- Four new engines that boast more power, more torque and greater efficiency
- New electromechanical steering improves consumption by 0.3l/100km
- Comprehensive equipment upgrades across the new Audi Q5 range
Audi's market-leading Q5 SUV has undergone a significant product update, inside and out, as well as under the bonnet and is now available for Australian buyers.
The visual changes are subtle, yet important, sharpening the overall look of the popular Q5 so that the front end appears lower and wider, while the high-gloss black grille now takes on a revised singleframe design. The optional LED daytime running lights form an elegant trapezoidal around the contour of the headlight unit, and at the rear, the diffuser has been redesigned and the twin tailpipes have been flattened at the bottom.
Under the bonnet of the Audi Q5, the engineers have been hard at work. The new electromechanical steering offers drivers greater precision, as well as fuel economy savings. When driving along a straight road, the new system bears no load on the engine, which can save up to 0.3l/100km.
Showcasing technology from the Audi modular efficiency platform, all engines in the Audi Q5 range come fitted with start/stop technology as standard to save fuel. All engines also utilise turbocharged or supercharged forced induction systems to deliver the kind of sporty performance expected of an Audi, along with efficiency gains of up to 15 percent.
The four-cylinder engines in the Audi Q5 range are all-new. The 2.0 TFSI petrol engine features the benefits of both direct and indirect fuel injection to increase power and save fuel respectively. Peak power is 165kW and maximum torque is a healthy 350Nm. The Q5 2.0 TFSI reaches 100km/h in a brisk 7.1 seconds, delivering fuel efficiency figures of 7.9 litres per 100km, while emitting 184 grams of CO2 per km.
The 2.0 TDI diesel engine is new to the Q5 range in Australia. A peak power figure of 130kW and a maximum torque figure of 380Nm represent gains of 5kW and 30Nm percent over the previous model. Despite this, fuel consumption is actually lower, at 6.1 litres per 100km. The 2.0 TDI model emits 159 grams of CO2 per km and reaches 100km/h from rest in 9.0 seconds.
The V6 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is completely new to the Q5, replacing the 3.2 FSI. Power and torque both lift significantly, to 200 kW and 400Nm. Sporty performance from this supercharged engine is assured, and the 3.0 TFSI accelerates to 100 km/h in a remarkable 5.9 seconds. This nimble performance however, doesn't come at the expense of responsible fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, which are 8.5 litres per 100km and 199 grams per km.
The six-cylinder 3.0 TDI diesel engine has been thoroughly overhauled. Engineers have reduced weight by 25kg thanks to the use of lighter metals in the crankcase, cylinder heads and ancillary lines. Peak power increases to 180kW, while maximum torque climbs to a formidable 580Nm. As a result, the Q5 3.0 TDI accelerates very swiftly, reaching 100 km/h from standstill in 6.5 seconds. Fuel consumption is impressively frugal, at only 6.4 litres per 100km, and the 3.0 TDI emits 169 grams of CO2 per km.
Both TDI diesel engines are fitted with the sporty seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission, while both TFSI petrol engines are equipped with a smooth-shifting eight-speed tiptronic transmission.
Suspension settings in the new Audi Q5 have also been revised to enhance ride comfort.
The entry-level four-cylinder models offer customers a substantial increase in equipment. Despite the addition of over $6,500 worth of features, there is no price increase. Electric front seats with lumbar support, 18-inch alloy wheels, convenience key, Audi drive select, tyre pressure monitor and hill-hold assist are just some of the additional features that now come standard with an entry-level Q5.
The six-cylinder models also benefit from an upgrade in standard equipment, with the addition of MMI navigation plus, rear reversing camera, electric passenger seat, the convenience of a memory package (seats and side mirrors), Audi drive select, tyre pressure monitor and hill-hold assist. This represents over $7,000 in extra value for the customer.
Pricing for the new Audi Q5
(Manufacturer List Pricing - excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic $62,200
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic $62,900
Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic $74,100
Audi Q5 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic $75,500