Audi reveals a new generation of Q5 SUV – and it’s powered by internal combustion engines
Want electric power? You need a Q4 or Q6 e-tron
Audi is continuing with its popular, and lucrative, family-sized Q5 SUV for a third outing – but says this will be the last generation of the model to be powered by internal combustion.
From launch, it will be powered by mild-hybrid-enhanced petrol and diesel engines, with a couple of plug-in hybrids already pencilled in further down the line.
The interior showcases Audi’s latest cabin architecture, the “Digital Stage”, while the outside features smooth styling and fancy LED light signatures that can be changed through one of eight designs, simply by the driver selecting them on the infotainment touchscreen.
Mild-hybrid launch line-up
The Q5 is the second Audi to be built on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) after the A4-replacing A5.
There are just three engines confirmed for the midsized SUV from the outset, which are a pair of 2-litre four-cylinder units in both petrol and diesel forms, and then a high-performance 3-litre V6 in the range-topping SQ5.
All of these are fitted with Audi’s “MHEV Plus” 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This sees an 18kW (24bhp) starter-generator hooked up to a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, which can assist the Q5 with acceleration and also recuperate energy when braking, all to reduce fuel consumption.
It even has an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor, so that the car won’t blow warm air at its occupants through the cabin vents when it is stopped in traffic with the engine off.
Official fuel economy and CO2 emissions haven’t been revealed for the Q5 range as yet, so it’s not clear precisely what quantifiable effect the mild-hybrid tech has on the drivetrains.
Speaking of which, powertrain choices are the TFSI petrol or the TDI diesel. Both turbocharged four-cylinder engines deliver up to 201bhp, but the diesel has more torque (twisting force), with 295lb ft compared to the petrol’s 251lb ft peak figure.
Those wanting more performance will need the V6 SQ5 flagship, which has 362bhp and 406lb ft, while it also has sportier chassis settings for a sharper, less comfort-oriented drive.
Plug-in hybrids on the way
All three models confirmed for the Q5 launch range use a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as standard.
The TFSI petrol is nominally front-wheel drive, although it can be optioned up with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. Both the TDI and the SQ5 come with quattro as standard.
Anyone who wants more electrification in their Q5 than the mild-hybrid drivetrains might want to wait for the plug-in hybrids that are coming down the line, which will be badged TFSI e.
These will have either 295bhp or an SQ5-matching 362bhp depending on spec and are reputed to have battery packs big enough that will allow them to travel more than 50 miles on zero-emission electric power alone.
That will help with their CO2 outputs, which should make the TFSI e Q5s far more attractive propositions due to impressive tax liabilities, both for private and business users.
In terms of the suspension, Audi will fit the regular TFSI and TDI Q5s with steel springs and passive frequency selective damping as standard, while a sports set-up will be an option. The latter will be the standard suspension for the SQ5, however.
Another chassis option will be full adaptive damper control with air suspension, while every new Q5 will be fitted with Audi’s variable-ratio progressive steering.
Huge digital interface inside
As seen on the Q6 e-tron, A5 family and the A6 e-tron – all recently revealed by the German manufacturer – the new Q5 has a giant widescreen construct which dominates the dashboard.
This sites an 11.9in digital instrument cluster alongside the main 14.5in infotainment touchscreen.
Even more screens can be specified if customers opt for the configurable head-up display – the first system of this type which can be controlled by buttons on the Q5’s steering wheel – and the additional 10.9in passenger display screen, a feature which is lifted from the current Porsche range.
It’s not just the tech which impresses in the Q5’s interior, though, but the warm, homely ambience.
Driving.co.uk was invited to a preview event where we could look at, sit in and prod the Q5’s cabin, and it’s replete with top-quality materials, attractive touches and classy ambient lighting.
Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either, as the Q5 is spacious in the second row and has rear seating which slides and tilts separately, allowing up to 1,473 litres of boot space to be liberated (with the SUV in two-seat mode).
Audiophiles will be catered for by the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system option, which has 16 loudspeakers, 685 watts of power and a noise-cancelling function to counteract outside noise.
Eight different light signatures
Externally, the smoothed-off shape of the Q5 owes a lot to the styling hallmarks of the Q4 e-tron and Q6 e-tron electric SUV ranges which bracket it in Audi’s product portfolio.
Fans of LED lighting might want to pay attention to the Q5’s head- and taillight clusters, which have eight different signatures from which owners can choose.
One of those has a “glimmering” effect to the rear lights when in operation, something already seen on the impending A5 and A6 e-tron.
Audi will offer 11 body colours for the Q5, as well as alloy wheels ranging in size from 17- to 21in.
Gernot Döllner, chairman of the board of management of Audi AG, said of the new car: “The Audi Q5 has been our most successful and most important SUV model in the midsize class for more than 15 years. The new edition is a further development of its proven characteristics.
“As the second model in our new generation of highly efficient combustion engines, it marks the next important step in the rejuvenation of our portfolio. I am certain that the new Audi Q5, as a sporty all-rounder with a dynamic SUV design, will continue its success story.”
Prices and specs for the incoming Q5 SUV range will be announced by Audi UK in October.
Related articles
- If you found news on an the new Audi Q5 interesting, you may want to read our review of a prototype of the updated Audi S3
- You might also like to read our review of the BMW M3 Touring
- Have you seen the all-electric Audi A6 e-tron?
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