April19
Audi used the Beijing Motor Show on Saturday to launch its all-new Q5 crossover. Building on the success of its larger Q7, Audi hopes the Q5 will allow it to capitalize on the growing demand for more compact SUVs.
Nearly a year ago, Audi announced it would build the Q5, following a 300 million euro investment in the Ingolstadt production facility. The crossover is Audi’s answer to the X3 from BMW and Mercedes’ upcoming GLK.
At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment – creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high, giving it a sporty appearance. 19-inch wheels further bolster this look.
The Q5 shares a platform with the A4 and A5. The platform's layout will make it possible for Audi to offer a full range of engines, meaning that the brand’s various FSI-equipped four and six-cylinder engines, plus some high efficiency diesel models will be offered. It’s even possible that the 4.2 litre V8 will find its way under the hood for an S-line version.
Current global engine choices include: a 2.0 TFSI (211 hp / 258 lb-ft), a 2.0 TDI (170 hp / 258 lb-ft), and a 3.0 TDI (240 hp / 369 lb-ft). It's not know which engines will be offered in the U.S. market.
The Q5 has an updated version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system with a six-speed manual or the new seven-speed DSG gearbox. It comes equipped stahdard with hill-descent control and an adjustable air suspension. The Q5 is a five-seater, unlike the seven-person Q7.
Despite being a car-based crossover, the Q5 is still capable off-road. Its climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is very respectable. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 7.87 inches, with a fording depth of up to 19.69 inches when driving through water.
The Q5 can be ordered with a number of luxury features. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.
Additional extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated.
Sweet!
Stupid.
When new Audi's debut the only thing I think to look at is what kind of crazy design the headlights will be this time.
"additional high tech features…tire pressure monitoring…" Com'on LLN's…who's writing these stories?? Its law now to have tire pressure monitoring, not high tech!! The lowest priced driveable car on the road has it. Adaptive headlights?? Lexus had them in 2003. Now a panoramic roof option…thats high tech! Sheesh…
@jdasch1: If you are pulling out comments like that… The Tucker had that feature in 1948.
Nicely executed.
The theme in the rear with the taillights and part lines are interesting.
The whole rear area with the d-pillar and the fender crease is really well done.
Looks like a winner
Ok, now that is NICE! Love the headlights. Looks like daylight-running LED's. I'd take this over the X3 or GLX (or whatever that new, compact SUV that Mercedes has.) Oh, and this is way better looking than any of the Acura SUV's. About the only thing in this class that is on par stylistically would be the Infiniti EX.
But hey, that's just my opinion.
Awesome, I love it. I want this and a VW Up on my West Hollywood driveway
Yea I love this thing. Very well designed. Looks like it will look good both on and off road. I would probably keep it on the road.
This will be a class leader without any doubt. X3 looks even more ugly now. good job Audi.
Bleah, just another insipid Audi, this time a "small enviromentally firendly" SUV…
Why do people like those headlights so much!? They have the most boring outline (rounded rectangle) and the inside, by contrast, is full of meaningless shapes and curved lines to make up for the outside…
I'd have to ask a professional designer for an expert opinion, because my opinion is that is kitsch…
another day, another new unreliable audi in the lineup, and it still looks like all the other ones. Tsk tsk
Side profile is ugly on this thing. I would be embarrassed to drive it!
Come back when you can give me an SUV, CUV, or whatever that gets better that 30MPG average.
since when Audi is unreliable? I can see why americans dont like Q5. Cause they cant get their fat asses in it.
^^^ Well I don't know what kind of cars they give skinny European snobs… but over here at least - VW/Audi is not synonymous with reliability.
Side profile looks sleek. The shape of the windows remind me of a Mazda Protege5 / Astina. This is the first Audi front grille I actually think work well with the personality of the car. Overall a balance and elegant design!
Yeah and VW AG products worry me regarding reliability.
