The new Audi Q5, which we previewed in Eurotuner magazine 2/08 with an exclusive look at the Cross Cabrio Concept, combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use.
Strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving. Highlights include the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and Audi drive select control system.
With its sporty elegance and artfully sculpted forms, the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on either side of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be outfitted with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.
Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate - made from aluminum, like the hood - clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The tail lights are available in eye-catching LED technology as well. Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting color or full paint finish in the color of the car. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19" wheels gives this SUV a robust flair.
At 9.22ft, the wheelbase is the longest in its segment - creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 19.07 to 55.09 cuft in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.
The Audi Q5 is rolling off the production line in three engine variants for the European market - one gasoline and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger - characterized by outstanding performance, hefty propulsive power and cultivated running while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.
The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features - turbocharging, gasoline direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable control of valve lift.
The high torque of 258 lb-ft is available at 1500rpm to 4200 rpm, with performance peaking at 211hp. The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.2sec, reaching a top speed of 138mph. On average, the vehicle consumes just 27.67mpg.
Drawing on four cylinders and two liters of displacement, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; like the gasoline engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 258.15 lb-ft between 1750 and 2500rpm, this diesel engine delivers strong propulsive power at an outstanding 170hp. Average consumption of just 35.11mpg is proof of Audi's successful efficiency strategy. The two-liter TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 62mph in 9.5sec, peaking at a top speed of 126.76mph. The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers a gratifying 240hp, with 368.78 lb-ft of torque available between 1500 and 3000rpm. With outstanding power flow and cultivated sound, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 62mph in 6.5sec, accelerating to a top speed of 140mph. On average, the three-liter engine consumes 30.55 mpg.
The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI - the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.
Just like in the new Audi A4, the position of the components in the drivetrain has been altered in the Audi Q5 - the differential is located in front of the clutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possible to move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase and optimum distribution of axle load. It is these features from which the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths - good directional stability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.
The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi builds the Q5 with quattro all-wheel drive - the only logical solution for a dynamic SUV. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65% of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85% to the rear axle.