Update: For its American customers, Audi will only be offering the Q5 solely with a 2.0L FSI petrol engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. This means American buyers will miss out on the quick shifting S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and fuel-efficient four-cylinder petrol and turbodiesel engines. By contrast, Europe will get a choice of three engines including two diesel models plus the S tronic.
The turbocharged petrol engine makes 211hp (155kW) and 258ft-lb (350Nm) of torque, allowing the SUV to hit 60mph from standstill in under 7 seconds.
The U.S. spec Q5 will also feature Audi's third-generation MMI interface. The system will be capable of gathering information about real-time traffic conditions and relaying the info to the driver - allowing navigation to be as efficient as possible. Pricing will be revealed closer to the car’s launch early next year.
Original: Audi has added a second model to its Q-car lineup with the unveiling of the all-new Q5 SUV at the Beijing Motor Show this weekend. The new car is designed to rival new entrants like the Mercedes-Benz GLK, which also debuted at the Beijing event, as well the current BMW X3 and Lexus RX range.
The new Q5 measures 4.63m in length (wheelbase is 2.81m), 1.88m across and sits 1.65m tall. It also has a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.33. To save weight engineers used aluminum for much of the vehicle’s construction including the wraparound tailgate and hood.
The Audi Q5 is rolling off the production line in three engine variants – one petrol engine and two TDI diesel units. All of the engines employ direct-injection and turbocharging technology. The range kicks off with a revised version of Volkswagen Group’s familiar 2.0L TFSI, which in the new Q5 boasts a peak output of 211hp (155kW) and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque. This is enough to see the car reach 100km/h from rest in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 222km/h. Fuel consumption comes in at 27.67mpg (8.5L/100km).
The diesel engines come in either 2.0 or 3.0L guises. The four-cylinder 2.0 TDI produces 170hp (125kW) and 350Nm (258lb-ft) of torque and catapults the Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 204km/h. Average fuel consumption is 35.11mpg (6.7 L/100km).
The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers 240hp (176kW) and 500Nm (368.78lb-ft) of torque and accelerates the Q5 from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h. Average fuel consumption is 30.55mpg (7.7 L/100km).
All models feature quattro AWD and Audi’s new 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with gearshift switches on the steering wheel.
Inside, there’s space for five and the rear seats are angle-adjustable and can be folded away to expand storage space from 540 to 1,560L. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner. Premium trim includes aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara.
Additional features of the Audi Q5 include keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, a large panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control, sun blinds for the rear side windows, adaptive cornering lights and an electric tailgate.
Reader Comments
Sat Apr 19 2008 8:48 AM
94 Taurus owner says
A5 meets a shrinkwrapped Q7 equals a Q5.
Sat Apr 19 2008 12:07 PM
Renton says
I'm a BMW fan, however, if one of these small SUV gets a nice diesel, I'm buying.
Mercedes, Audi, VW, Honda, whoever puts the best one out in 2009 is getting my money
Sat Apr 19 2008 5:53 PM
Paul says
How much difference is this from the upcoming A4 Avant? The Avant looks better, handles better, stops better, goes faster, gets better mileage. Interior space is marginally better in the Q5 and with the 2.0 liter it won't add towing capability.
It seems to me that SUVs are slowly evolving right back to the good ol' station wagon.
I do love Audi though. But I'll take the new A4.
Thu May 1 2008 1:48 PM
Tonto says
I Like it!! Glad to see that Audi continues to offer improvements in their dual clutch transmissions, and their Diesel technology. How many SUV’s out there can match the Q5 3.0L TDI’s performance and still get over 30 miles per gallon?
Wed Jul 16 2008 7:34 AM
RB says
How boring can you get! just the car everyone needs - NOT
It has as much style as a brick in my view anyhow!
Wed Jul 16 2008 8:08 AM
michael says
Id rather get the mercees GLK its better looking and its a mercedes.
Wed Jul 16 2008 9:01 AM
mlevere1992 says
I wish these companies would get a clue and send us some diesels.....
Wed Jul 16 2008 11:35 AM
christian says
hell it looks better than the UGLY mercedes glk, and i havent seen the new updated x3, but the q5 compared to the current x3 looks lway better.
Wed Jul 16 2008 11:15 PM
Layne says
I want the diesel dammit!
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