More multi-faceted – the second generation of the Audi Q5

Notch higher

Sales for the 2nd generation of the Audi Q5 is to begin at the start of 2017.  The SUV with the four rings combines the sportiness of an Audi saloon with a multifaceted character and a highly flexible interior.

With the new Q5, Audi set the bar a notch higher.  Among the great innovations are the quattro drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, the air suspension with damper control, and a comprehensive line-up of infotainment and assistance systems.

Lighter and quieter

Steels with maximum tensile strength and aluminium form an intelligent material mix in the body.  The unladen weight was reduced – depending on the engine – by up to 90 kg over the preceding 1st-generation Audi Q5.

The new Q5 also stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics.  The four-cylinder versions attain a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimized roof.  Wind noises are exceptionally low, and vibration comfort is high – the new SUV from Audi indulges the driver and passengers with the claimed best interior acoustics in its class.

Spacious and wide interior

The interior offers a lot of space for 5 persons, and it surpasses the previous model and its competitors (claimed) in key dimensions.  Its horizontally-oriented lines underscore the impression of width and comfort (as seen in the new Audi Q7 and new A4) and a 3D trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel.  The new equipment lines concept offers customers a broad selection of colours and materials.

Simply coherent: controls and displays

Operation of the new Audi SUV is intuitive and is marked by 3 great new features.  

The optional Audi virtual cockpit (digital instrument cluster) presents brilliant graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen.  The driver can choose from 2 views – a classic view with large round instruments, or a mode in which the navigation map or lists dominate.  The optional head-up display projects key information onto the windshield.

The MMI terminal in the centre console acts as the main control element.  In the top infotainment system, the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch display, a touchpad is integrated into the rotary pushbutton.  It recognises handwritten entries as well as gestures familiar from consumer electronics such as zooming gestures.  If the new Q5 has an automatic transmission, it also has the larger MMI all-in-touch with haptic (physical nudge) feedback.

Audi navigation with personal route assist

The new Audi Q5, like the Q7 and the A4, has a self-learning “personal route assist” function.  After activating this function, the navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the customer regularly selects, and it associates this information to the parked position and time of day.

Versatile efficient drivetrain

The drivetrain of this mid-size SUV has been redeveloped from the ground up – this also applies to the 6-speed manual transmission, 7-speed S tronic and 8-speed tiptronic (the latter only with the 3.0 TDI).  The automatic transmissions integrate a fuel-saving freewheel function: the driver controls it by a selection lever or by shift paddles on the steering wheel.

The new quattro drivetrain with ultra technology is standard equipment for the 2.0 TDI with and for the 2.0 TFSI with 185 kW.  Audi can deliver it as an option for the entry-level diesel engine with 110 kW.  The quattro with ultra technology always disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and if necessary it can proactively re-engage it.  The new concept boosts efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics.

5 engines for Q5

The new Audi Q5 is launching in Europe with 5 engines:  4 x TDI engines (a 2.0 TDI in 3 outputs of 110, 120 or 140kW and a 3.0 TDI) and 1 x 2.0 TFSI petrol.  These have added up to 20 kW of power, yet fuel consumption is significantly reduced.

The further developed 2.0 TFSI has an output of 185 kW, though consumes only 6.8 litres/100 km, which equates to 154 grams CO2 per km.  The revised 3.0 TDI engine increases its output to 210 kW, and now has 620 Nm of torque.

Mexico

The new Audi Q5 is manufactured at the newly-constructed Audi plant in Mexico, where it is to supply the big North American market.  Q5 will arrive at dealers in Germany and other European countries at the beginning of 2017, and later the year here in South Africa.