Audi’s Q5 crossover has been on the market since the 2009 model year and received an update for 2013 to keep it looking fresh. However, development of a successor is well underway and we have some new details on the vehicle.
The next-generation Q5 for the U.S. market will be produced at Audi’s new plant in Mexico starting from 2016, which means we’re likely to see the vehicle introduced as a 2017 model. Planned annual output will be approximately 150,000 units initially.
Underpinning the vehicle will be Audi’s MLB Evo platform, which debuts in the 2017 Audi Q7 and will underpin most of the automaker’s lineup sized from the A4 up. Compared to the current MLB platform used by Audi, MLB Evo will help shed weight thanks to multi-material construction, and it will also accommodate electrified powertrains.
Engines will once again include four- and six-cylinder units in the next Q5, with the sporty SQ5 likely to continue with a supercharged V-6. The big news is the expected availability of a plug-in hybrid model, possibly with a ‘through-the-road’ hybrid all-wheel-drive system where an electric motor is used to power the rear axle.
The 2015 Q7 is expected to influence the styling of the next Q5, so look for an aggressive grille up front and sharper contour lines for the body. Inside, there will be plenty of tech goodies, including Audi’s new digital gauge cluster which was first shown in the 2016 TT sports car.
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