High-performance SUV with many talents – the updated Audi Q5
The
top-selling Audi model in Brunei for the last three years (over 140 units sold
since 2009 introduction) now gets a new facelift and a new 2.0 TFSI engine-
more efficient, less CO2 emissions yet increased power.
What’s new? At a glance-
Exterior
- Audi
Singleframe with vertical chrome trims on grilles
- Headlights +
new LED strip
- Bonnet
- Bumper + new
air inlet & chrome trims on fog lights
- Chrome side
strips below the doors
- 19” star
design 5-arm wheel
- Rear lights +
new LED layout
- Tailpipes-
chrome trimmed rounded off at bottom
- Diffuser –
sportier look
Interior
- Refined
interior + inlays--
- New gear
shifter
- More chrome
trims on buttons
- New steering
wheel (3-spoke Q design)
- New instrument
cluster on the driver dashboard display
- Including:
- Driver
information system with rest recommendation
New 2.0 TFSI engine
- 7 kg weight
reduction compared with previous engine
- Lowered CO2
emissions but increased power and efficiency- More power, less fuel
- Including Audi
valvelift system for improved combustion chamber charging and more
efficient combustion
- 10 kW more
output than the predecessor model, for more driving pleasure
- Innovative
thermal management enables operating temperature to be attained more
quickly (engine warms-up faster)
Previous
model new
model
Engine
output: 155kW 165kW
+10kW
Horsepower: 211hp 225hp
+14hp
Fuel
consumption: 8.6
l/100km 7.9
l/100km -0.7
l/100km
CO2
emissions: 199
g/km 184
g/km -15
g/km
Engines
Audi
Brunei is introducing the updated Q5 with the new 2.0 TFSI which outputs 165 kW
(225 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque.
Key
performance data: zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.1 seconds, top speed 222
km/h (137.94 mph), combined fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 km (29.77 US
mpg). Although this new engine has enhanced performance, its fuel consumption
values were reduced by up to 8 % compared to the previous model engine.
The
updated engine also features state-of-the-art technology with numerous
innovations such the control of valves and their stroke, innovative thermal
management (engine warm-up is faster), the fuel injection system,
turbocharger and integration of the exhaust manifold in the cylinder head.
The
75 litre (19.81 US gallon) fuel tank enables driving ranges of up to 1,400 km
(870 miles). That’s equivalent of a BSB drive to Kuching and back with 100 km
to spare.
Transmissions
The
updated Q5 has an optimal transmission system featuring the highly convenient
eight-speed tiptronic.
The
transmissions are integrated in the innovative thermal management system of the
four-cylinder versions, a system that significantly shortens the warm-up phase
after a cold start. All transmissions have wide gear spreads – the long gear
ratios in the upper gears reduce fuel consumption, while the short gear ratios
of the lower gears improve dynamic performance in highway driving.
The
quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is standard. Normally, the center
differential distributes engine power to the rear and front axle at a ratio of
60:40, but it can redistribute the power at lightning speed when necessary. The
torque vectoring system finishes its job with finely tuned brake interventions.
Chassis
The
chassis of the Audi Q5 – with its five-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link
rear suspension – adds new refinement and comfort in the characteristics of the
springs, shock absorbers and stabilizers. The new electromechanical power
steering system gives the driver a better feel for the road with direct
gearing. The system – which adjusts its power assist to vehicle speed – does
not consume any energy in straight-line driving, reducing fuel consumption by
about 0.2 litres per 100 km.
The
Q5 comes with new 19-inch aluminium wheels 5-arm ‘star’ design. The
electromechanical parking brake is supplemented with the Audi hold assist which
enables driving away from an uphill parked position without ‘rollback’ and the hill
descent function controls vehicle speed on steep descents. Electronic
stabilization control (ESC) adapts its interventions to characteristics of the
road surface.
Another
high-end feature in the Audi Q5 is the Audi drive select system. It lets
the driver vary the characteristic of the accelerator pedal, the shift points
of the automatic transmission, amount of power steering assist and operation of
the automatic air conditioning system via three modes: auto, dynamic and
comfort.
