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Set to augment the huge Q7 SUV, Q5 is an altogether more compact design, measuring 4.63 meters, and standing only 1.65 meters tall - compared to the Q7's 5 meter length and 1.73 meter height.
Audi design language echo's throughout the new SUVs surfacing and details, most pronouncedly in the typically oversized front grille.
Large headlights - which can be fitted with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights - attempt to balance the front of the design. Audi claims a class leading drag coefficient of only 0.33.
Svelte design
The roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate - made from aluminium just like the hood - clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The taillights are available in eye-catching LED technology as well.
Three different external trim packages of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting colour or colour-coded will be available. Two body packages are available as well.
The S line exterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels aims at utility.
At 2.81 meters (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment. Rear seat backrests are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. Offering access to a second storage area under the floor, the luggage compartment can expand from 540- to 1,560-liters.
The front passenger's seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards
Extensive option list
Interior design is a typical blend of Audi aluminium, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara. Q5 standard equipment is extensive including standard an electromechanical parking brake, intelligent chip key, climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation.
Optional extras are vast including a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen.
The optional navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.
Additional optional extra's which can be migrated from the more premium Audi models on request include a parking system advanced with rear-view 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.
Two diesels, one petrol
The range is set to be powered by two turbodiesel engines and a TFSI petrol. The 2-litre TFSI petrol engine, with direct injection and turbo charging, has been significantly redesigned and manages to power up 155kW and 350Nm. Audi claims 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds and average consumption of only 8.5l/100km.
Similar in capacity and configuration, the 2.0 TDi diesel engine produces 125kW and 350Nm and proves even more frugal with 6.7l/100km consumption whilst still sprinting from 0-100km/h in under ten seconds - 9.5 seconds to be precise. It drives through a six-speed manual transmission.
Turbodiesel power rounds off the engine options with a 3-litre, V6 engine capable of producing 176kW and 500Nm, enabling 7.7l/100km economy whilst sprinting from 0-100km/h in a hot hatch humbling 6.5 seconds.
Both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI drive through S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.
Seven speeds - new S tronic transmission
The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI - the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.
Quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.
Suspension is biased towards road-dynamics instead of off-road axle articulation. The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarily from aluminium. Standard wheels are 17-inch lightweight forged items shod with 235/65mm tyres. Audi offers even larger wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter on request.
Intelligent ESP
A new sensor also 'tells' the ESP if a roof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5's centre of gravity to be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of up to 100 kilograms. If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in the handling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap the full dynamic potential of the Audi Q5.
Towing capability is two tons, while hill descent control ensures easy steep inclines navigation. The ESP and its sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. The ESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABS automatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selects the ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.
Technically Audi Q5's climbing capability is 31 degrees of incline, overhang angle is 25 degrees and ramp break over angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is 200mm, with a fording depth of up to 500mm.
Optional Audi drive select
Audi's optional drive select is available with two innovative components. One is an electronic controller for the shock absorbers; the other is Audi dynamic steering.
Outfitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies the steering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speed driven - which means less steering effort is required when parking, and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with the ESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.
