Prices and specs of the new Audi Q5 have been revealed, following the car's reveal at the Paris motor show last year.
Three specs are available; SE, Sport and S line, with prices starting from £37,170 for the 2.0-litre diesel in SE form, rising to £38,270 for the same car in Sport trim, and £40,220 for S line. The 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine costs around £800 more across the board. First deliveries are expected for April.
Audi's second-generation BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC rival is closely related to the latest A4 saloon, and has been engineered from scratch to reduce weight.
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Weight-saving tech
Key to that weight loss is the adoption of VW Group's MLB platform - already used by the A4 and the larger Q7. The new Q5 is close to the old model in size, but incorporates better packaging to improve interior space. The new Q5 is also one of the most aerodnamic cars in this class, and Audi is promising 'exceptionally' low wind noise and very little vibrations in the cabin.
The exterior of the Q5 has been given a more rugged appearance than the current car, in order to amplify the car's off-road credentials. Clear influences from the Q7 and smaller Q2 can be seen, particularly around the front of the car. Its headlights come as either LED or high-resolution Matrix LED depending on specification, and Audi's dynamic turn signals also feature.
Inside the five-seat cabin, buyers will be able to opt for Audi's 12.3in Virtual Cockpit display - already in use on a wide variety of models - as well as two different infotainment screens. A 7.0in free-standing screen will feature on the standard car, while range-topping models will get a larger 8.3in screen. The system is controlled via a rotary dial and touch pad. Top-end versions also include haptic feedback. A newly developed head-up display is on the options list, and can project relevant information directly onto the windscreen.
Engines
The new Q5 will come with a range of four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel options, with most engines carried over from the A4. The V6 motors are part of a new generation of enignes jointly developed between Audi and Porsche. Also planned is a plug-in hybrid version of the Q5, to satisfy the growing demand for hybrid SUVs. That model will feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working in combination with an electric motor - it's said to have an all-electric range of up to 31 miles, as previewed by the Audi Allroad Shooting Brake concept car.
At launch, two options are available; a 2.0-litre TDI diesel in 187bhp form, and a 2.0-litre petrol with 249bhp - which is claimed by Audi to return 40.9mpg and emit 157g/km. A 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 282bhp will come later.
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Price Up - Spec Down
Price Up - Spec Down
A great quote...
"Such a self-referential muddle of Audi cues that it risks disappearing up its own exhaust pipe".
Just a dumpier-looking version of the old one.
A step sideways on the looks front, I'd say, rather than an "evolution" of any sort.