The facelifted Audi Q5 has been revealed, sporting a “sharpened” exterior design and a new infotainment system.
Measuring 4 680 mm from nose to tail, the redesigned Q5 is some 19 mm longer than before (chiefly thanks to its larger bumpers).
So, what exactly has the Ingolstadt-based firm changed on the outside? Well, the grille is now shallower (but “appears wider”, says Audi) than that of the pre-facelift model, while the side air intakes have grown in height and now feature trapezoidal insets.
The upper section of the LED headlamps gain new daytime running lights, while the sill inserts along the flanks have been redesigned. Round back, there’s a revised trim element between the light clusters and a new diffuser insert with a horizontal fin. Interestingly, the refreshed Q5 will be offered with optional OLED taillamps for the first time.
Audi also introduces two new optional design lines (in addition to the standard version) to its Q5 range. The “advanced” line package includes chrome-effect vertical ribs in the grille, along with skid plates in silver rather than black. The “S line” kit, meanwhile, comprises a honeycomb grille and a chrome strip framing the rear diffuser. The updated Q5 will furthermore be available in two new exterior paint colours (district green and ultra blue), while the black trim package will be offered as an option.
And inside? Well, the first thing you’ll likely notice is that new freestanding 10,1-inch MMI touch display (with acoustic feedback). Yes, the rotary controller previously sited on the centre console has been ditched. For the record, the new infotainment system is based on the Volkswagen Group’s latest MIB3 arrangement.
The Q5 will again be offered with “virtual cockpit plus”, which includes a high-resolution 12,3-inch digital display. Three interior packages will be offered (base, design selection and S line), which can be combined “as desired” with the aforementioned exterior trim packages.
What about engines? Well, Audi says the refreshed model will hit the market in Europe in Q5 40 TDI guise. This variant employs a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine generating 150 kW and 400 N.m, and furthermore features a mild-hybrid system with a small lithium-ion battery. Audi says the Q5 40 TDI will travel from standstill to 100 km/h in 7,6 seconds before topping out at 222 km/h.
Audi says more engine versions will follow after the launch of the updated Q5. There will be two further power variants of the four-pot diesel, along with a V6 oil-burner and a pair of 2,0-litre, four-cylinder TFSI engines. The Q5 TFSI e plug-in hybrid will again be offered in two output variants in Europe.
