MOTORING with ALPHA MOLATLHWE
The Audi Q5 has been a favorite in the premium mid-size segment, around the world and for many years. And now, Audi has made it even better and even more attractive with a refreshed facelift. The optimized Q5 now combines a sporty character with excellent everyday usability and versatility. The sharpened exterior design of this highly successful model now emphasizes the Audi Q SUV identity and boasts a rear light cluster featuring digital OLED technology, for the first time. The strong Q identity characterizes the exterior of the refreshed Audi Q5 with its expression of power, robustness and safety. District green and ultra blue, all new, are two of the available paint colours.
Thanks to its intelligent material mix, the Q5 has one of the lightest body shells in the segment.
The upgraded premium SUV comes with two engine offerings. The Audi Q5 40 TDI accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds courtesy of the two-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which generates 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque.
The second engine in the range is the Audi Q5 45 TFSI. Its 2.0-liter 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, as well enabling the Audi Q5 45 TFSI to coast with the engine off, and allows for start-stop mode at speeds below 22 km/h. Overall, these results in a fuel-efficiency improvement of approx. 0.3 litres per 100 kilometers.
Both models are powered by a seven-speed S-tronic that sends the engine power to the quattro all-wheel drive with ultra-technology.
The multilink suspension front and rear are exceptionally light in weight and improves not only handling, but also efficiency. Audi’s dynamic steering, which varies its ratio by up to 100 percent in accordance with speed and steering angle is optional.
The sports suspension offers an alternative to the standard suspension and is an option for all models except the S line model, in which it is standard. The standard suspension with steel springs is also available with damper control and delivers a broad spread between comfortable and dynamic. As well as damper control, the adaptive air suspension can also vary the ground clearance of the body in five stages, which makes it an exceptionally good match for the Q5.
The Audi drive select handling system, which influences the characteristics of several technical components, is part of the standard equipment package. The same allows the driver to choose from up to seven profiles, including off-road and all-road (with air suspension). The hill descent assistant provides support on steep inclines.
The horizontal emphasis of the interior design conveys a feeling of fresh breadth and lightness. The sculptural, elegant sweep of the trim inlay separates the lower and upper sections of the dashboard, with the focal point formed by the new freestanding MMI touch display with acoustic feedback. The previous rotary/push control on the centre-tunnel console is absent and its place is now occupied by a storage cubby.
The cockpit of Next-generation OLED lighting technology is available for the first time ever in the modified Q5. The optional OLED rear light is split into three tiles of six segments each, which enables Audi designers and developers to create different light designs and signatures from a single item of hardware.
On switching the Audi drive select mode to “dynamic”, the lights change to yet another signature and the OLED rear-light cluster is also equipped with proximity detection.
The full spectrum of the OLED rear lights is rounded off by dynamic turn indicators. The standard equipment for the Q5 is now LED headlamps, with matrix LED headlamps available as an option. Their intelligent, adaptable high beam offers greater safety and convenience without dazzling other road users.
Sporty, powerful, and efficient: SQ5 TFSI
Even sharper, sportier, and more efficient: The optimized Audi SQ5 TFSI now looks even more impressive with a powerful stance and striking details that give it an even more rugged appearance. Vertical fins provide structure to the large side air inlets on the front bumpers. In the octagonal Singleframe grille that is specific to the S models, large octagonal honeycomb sections are linked by narrow bars. These have an aluminium finish, as do the fins on the air inlets.
Its V6 three-litre petrol engine with an output of 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque delivers its power smoothly and forcefully, also 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. An actuator in the exhaust system gives the V6 a sonorous sound.
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 & infotainment,
- Audi virtual cockpit Plus and
- A rear view camera system.
At the rear, a matte aluminium strip is integrated in the lower bumpers, below which are the diffuser insert and four chrome-plated oval tailpipes. The black styling package, which adds sporty accents, can be available on request.