable from the outgoing Q5. Other subtler revisions include a bold line that runs across the tailgate and a new bumper with integrated tailpipes.
Elsewhere, the Q5 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels as standard while customers have the option for sizes up to 21-inch.
Audi has completely repackaged the interior for more headroom, rear kneeroom as well as boot capacity. The rear boot accessed via a standard powered tailgate can accommodate 550 litres – up by just 10 litres from the previous generation. With the back seats folded down, the SUV is able to swallow up to 1,550 litres of goods.
Inside, the cabin is a breath of fresh air as the Q5 gets a complete interior overhaul. It now features familiar gadgetries found in most of their newer models. Besides the redesigned multifunctional steering wheel, buyers have a range of options to choose from, such as a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit, 8.3-inch Audi MMI navigation plus display, Qi wireless charging tray, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, Audi tablet for rear passengers and heads-up display that projects driving information onto the windshield.
Audi’s standard navigation comes with a self-learning “personal route assist” function that learns the driver’s most frequent routes and recurring parking locations. This system will learn the driving patterns of the driver and uses the information collected to optimise subsequent trips. This can be exceptionally useful for the daily drive to the office.
Performance wise, the Audi Q5 comes in either a new 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TFSI or a 3.0 TDI engine. The new 2.0-litre turbodiesel is capable of producing 187 hp with improved fuel economy. According to Audi, the 2.0 TFSI has been further developed, which now produces in 249 hp and has a fuel economy rating of 5.7L/100km. Lastly, the 3.0 TDI has been extensively revised to produce 282 hp and 620 Nm of torque.
All powertrains can be had with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S Tronic gearbox. In addition to that, the Quattro system now comes with Ultra Technology as standard for the 2.0 litre gasoline and diesel engine. Ultra-badged Audis are generally cleaner and more environmentally friendly, thus the Q5 Ultra benefits from a rear-axle disengagement feature when AWD is not needed. However, when necessary, the system will automatically reengage the rear-axles for better traction.
Audi has fitted the Q5 with an all new five-link suspension and electromechanical power steering system. A Dynamic steering that varies its ratio according to driving speed and steering angle can be had at a cost. Audi also offers adaptive air suspensions that alter ride height over five stages. In the standard Audi drive select, two new modes have been added – lift/offroad and all road to further enhance the off-road capabilities of the new Q5.
On the safety front, the Q5 is fitted with Audi pre-sense city that comes with autonomous braking at low speeds. Other optional extras are bundled in three driver assistance package – Tour, Parking and Parking Advanced. Among the driver assistance Audi has on offer includes adaptive cruise control (ACC) with traffic jam assist, Audi active lane assist, cross traffic assist rear, exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist.
The new Q5 is manufactured at Audi’s new plant in Mexico and will be arriving to UK’s shores early 2017.
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