Audi has given us a pre-emptive look at its updated Q5, complete with revised styling and a host of updated powerplants, ahead of the compact SUVs official unveiling at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
Sharper styling
The Q5’s mid-lifecycle refresh incorporates such touches as a new, bevel-edged finish for the signature single-frame grille, sharper head- and taillamps featuring LED strip elements when the Xenon plus option is ticked, as well as a slight re-style of the front and rear bumpers. The interior design remains largely unchanged, but a wider choice of trims and finishes will help to flit the ambience somewhat.
Petrol engines updated – New 2,0-litre TFSI, 3,2 V6 given the boot
The line-up sees a new 2,0-litre TFSI engine join the fray. Thanks to enhanced valve control in addition to turbocharging and direct petrol injection, this unit develops 165 kW and 350 N.m of torque. The 3,2-litre V6 makes way for a supercharged 3,0-litre V6 unit with 200 kW and 400 N.m of torque – enough to propel the 3,0 TFSI from standstill to 100 km/h in 5,9 seconds and on to a 234 km/h top speed.
More Efficient diesels
The turbodiesel offering expands to three units: two versions of the 2,0-litre TDI and a six-cylinder 3,0-litre and, in some cases, encompasses a 15 per cent reduction in fuel consumption. The most efficient version develops 105 kW and 320 N.m of torque and, when coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox in front-wheel drive guise, returns a claimed average fuel consumption figure of 5,3L/100 km (potentially giving this model a 1 400 km tank range) and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km. The 130 kW/380 N.m version, when mated with Audi’s S-tronic automatic and quattro all-wheel drive, returns a frugal 6,0L/100 km. The range-topping 3,0 TDI, delivers 180 kW and 580 N.m (marginally more than its 176 kW/500 N.m forebear) enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6,5 seconds and a combined fuel consumption figure of 6,4L/100 km.
Both the petrol and diesel powerplants feature stop/start technology as standard.
Enhanced ride and handling
Audi engineers have tweaked the Q5’s chassis for the model update but incorporating new springs and dampers that should help to improve the overall ride quality. The hydraulic power steering set-up will also make way for an electro-mechanical assistance system that promises to offer more feel and precision.
Hybrid model due
The Q5 will also receive a hybrid model based on the existing 155 kW 2,0 TFSI unit. Utilising an electric motor developing 39 kW, this set-up will make a combined power output of 180 kW and 400 N.m of torque. It can crack the 0-100 km/h run in 7,1 seconds on the way to a 225 km/h top speed and returns 6,9L/100 km. This unit can cover up to 3 km on EV power alone.
Hot Q5 model on the way
Audi plans to lift the wraps off a hot version of the Q5 at this year’s 24 hours of Le Mans. It will be powered by a twin-turbo 3,0-litre V6 diesel lifted from the new A6 – a unit that develops 230 kW and 650 N.m of torque. Expect a 0-100 km/h time in the region of 5,8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. There are also indications of a petrol SQ5 powered by the same 245 kW/440 N.m supercharged 3,0-litre V6 as the S4.
