2017 Audi Q5
The 2017 Audi Q5 is finally on display at
the 2016 Paris Auto Show, the latest SUV the brand with the four rings came up
with is said to combine "the sportiness of an Audi saloon with the
multifaceted character and a highly flexible interior", while adding the
latest connectivity and driver assistance systems.
The 2017 Audi Q5 has a more rugged appearance than
its predecessor, which amplifies its off-road credentials. Influences are
coming from the larger Q7 and even the smaller Q2, while the signature grille
and the shape of the LED or high-res Matrix LED headlights, depending on the
model selected, make it instantly recognizable as an Audi.
While its exterior screams SUV through its pores,
underneath the skin, the new Q5 is actually an A4, as it is underpinned by the
same MLB evo platform used on the compact car, which is also found on the Q7 as
well.
The architecture helps is shed up to 90 kg from its total weight, but despite being lighter, it has actually
increased in size and spans at 4.66m long, 1.89m wide and
1.66m tall, with a 2.82m wheelbase. Boot space ranges from 550
to 610 liters, 10 liters more than
before, and it can expand up to 1,550 liters with the rear
bench folded down.
Inside, the more spacious cabin has room for five
passengers, who will quickly notice the standard 7.0-inch free-standing screen
or the optional 8.3-inch display, which is controllable through the rotary dial
and touch pad, along with the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is on the options
list. Other features include the LTE module, Wi-Fi hotspot, Audi Connect
Services, Audi phone box, Bang&Olufsen premium sound system, Audi tablet,
which serves as a flexible rear-seat entertainment device, Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto compatibility, and a wide range of driver assistance and safety
systems.
The engine lineup counts a 2.0-liter TFSI petrol,
with 252 PS, joined by four TDI diesels, including the 2.0-liter with
150 PS, 163 PS and 190 PS, and the 3.0-liter that
develops 286 PS and 620 Nm of torque.
Depending on the selected version, the Germans can
throw in a six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, while the
8-speed tiptronic is reserved for the most potent variant. The Quattro AWD is
standard on all models, except for the 150 PS diesel, where FWD can be
exchanged for all-wheel drive, but for an extra cost.
The most basic version of the Q5 comes with
five-link front and rear suspension, with adjustable dampers and steel springs,
similar to the ones on the A4. The air suspension will become available too, as an option, and it will
include a self-leveling feature taken straight from the Q7.
By the time it will arrive at dealers across Europe
from early next year, the new Q5 will come with five new trim levels - Sport,
Design, S Line, Design Selection and S Line - and prospective buyers will have
to choose from 14 exterior colors. All examples will be assembled in Mexico and
the cheapest version will carry a starting price of € 45,100 (US$ 50,555) in
Germany.
