Posted on Friday 18 April 2008
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.
A5 meets a shrinkwrapped Q7 equals a Q5.
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
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.
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?