With over 1.5 million units sold in its first generation, the Q5 is by far and away one of Audi’s most successful models. But after a lengthy run that’s spanned more than eight years, it’s time for an all-new model.
The 2018 Q5 is completely redesigned, and is a new vehicle from the wheels up. It rides on the MLB platform, just like the Audi A4, and uses plenty of aluminum in its construction. You’ll find it in the suspension, the powertrain, the hood, the tailgate, and other areas. In all, the new Q5 weighs around 125 kg (200 lbs) less than the outgoing model, despite being slightly larger overall.
Style-wise, the Q5 is very much akin to its bigger brother, the Q7. The design as a whole is more angular, though some of the sharp edges and flat planes are softened by the flowing belt-line that swoops over the front and rear arches. LED headlamps framed by LED accented lamps are bold and bright, and flank the oversized hexagonal Audi single-frame grille. The cabin of the Q5 is similar to the A4 and Q7, sporting an available 12.3-inch TFT reconfigurable instrument cluster design, plus a large infotainment screen that appears to hover above the centre stack.
High-tech features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless device charging are available. Radar cruise control with stop and go assist, emergency autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are also available.
The Q5 is available in three trims: Komfort, Progressiv, and Technik, each of which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine that develops 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque which is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The engine also features and idle-stop system as standard.
All Q5s also get the brand new Quattro Ultra all-wheel drive system, which is also found on the A4 Allroad. The Ultra setup ditches the previous car’s centre differential in favour of a pair of clutch packs that can disengage the rear driving wheels to save fuel. With its advanced powertrain, the Q5 now consumes 10.7 L/100 km city, down from 12.0, though highway consumption increases slightly from 8.6 to 9.0.
Standard equipment on the Komfort includes xenon headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, metal-finish roof rails, power front wheels, heated front seats, leather upholstery, interior ambient lighting, 40/20/40 split folding rear seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, power tailgate, electromechanical parking brake, 7.0-inch display audio system, 10-speaker audio system, smartphone interface, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and selectable drive modes.
The Progressiv trim adds 19-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, driver memory, aluminum interior trim, heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors, hands-free tailgate with stainless steel protector, garage door opener, navigation, reverse camera, and parking sensors.
Technik adds unique 19-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree parking camera, heated and cooled cupholders, 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster display, full LED headlamps, Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, configurable ambient interior lighting, Audi connect telematics system, automatic high beams, and heated rear seats.
Pricing for the Q5 starts at $44,950, with the Technik starting at $54,200.
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