Just out in Europe, Audi Australia has confirmed the updated Q5 SUV is scheduled for local launch in summer – and our model range and pricing will be announced then.
Big news for the revised Q5 is Audi’s first hybrid – the Audi Q5 hybrid Quattro. It’s a parallel hybrid system with the 155kW/350Nm 2.0 TFSI petrol engine and a 40kW/210Nm electric motor (combined for 180kW/480Nm).
In pure electric mode, the Audi Q5 hybrid has a top speed of 100km/h and a range of 60kms.
Drive is via a modified version of Audi’s eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (modified as the electric motor is mounted adjacent. Other required changes are a mounting location for the 1.3kWh lithium ion battery with its own cooling arrangement.
On the outside, the Audi Q5 hybrid is identified by painted bumpers and 10-spoke 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Headlining the changes for the rest of the lineup are revisions to the engine lineup – three TDIs and two TFSIs in Europe – with fuel consumption across the range down by around 15 per cent.
Kicking-off are two 2.0 TDI modesl with 105kw/320Nm (front-wheel-drive) and 130kW/380Nm (Quattro). But the star in the diesel lineup is the uprated 3.0-litre V6TDI now with 180kW/580Nm.
In the petrol range, Audi Q5’s 2.0-litre TFSI has been boosted to 165kW/350Nm while the naturally-aspirated 3.2-litre V6 has been replaced by a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 providing a very desirable 200kW/400Nm while dropping fuel consumption to 8.5l/100kms.
The new 3.0 TFSI Audi Q5 drives through Audi’s new eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission while the rest of the range sticks with the seven-speed S tronic (the European six-speed manual is unlikely to head to Australia).
Underneath Audi has re-tuned the five-link front/trapezoidal-link rear suspension (S line sports suspension is optional). Audi Q5 also adopts the new electromechanical power steering system.
Styling changes aren’t massive – modified front lights and a more athletic look for the front-end, new bumpoers front and rear and revised rear diffuser and exhaust tailpipes.
On the inside look for some improved trim highlights, new steering wheels, a ventilation function for the front seats and an available panoramic glass roof. S line sport models run a black interior colour with sports seats.
Audi has also ramped-up the driver assistance and entertainment systems in the Q5 with Bang & Olufsen audio and Google Earth maps included in the available combinations.
