Audi is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance of late with all new models and updates of existing models. The latest addition to this revitalisation is the all new Q5 which has finally arrived in Australia. Don’t get excited yet as it is only the premodels. The real sales don’t start until June.
However in the meantime we can have a look at the model specifics and pricing to tantalise the appetite
These early arrivals will be available for customer test drives in selected dealerships around the country from the end of April, ahead of the official launch of the new Q5.
“The first-generation Q5 went on to establish itself as the most successful Audi SUV in Australia,” said Scott Maynard, General Manager Sales at Audi Australia.
“Owners found the size of the Audi Q5 was the perfect compromise between the versatility modern families need, while still being easy to manoeuvre in an urban environment and offering fuel efficient city and long-distance driving. In short, it ticked all the boxes.
“The all-new second-generation Audi Q5 brings improvements in every area – interior space, fuel efficiency, progressive technology and now with a more modern, sophisticated design. Based on this, and on the back of the success of the first generation, it’s no surprise that there have been a long list of loyal Q5 customers talking to our dealers, who can’t wait to drive the all-new model,” said Mr Maynard.
In addition to numerous improvements, this second-generation Audi Q5 also boasts a muscular new design that is more taut and sculpted than ever, with a broader stance and sharply defined creases that accentuate the new car’s striking proportions. The new model is also as much as 90kg lighter in direct comparison with its predecessor, affording significant improvements in handling, ride comfort and of course, fuel efficiency.
Another significant contributor to the 12 percent reduction in fuel consumption (2.0 TDI) is the innovative ‘quattro ultra’ drivetrain that is standard with both new drivetrains. The new system contributes 4 kg to the new car’s overall weight savings, alone.
When all-wheel-drive traction is not required, using only the front axle for propulsion is more efficient. In this case, two clutches disengage to minimise drivetrain torque losses, which in turn, aids fuel efficiency. The first clutch is at the front of the propeller shaft, while the second opens in the rear differential, which saves the drag of the differential drive gear turning in the oil bath. When the sophisticated torque control system detects wheel slip, up to 100 percent torque can be sent to either axle.
To complement this new quattro system, a new drive select program has been developed. In ‘auto’ mode, the drive select provides the best possible traction and balanced handling. In dynamic mode, power is actively sent to the rear axle sooner and to a larger degree, which improves handling in slippery conditions. In the new ‘offroad’ setting, the all-wheel drive system is always engaged.
The all-new Q5 is available with a choice of two drivetrains: a 2.0 TDI diesel engine and a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine. Both engines are mated to a redeveloped seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission that shifts smoother and faster, to aid fuel economy and driving comfort. Both drivetrains also benefit from an advanced start-stop system and meet EU 6 standards.
The 2.0 TDI engine delivers 140 kW and a substantial 400Nm of torque, the latter in a wide range between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. Fuel consumption is a frugal 5.3 litres per 100km, some 0.7 L/100km less than its predecessor. This engine is available in two trim lines – design and sport.
The 2.0 TFSI boasts impressive efficiency technology, including intelligent thermal management, dual injection and the Audi valvelift system (AVS), allowing it to produce 185 kW and 370 Nm, with fuel consumption of 7.3 L/100km. Acceleration is lively, reaching 100km/h from rest in just 6.3 seconds. The 2.0 TFSI is available in Audi’s high-end sport trim line.
The all-new Audi Q5 has been awarded a 5-star EuroNCAP safety rating, thanks to an impressive array of standard safety features on all models. These include:
- Audi pre-sense city with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection (up to 85 km/h)
- Exit Warning system
- Cross traffic assist
- Audi side assist blind spot warning system
- Audi pre-sense basic (belt tensioning, window closing and other preventative measures if an emergency is detected)
- Audi pre-sense rear (warns following traffic if they are at risk of running into the rear of the car)
- Parking system plus with rear-view camera
In addition, the following safety features are standard equipment in the high-end sport models:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
- Turn assist
- Audi pre-sense front (collision warning up to 250km/h)
- Predictive efficiency assistant
- High-beam assist
The all-new Audi Q5 represents a huge step forward in the field of progressive technology, compared to its predecessor. In the areas of infotainment and connectivity, the new Q5 is the benchmark in the premium segment.
MMI Navigation, with a 7-inch high-resolution screen, 3D maps, live traffic info and natural voice recognition for handsfree control is standard, even in the entry design model. In addition, every Q5 comes equipped with Audi Connect, which enables a high-speed 4G LTE connection via a regular data SIM card, as well as Google Earth and Google Search functionality. Audi smartphone interface allows connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is standard on all Q5 models.
The all-new Audi Q5 offers an additional 10 litres of luggage space in comparison with its predecessor, meaning between 550-610 litres of space is available, depending on how the optional sliding rear seat bench is positioned. With the seats folded, a capacious 1550 litres of luggage space is available.
The all-new Audi Q5 comes standard with an electric tailgate, activated by a sensor-controlled ‘kick motion’. A myriad of Audi genuine accessories are also available to allow owners to integrate their active lifestyle with their Q5, like a luggage-securing kit with load rails in the boot floor, bike racks, a kayak holder, aerodynamic roof box and many others.
The excellent customer value proposition that the original Audi Q5 offered was one of the key reasons behind its success, and the list of standard equipment is further extended in the new generation. Key equipment highlights are listed below:
Q5 design (entry model)
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and taillights
- Leather-appointed seats
- 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats
- Convenience key (hands-free entry and engine start)
- Multifunction steering wheel, with shift-paddles
- 3-zone climate control deluxe air conditioning, with digital rear display
- Audi audio system with CD player, 2x SDXC card readers and an 8-speaker audio system
Q5 sport (in addition to/above the design equipment line)
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators
- Sport front seats
- Audi virtual cockpit 12.3-inch high-resolution dashboard
- MMI Navigation plus with larger 8.3-inch high-resolution screen, MMI touch, DVD player and 5 included map updates
- Audi premium sound system with 10 speakers including subwoofer and 180w output
In addition to the generous standard equipment list, high-value Comfort, S line and Technik packages are available to customers who wish to personalise their new Q5 to best suit their own priorities.
The all-new Audi Q5 is available to order now, with first customer vehicles due to arrive in June.
Pricing
*(Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
| Q5 design 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic | 140kW | $65,900 |
| Q5 sport 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic | 140kW | $70,700 |
| Q5 sport 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic | 185kW | $73,500 |
