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2017/18 Audi Q5
The road to reveal was exhausting and at the same time filled with lots of spy images, rumors and teaser, but now the wait is finally over. Up to 198 pounds (90 kilograms) lighter than its predecessor, the 2017 Q5 might not look all that different compared to the model it’s about to replace, but it’s hiding some major hardware changes underneath its familiar skin.
Despite being significantly lighter, the new Q5 has grown in size and has a more aerodynamic body, which in the case of the four-cylinder models with the aero-optimized roof has enabled a drag coefficient of 0.30. At 4.66 meters (15.3 ft) long, 1.89 meters (6.2 ft) wide and 1.66 meters (5.4 ft) tall with a 2.82 meter (9.3 ft) wheelbase, the second generation is slightly larger than the previous model in order to accommodate a more spacious interior cabin with extra room for passengers as well as for their items. Cargo capacity is up by 10 liters and now stands at 550 to 610 liters (19.4 to 21.5 cu ft), depending on the position of the rear seats. Fold them down and the volume of the load area will jump to 1,550 liters (54.7 cu ft).
There’s not much to talk about in terms of design since Audi has decided to once again play it safe and take the evolutionary path, while borrowing some styling cues from the bigger Q7. The same thing can be said about the interior cabin where there’s now an entirely digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster available as an option to replace the analog dials. To avoid distractions behind the wheel, buyers will be given the possibility to order a head-up display set to project important information onto the windshield.
Riding on the same MLB Evo platform as the latest A4 and A5 models, the overhauled Q5 gets a similar array of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. For the European market, Audi has plans to sell its premium crossover upon launch with a 2.0 TFSI unit rated at 252 horsepower (185 kilowatts). However, we all know the bread and butter are going to be the TDIs, and the Q5 will be offered with a 2.0-liter in three states of tune: 150 hp (110 kW), 163 hp (120 kW), and 190 hp (140 kW). Should you want more diesel punch, a six-cylinder 3.0-liter TDI will push out 286 hp (210 kW) and 457 pound-feet (620 Newton-meters) of torque.
Depending on engine choice, the new Audi Q5 will be available with a six-speed manual, a seven-speed S tronic, and an eight-speed tiptronic reserved for the beefier 3.0 V6 TDI. All engines are connected to Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard, with the exception of the entry-level diesel where customers will have to pay extra to switch from FWD to AWD.
As announced through a recent teaser, the second-gen will be available with an optional adaptive air suspension making its debut on the Q5. Just like in the big-boy Q7, the drivers get to pick from five different modes to vary the car’s ride height. At an additional cost, dynamic steering can also be selected to vary the gear ratio based on the steering angle and the driving speed.
Even the entry-level model rides on 17-inch wheels, while upgrading to the design and sport equipment lines will bump the size to 18 inches. Go for the S Line sport package and Audi Design Selection and the Q5 will get larger 19-inch alloys. If those aren’t big enough, the crossover will be available with wheels up to 21 inches.
Unlike the outgoing Q5 made in Ingolstadt, its successor will be assembled in Mexico at the new San José Chiapa factory. Sales are scheduled to begin early next year in Europe, with the base price in Germany at €45,100.
Despite being significantly lighter, the new Q5 has grown in size and has a more aerodynamic body, which in the case of the four-cylinder models with the aero-optimized roof has enabled a drag coefficient of 0.30. At 4.66 meters (15.3 ft) long, 1.89 meters (6.2 ft) wide and 1.66 meters (5.4 ft) tall with a 2.82 meter (9.3 ft) wheelbase, the second generation is slightly larger than the previous model in order to accommodate a more spacious interior cabin with extra room for passengers as well as for their items. Cargo capacity is up by 10 liters and now stands at 550 to 610 liters (19.4 to 21.5 cu ft), depending on the position of the rear seats. Fold them down and the volume of the load area will jump to 1,550 liters (54.7 cu ft).
There’s not much to talk about in terms of design since Audi has decided to once again play it safe and take the evolutionary path, while borrowing some styling cues from the bigger Q7. The same thing can be said about the interior cabin where there’s now an entirely digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster available as an option to replace the analog dials. To avoid distractions behind the wheel, buyers will be given the possibility to order a head-up display set to project important information onto the windshield.
Riding on the same MLB Evo platform as the latest A4 and A5 models, the overhauled Q5 gets a similar array of turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines. For the European market, Audi has plans to sell its premium crossover upon launch with a 2.0 TFSI unit rated at 252 horsepower (185 kilowatts). However, we all know the bread and butter are going to be the TDIs, and the Q5 will be offered with a 2.0-liter in three states of tune: 150 hp (110 kW), 163 hp (120 kW), and 190 hp (140 kW). Should you want more diesel punch, a six-cylinder 3.0-liter TDI will push out 286 hp (210 kW) and 457 pound-feet (620 Newton-meters) of torque.
Depending on engine choice, the new Audi Q5 will be available with a six-speed manual, a seven-speed S tronic, and an eight-speed tiptronic reserved for the beefier 3.0 V6 TDI. All engines are connected to Quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard, with the exception of the entry-level diesel where customers will have to pay extra to switch from FWD to AWD.
As announced through a recent teaser, the second-gen will be available with an optional adaptive air suspension making its debut on the Q5. Just like in the big-boy Q7, the drivers get to pick from five different modes to vary the car’s ride height. At an additional cost, dynamic steering can also be selected to vary the gear ratio based on the steering angle and the driving speed.
Even the entry-level model rides on 17-inch wheels, while upgrading to the design and sport equipment lines will bump the size to 18 inches. Go for the S Line sport package and Audi Design Selection and the Q5 will get larger 19-inch alloys. If those aren’t big enough, the crossover will be available with wheels up to 21 inches.
Unlike the outgoing Q5 made in Ingolstadt, its successor will be assembled in Mexico at the new San José Chiapa factory. Sales are scheduled to begin early next year in Europe, with the base price in Germany at €45,100.
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