Looks like what the RDX should be. And the back is kind of reminiscent of the Vera Cruz…
As much as Audi tries to distance themselves from VW, it is hard to ignore how proportionally similar this is to the Tiguan, particularly in profile! Even the rear doors cut into the wheel arches in the exact same way. And the headlights look much more Volvo C30 than Audi.
sharpie is spot on.. the Q5's overall shape, and particularly the rear quarter window treatment, is almost IDENTICAL to the Mazda Familia/Protege hatchback that debuted way back in 1998!
Very good looking. Plain, simple, nothing screaming. Form follows function. My money on 2.0L FSI which is not a bad choice. Would be nice to have also diesel.
@AMGoff:
Dude, ignore the european's comments, they think VW is premium so Audi must be GOD!
We suffer from the "premium" syndrome here in Europe! There are no more "normal" cars, everything is premium. even Fiat builds "premium"…
Actually, the only "normal" manufacturer is Europe is Renault's low-cost Dacia brand, but that will probably become premium in the next years as Renault will probably go "luxury" themselves. Renault's partner Nissan will do only super cars, most of them running of 4 cylinder diesel engines, and Infinity will refrain from selling their car to mere mortals, opting in turn to sell straight to angels in Heaven! Hell, by that time, will be of course motorized by Lexus, who found themselves without a market after Toyota turned "luxury" because Scion decided to go "premium"…
Yeah, I'm exagerating, isn't it fun!?
What I'm trying to say is that the car manufacturers build a lot of expensive useless crap these days, targeted at dickless snots. The problem is that, unfortunately, this social class is getting larger and larger each year!
Definitely a good looking vehicle, however, I still don't get the point of this entire small-SUV segment. The only ONE thing that can be argued in favor of SUVs is that they are good for active families (so they can go off roading/camping, fit everyone in the car, and possibly tow some fun). This segment is good for none of those. In fact, an A6 would be just as good, if not better, looking that this and do all the same things this can in addition to get more MPG. This kind of faux-SUV thing is comparable to faux-luxury divisions like Acura in my opinion. But hey, it looks good and I suppose Audi needs it to compete with BMW and Benz
At least it's mildly capable off road, unlike the BMW X3.
Audi FTW!
sweetness
the side profile looks Korean. THe front looks really good though
Im Back After a retune of the computer and car!
This is awesome. However, reliability is still a major concern with VW autos. Also, does anyone here have any info on the price of this thing?
Yeah Audis and VWs sell so well around the world because they are so unreliable. Get with the program you losers. Audis and VWs Rock!
Stinky007: Did you mean snoBs? How is it a problem that expensive, useless crap is being produced for and bought by a wealthy social class? Is it because you're not in this class? =[ I feel the pain. not.
The fact that VWs sell and the fact that they are unreliable are unrelated. It has a lot to do with marketing. Everyone knows that VWs are some of the most unreliable cars on the road. Many people who buy a Volkswagen only do it once, so the company has to continually find new buyers who have never owned one of their products. I was fooled by VW's slick image and design, but disappointed by their flimsy materials and constant mechanical and electrical problems. I will never drive another VW.
Most luxury items are unreliable because they are fragile and engineered to look good instead of long lasting. With the case of VW however, it's just downright bad engineering. Audis are excused cuz they look really nice and drive decent as well.
1c3d0g: Yes, I happen to have access to Q5 pricing information: it will be grossly overpriced.
As for Audi's reliabilty, even Consumer Reports has independently determined that VW has terrible reliability and longevity. I presume that this applies to Audi too.
Sweet? Awesome? What is so great about this car anyway? Looks like just another crossover or something to me. P.O.S.
Nice, except for the back, which looks like the Infiniti EX, especially the tail lights.
It's certainly entering a very crowded market though.
its sex to me
I only buy Audis and VWs and they have always been very reliable and beautifully built.
Edmunds.com gives them high consumer ratings. you guys are out of touch
from the rear angle, it looks like the current bmw 5 series station wagon… the crease, the taillights, the rear fascia…
IF IT LOOKS THE WAY IT DRIVES IT AN WINNER
US will get the newer 2.0t quattro system, and the TDi will not be brought over until 2012.
Now Audi knows how to design a car(SUV). This thing is leaps and bounds above the X3 in styling.