A new “Q” forms in Beijing

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Last week CARtoday reported that a production version of Audi’s smaller SUV would be unveiled in Beijing. With the Beijing show now in full swing, Audi has released official details of its new Q5 SUV.

The Q5 is powered by one of three engine variants – one petrol and two turbodiesel units. All units feature direct-injection and are turbocharged. The petrol unit is a four-cylinder 2,0-litre TFSI with Audi’s valvelift system for variable control of valve lift. Power for this unit reaches a maximum of 155 kW, and 350 N.m torque from 1 500 r/min to 4 200 r/min. The zero to 100 km/h sprint can be completed in 7,2 seconds, and the 2,0-lite TFSI Q5 can reach a claimed top speed of 222 km/h.

The common-rail fuel injected 2,0-litre TDI unit has power outputs of 125 kW and 350 N.m of torque that is available between the rev range of 1 750 and 2 500 r/min. It takes this Q5 9,5 seconds to reach 100 km/h from standstill, and can carry on until it reaches its top speed of 204 km/h. Audi claims an average fuel consumption level of 6,7-litres/ 100 km.

The top-of-the-range unit is the 176 kW 3,0-litre V6 TDI powerplant. The 500 N.m of torque in this unit is delivered at 1 500 r/min, and stays there until it reaches 3 000 r/min. This V6 diesel has a claimed zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 6,5 seconds, and can carry on until the needle reaches 225 km/h. On average, Audi claims the 3,0-litre engine consumes a claimed fuel amount of 7,7-litres/100 km.

In the 2,0-litre TDI, drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission, while the 3,0-litre TDI and 2,0-litre TFSI make use of Audi’s seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission. Audi claims, “ This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency.” Gears can also be selected manually via switches on the steering wheel.

The Audi Q5 features the same architecture as the new Audi A4, with the differential lock now sitting in front of the clutch and the front axle located much further forward than its sibling Q7.

Audi’s signature single-frame grille dominates the front end of the Q5, while the rear of this vehicle features a wraparound tailgate and lights with LED technology. Three external trim options are on offer for the Q5, with the standard option being black, followed by contrasting colour and a full paint finish in the colour of the car. If these aren’t enough for you, Audi also offers two Q5 body packages – the S-line exterior package and an off-road package that includes underbody protection and 19-inch alloys. The standard vehicle comes fitted with 17-inch lightweight forged wheels in size 235/65.

The Q5 is 4,63 metres long, 1,88 metres wide, and 1,65 metres high, which according to Audi, proves that “this is an SUV of all-new proportions”. Audi claims that with a wheelbase of 2,81 metres, the Q5 has the roomiest interior in its class. The Q5 can accommodate five people, and has a luggage capacity of 540 litres that can expand to 1 560 litres if the backrests for the rear seats are folded down.

The interior of the Q5 has a “driver-orientated” cockpit that is set higher for an upright sitting position. Materials on the inside include aluminium, woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara. Standard in this vehicle is an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster that displays “the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation”. When the optional navigation system is fitted, the MMI panel on the centre console features most of the controls.

Audi claims that “Audi Q5 combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure-time and family use”. South Africans can decide for themselves when the Q5 arrives here in the second quarter of 2009.

Refer to the wallpaper gallery for a selection of Q5 wallpapers.