2017 Audi Q5 set for spring launch
Audi took the wraps of its second-generation Q5 SUV at the Paris Motor Show. It gets a fresh look and bigger interior
Audi’s popular Q5 SUV will get a substantial reworking for its second-generation model, which has been unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.
However, it only get a minor evolution to its looks but it’s one that aligns it more closely with the appearance of the latest Q7. The new Q5 is slightly longer than before with a longer wheelbase, while width and height remain mostly unchanged. As a result, there’s an increase of 10 litres boot capacity.
At the front the Q5 has a more dominant single frame grille and sharper headlights, there are new body creases down the flanks and redesigned taillights at the rear but in reality, it’s as before for the Q5.
By using a mix of steel and aluminium in the construction of the body, Audi has shed up to 90kg of weight.
There will be three engines available to order, one petrol and two diesel. The petrol is a 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder that develops 249bhp, returns 41.5mpg on a combined cycle and emits 154g/km of CO2.
At launch in the UK, the Q5 gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with 187bhp, while a 3.0-litre V6 version arrives later with 282bhp.
All engines will be available with either a redeveloped six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed S Tronic automatic. The automatic now has a freewheel function to save fuel.
A new four-wheel-drive Quattro system is standard with the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel. In normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels, with power only being sent to the rear axle when needed for additional traction, which saves fuel.
There's a newly developed five-link suspension system, while Audi select allows you to control the vehicle's comfort and dynamic settings. Two new settings; lift/offroad and allroad; add more all-terrain flexibility. Air suspension and dynamic steering are available as optional extras.
Inside, you can now get the cost optional Audi virtual cockpit which allows you to personalise the instrument panel and features a 12.3in high-resolution screen. The infotainment system gets a rotary controller between the front seats linked to an 8.3in display, while MMI touch with optional navigation plus brings a touchpad and gesture control.
‘Personal Route Assist’ learns your regularly taken routes and suggest the best route depending on traffic information.
The tailgate is powered as standard while an optional hands-free system can be selected. The optional air suspension allows you to manually lower the rear suspension to aid loading and unloading.
The new Q5 gets a variety of standard and optional safety packs including; adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist (does minor steering for you); active lane assist, distance warning; rear cross traffic assist; pre sense city emergency braking system; park assist.
Made in Mexico, the new Q5 will be available to order towards the end of 2016 and arrives in showrooms in the spring of 2017.
