By Otsile Kadiege

One of Audi’s best-selling models is the Q5 SUV which debuted back in 2008. Two generations later, the ‘four rings’ automaker has unveiled the all-new third-generation Q5 which has grown in size, is built on the new PPC architecture, boasts Audi’s new design language, a range of hybridised petrol and diesel engines, a raft of new technologies and intelligent lighting technology to name a few.

Exterior design and styling

Outside, the new Q5 sports a design which is similar to the brand’s electric Q6 e-tron and new A5. Highlights include a sporty, wide Singleframe flanked by vertical functional air curtains and sharp-looking advanced LED headlights, and configurable LED daytime running lights.

As standard, the Q5 range is equipped with alloy wheels in sizes from 17 to 21 inches, depending on the exterior and engine. Aerodynamically optimized wheels are available as an option for sizes between 17 and 19 inches. The S line exterior and the S model come with 19-inch wheels as standard. At the rear, the Q5 features a three-dimensional shaped light strip with intelligent OLED technology. After being bullied by car enthusiasts online, Audi has fitted the Q5 range with real exhaust tips.

 There is a choice of eleven colors for the new Audi Q5 models, including the Arkona White solid paint finish. Glacier White, Mythos black, Floret Silver, Navarra Blue, Grenadine Red, District Green and the new color Tambora Gray are available as metallic paint finishes. Ultra Blue metallic, Daytona Grey pearl effect and the new Sakhir Gold metallic are available exclusively for the S models or vehicles with exterior S line. Particularly high-quality and, depending on the customer’s wishes, personally configurable individual paint finishes from Audi exclusive are also available for the Q5 models.

Interior design, practicality and technology

Like the exterior, the interior of the new Q5 looks identical to the Q6 e-tron. Climbing inside, you are greeted by a human-centric cabin with highlights including a newly designed steering wheel, a free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display which has a curved design and OLED technology and houses the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. The 10.9-inch MMI Passenger Display can be ordered specially for front passengers.

More interior highlights include quilted leather seats, a centre armrest made of Kaskade and Dinamica sustainable materials, an Android Automotive OS, an optional 16-speaker 685 watts Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, an optional Head-Up Display, a 15 watts wireless charging pad, two USB-C ports in the front, and two in the rear, and a luggage capacity of 1 473 litres with the rear seats folded.

Advanced driver assistance systems

Audi provides a wide range of driver assistance systems in the new Q5 models. A rear parking aid with distance display, cruise control and speed limiter, lane departure warning, efficiency assistant and attention and drowsiness assistant are standard from market launch.

Additional assistance packages with numerous features can be configured as an option. These include, for example, the Adaptive Driving Assistant plus, which uses high-resolution map data and swarm data from other vehicles calculated in the cloud to optimize traffic sign recognition and assist with acceleration, maintaining speed and distance as well as lane guidance. Active Front Assist combines four assistance functions: Front Emergency Brake Assist, Evasion Assist, Turn Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Assist. Other assistance systems available include traffic sign-based cruise control, Park Assist plus and Rear Turn Assist.

Engine lineup

In Europe, the Audi Q5 SUV models will be launched with three engine versions, with further drive variants to follow. At market launch, all variants will be equipped with MHEV plus technology, which can provide up to 18 kW of additional power for short periods. All models use the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

The entry-level engine is the 2.0 TFSI. It delivers 150 kW of power and 340 Nm of maximum torque and is equipped with front-wheel drive. As an option quattro all-wheel drive is also available.The Audi Q5 is available with the 2.0 TDI in the EA288 evo generation. It delivers 150 kW and 400 Nm and is only available with quattro all-wheel drive. Audi is offering the Audi SQ5 as the top model in the series at market launch. The V6 TFSI with a displacement of 3.0-liters produces 270 kW and 550 Nm.

Availability

The new Audi Q5 family will be produced at the Audi site in San José Chiapa, Mexico. Audi South Africa is yet to announce local availability.