Audi Q5, the substance and the form

At the same time as it launches a new generation of electric vehicles, Audi is refreshing its range of models with combustion engines. After the A5 family (estate and Sportback), it is the turn of the Q5 to benefit from numerous improvements. Now based on the PPC platform (Premium Platform Combustion), an evolution of the MQB structure that adopts the latest electronics, this SUV will be noticed for its slightly reworked style. It adopts the latest codes outlined by the manufacturer’s style office.

The most striking element is the front end, which adopts a hypertrophied grille, large air intakes surrounded by chrome and slimmed-down headlights. At the rear, the 3D effect lights are connected by a light strip. The Matrix front headlights and digital rear lights offer up to eight light signatures. The sides have also been reworked to reinforce the impression of dynamism. The treatment of style details varies depending on the versions and engines.

Up to three digital displays

The passenger compartment has been completely redesigned. The dashboard is largely inspired by that of electric models, accommodating up to three digital tablets by integrating the optional 10.9-inch front passenger tablet. With OLED technology, the curved panoramic tablet houses the 11.9-inch instrument screen and the 14.5-inch touch screen controlling the multimedia system. The upholstery offered is largely made from recycled plastic fibers. A light strip highlights the base of the windshield and the start of the driver’s side windows. The storage spaces have been redesigned and optimized and the rear space benefits from a fully adjustable rear bench seat, in length and inclination.

Specific to the Q5, like the A5 range, it welcomes at its launch models equipped with MHEV + electrified technology based on a 48-volt system. It assists the combustion engine to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions, ensuring an additional torque of 230 Nm and power of 24 hp. The 48-volt system also allows the use of the electrically driven air conditioning compressor. The LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery has a storage capacity of 1.7 kWh. The new generator set (PTG) allows electric driving, relieves the combustion engine, thus helping to reduce fuel consumption. When decelerating, the generator set (TSG) reinjects up to 25 kW of energy into the battery (recuperation). At its launch, the Q5 will have three engines: the entry-level 4-cylinder TFSI 204 hp available in front-wheel drive and in a Quattro 4-wheel drive version; the turbo diesel TDI generation EA288 Evo also displaying 204 hp. Finally, the third element, the most powerful of all, is the SQ5. Its V6 TFSI with a displacement of 3 liters displays a power of 367 hp. In a second phase, the range will be enriched with plug-in hybrid versions displaying an electric range of more than 100 km. Finally, comfort has been the subject of particular attention, whether it is the standard suspension or the adaptive air suspension available as an option. The range starts at €57,550 for the Audi Q5 TFSI 204 hp in front-wheel drive version.