The
Audi Q5 also performs very well on rugged terrain. Its maximum climbing angle
is 31 degrees. The vehicle’s approach and departure angles are each 25 degrees,
while its ramp angle is 17 degrees. The vehicle’s ground clearance measures 20 centimetres
(7.87 inches).
Exterior styling
The interior design of the headlights has been modified; the LED daytime
running lights of the xenon plus units are shaped as curved bands that surround
the headlights. The adaptive light with dynamic cornering light and static
turning light is included for the Brunei model.
The
horizontal lines of the high-performance SUV’s front end are emphasized more
strongly. The new high-gloss black Singleframe grille has beveled upper
edges; its vertical chrome struts and the Audi rings have a sculpted look.
The modified bumpers integrate air inlets with high-gloss black inserts and fog
lights with new chrome rings.
The tail lights are also re-designed with a layout of visually
uniform LED light bands. The diffuser insert and the tailpipes that taper at
the bottom have been redesigned. Roof rails are standard equipment.
There
is a range of 15 colours, including four new colours. As options, Audi
can deliver an S line exterior package or an off-road styling package; both
give the Q5 a unique look with their design details and the colours of add-on
parts.
The
engine hood and trunk lid consist of aluminium, while a large share of the
car’s structural elements integrate ultra-high-strength steels; they reduce
weight and improve crash safety. The high-performance SUV’s interior has a
solid and highly comfortable look. Audi received the “Euro Car Body Award” for
the Q5 body in 2008– the most prestigious award in car design.
Interior
The
interior of the Audi Q5 has made additional strides in refined styling.
Many of the user controls have narrow chrome trim; the steering column control
stalks, ignition key and instruments were given subtle modifications. The
narrow panels of the center console are high-gloss black. All steering wheel
versions, including versions with shift paddles, reflect the new Q-specific
styling.
The
ergonomics have also been fine-tuned. refinements have been made to the
controls for the new highly efficient air conditioning system, the Audi drive
select system and the multifunction steering wheel.
An
uncompromisingly high quality of workmanship is a matter of pride at Audi.
Selections of materials, colours and upholstery fabrics have been updated –
three new interior colours, three fabric and three leather qualities and a
total of 35 different combinations offer plenty of latitude when it comes to
customization.
Large
fabric-upholstered surfaces are standard on the door trim panels; inlay options
include three wood veneers and one aluminium version.
The
Audi Q5 is a car with outstanding practical talents when it comes to
recreational and family activities. It offers ample interior space with a long
wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22 feet). The seatback angles can be adjusted on
the rear seats. When these seats are folded – this is very easy using the
remote seatback unlatching feature – the cargo capacity increases from 540
to 1,560 litres (19.07 to 55.09 cubic feet).
Audi
offers a rail system for the cargo space, an electric open/closing for the
tailgate, folding front passenger seatback and rear seating system with ten centimetres
(3.94 inches) of longitudinal adjustment together with cargo pass-through
feature. The Audi Q5 is also a powerful towing vehicle with up to 2.4 metric
tons of trailer load, depending on the engine and hill incline.
Driver assistance systems
In
the updated Q5, the driving is relaxed and carefree – in part due to the highly
developed assistance systems from Audi. The driver information system with
rest recommendation is a standard feature. If the system detects that the
driver’s attentiveness is waning – based on steering wheel movements and other
parameters – it recommends that the driver take a break from driving.
Audi side assist monitors the space (especially blind spots) behind
the Q5 to support the driver in safely changing lanes.
Infotainment systems
Audi
offers a broad selection of infotainment systems in the updated Q5. Positioned
at the top: the Bang & Olufsen sound system and MMI, seven-inch colour monitor,
6-cd changer and SDHC card reader. Many system details have been improved, e.g.
voice control and the optional digital radio reception.
Awards/achievements
Best
Local SUV & Offroader - “Best Cars 2013” reader poll, China edition of
“auto motor und sport”
Auto
Trophy 2012 Winner in “SUVs over 30,000 euros” category – voted by over 100,000
readers of “AutoZeitung”
5
full-stars grading: Euro NCAP 2009
Euro
Car Body Award 2008
Outsold
the BMW X3 (core competitor) in its CC segment consecutively in 2010 & 2011
in Brunei
