Colin-on-Cars

 Audi tweaks Q5 range

Audi has given the Q5 a refresh and the sharpened exterior design now emphasises the Audi Q SUV identity and boasts a rear light cluster featuring digital OLED technology, for the first time. 

Up front, the octagonal Singleframe is now shallower and appears wider than before, while the side air intakes have grown in height and are now structured by trapezoidal insets and the upper section of the LED headlamps features a new signature for the daytime running lights. 

The Advanced model comes with chromed vertical ribs in the Singleframe, along with under-ride guards beneath the front and rear bumpers in silver finish instead of black. The S line model comprises a sportier honeycomb structure in the Singleframe and a chrome strip framing the rear diffusor. Both Advanced and S line models also include the high gloss styling package as standard which adds more distinctive design elements to the exterior look of the cars with the roof frame and window slot strips in anodized aluminium.

 

At 4,68 metres, the redesigned Audi Q5 is now 19 millimetres longer – due primarily to its larger bumpers. Its width (excluding mirrors) of 1,89 metres and height of 1,66 metres remain unchanged. 

Audi’s sliding rear bench plus with adjustable backrests is available as an option and enables a luggage space of 580-litres to 1 580-litres. With the normal rear bench, the luggage space measures 520-litres to 1 520-litres. 

Behind the new control setup in the updated Audi Q5 is a new main unit – the third-generation Modular Infotainment Platform (MIB 3), which offers 10 times the computing power of its predecessor, the MIB 2. 

Its basis is a conventional dashboard with a centrally positioned driver information system. The top of the range is the Audi virtual cockpit plus – a high-resolution 12,3-inch digital display with three different graphic layouts – is optionally available with the Technology package. The driver controls the displays via the multifunction steering wheel. Audi smartphone interface is now standard throughout the range. A head-up display is also available as an option.

 

The central 10,1-inch MMI touch display is standard equipment in the Q5. Its menu structure with flat hierarchies makes it extremely easy to use, and is searchable using free text. The driver has the choice of entering characters and letters manually or via voice control, which understands a vast array of everyday terms. 

The upgraded premium SUV comes to market in South Africa in two engine offerings. The Audi Q5 40 TDIhas a 2,0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine that generates 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 40 TDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7,9 seconds. 

The second engine in the range is the Audi Q5 45 TFSI. Its 2,0-litre four-cylinder TFSI engine generates 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque. The Audi Q5 45 TFSI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6,3 seconds. 

The mild hybrid system (MHEV) available on this model contributes to the low fuel consumption. A belt-driven starter/generator (BSG) supplies the 12-volt vehicle electrical system, which incorporates a compact lithium-ion battery. The BSG recuperates braking energy and stores it in the battery. The MHEV system enables the Audi Q5 45 TFSI to coast with the engine off, and allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h. Overall, this results in a fuel-efficiency improvement of approx. 0,3 l/100 km. 

Both models have a seven-speed S tronic that sends the engine power to the quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology, which also contributes to efficiency. In normal operation, it sends all the power to the front wheels. If all-wheel drive becomes necessary, two clutches connect the rear wheels to the driveline in fractions of a second.

 

The optimized Audi SQ5 TFSI sports a V6 3,0-litre petrol engine with an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque that accelerates the top model of the Q5 product line from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. 

Key standard equipment on the Audi SQ5 includes quattro with self-locking centre differential, red brake calipers with ‘S’ lettering, sports suspension system with damper control,  Audi connect navigation and infotainment, Audi virtual cockpit Plus, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, rear view camera system,  interior accent surfaces painted in glossy black, decorative inserts in matte brushed aluminium, fine Nappa leather with embossed ‘S’, sports seats in front, rear bench seat plus and sports contour leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function Plus in a 3-spoke flat-bottom design. 

Pricing 

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro                         R852,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced        R871,000

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro S line               R897,000

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro S line             R947,000

Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro                          R1,208,000