The Audi Q5 is an SUV based on the A5 sedan that is set to compete with BMW’s X5. The Q5 is available with three distinct power trains including one gasoline engine and two turbo diesel units, all taking advantage of direct injection and forced induction while returning impressive fuel consumption numbers. The entry level model is the 2.0 TFSI version that makes 211 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque consuming 27 MPG. There is also a 2.0 TDI mill with common rail injection that makes 170 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque while returning an average of 35 MPG. Meanwhile the top of the line Q5 is powered by a 3.0 Liter TDI V6 that makes 240 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.5 seconds can reach a top speed of 140 MPH all while getting an average of 30.55 MPG.
Audi was sitting pretty at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show with its new Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept. Being a convertible crossover, the Cross Cabriolet received high marks amongst automotive enthusiasts. Of course, those same enthusiasts were not exactly optimistic that they were going to see this concept ever make it to the production line. Naysayers, move aside. Nissan has recently unveiled the Murano Convertible, so why couldn’t we expect a Q5 Cabrio?
At the concept’s launch, Design Chief of Audi USA, Brit Steve Lewis said: "Such a vehicle has been talked about within the company for some time as no one has ever done a cabriolet SUV before. If there is sufficient demand for around 5,000 units a year it could go into limited production." Back then he claimed we would see the Cabriolet in 2010, but the economic downturn made sure that wasn’t possible. Now, new rumors suggest that the production Q5 Cabrio could arrive in 2013.
A production version will be a two door vehicle, with natural Quattro drive and a range of TDI and TFSI engines. It will also feature a canvas roof.
It was only logical that after BMW released the X5 and the X5M to the market, Audi would eventually bring out more models for their crossover, the Q5. The idea started almost a year ago with details surrounding two more variants of the Q5 - the SQ5 and the RSQ5 - coming out with good projected outputs of 333hp and 408hp, respectively. That idea has certainly catapulted since then with news that Audi has registered the SQ5 and RSQ5 monikers, meaning that the German company has finally decided it has much more to offer to the SUV market.
The current Q5 line-up includes the standard Q5 model and the recently launched Q5 Hybrid Quattro, but the two new and sportier models will most likely attract many more customers. All this means is that the BMW X5 and the X5M may need to start working a bit harder to win over their clientele. However, being that the X5M puts out a rewarding 555hp, we find it a little hard to believe that anyone would opt for the Audi. As of right now, BMW is the clear choice, but we never know what these automakers have up their sleeves. Perhaps Audi will bring out something that is that much more entertaining.
Audi and Stasis Engineering’s attendance at SEMA was memorable for a number of reasons. First, it was the first time Audi has ever participated in the annual aftermarket event. Second, the event gave both companies the unique opportunity to share the stage together with a number of the tuning firm’s new Signature Series collection.
One of the vehicles that was included in this collection is the Audi Q5, an SUV that has been lauded by a number of pundits for being a vehicle that combines a dynamic and sporty exterior with a clean and classy interior, a versatile all-around SUV that fits in nicely to a variety of markets, be it for the sporty and outgoing type or for the weekend family types.
The Q5’s standing in the auto industry made it a perfect vehicle for Stasis Engineering to work their magic on. The challenge then was putting together a tuning package for an SUV that already had a favorable rating among consumers and turn it into something that’s going to attract more positive attention than it already has.
Last month there were rumors suggesting that Audi would be bringing the Q5 Hybrid to the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. Shortly after, Audi stripped away all of our hope by denying those rumors. Now, here comes the confusing part; if you take a look on any Audi European page, you’ll see that the Q5 Hybrid Quattro has already been presented there, with all the official details. We typically wouldn’t believe just one webpage, thinking that maybe it was a webmaster error, but we don’t think that’s the case with this story. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on our part, but we think that this is more than that.
With the Q5 Hybrid Quattro, Audi wanted to offer a hybrid model that cultivated the typical Audi sportiness. The new model is said to be the pioneer of electric mobility for Audi. It combines a 2.0L TFSI petrol engine with a high-performance 33 kilowatt electric motor. When driven at less than 37mph, the electric motor offers an autonomy of 1.86 miles.
Updated 11/10/2010: Audi has unveiled today the official details on the Q5 Hybrid Quattro - the first full hybrid in the premium mid-sized class. There is also a nice driving footage and quite an impressive high res image gallery. Check them out!
Could this Audi be the perfect mix of environmental awareness and sportiness? See for yourself after the jump.
Audi has just confirmed that a hybrid version of the Q5 SUV will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show this November. The new version will be offered to both Europe and America.
We already know that the Q5 will carry the same hybrid powertrain found in the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, but we are curious to see what else Audi has planned for the SUV.
The Cayenne Hybrid is powered by a 47 hp electric motor combined to a 333 hp compressor engine. The two drive units deliver a total of 380 HP and peak torque of 427 lb-ft at just 1,000 rpm. However, for the Q5 Hybrid, we expect a 211 HP four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine combined with a 45 hp electric motor which would make it the first compact SUV on the market to utilize a hybrid powertrain.
We’ll get back with more details after the official debut!
UPDATE 10/12/2010: AutoEvolution has just received an email from Audi denying the rumors that the Q5 would be making an appearance at the LA Auto Show. Could this be true or are they just not ready to let the cat out of the bag? You be the judge!
Audi has unveiled a new commercial for the Audi Q5 Quattro. The ad features a bunch of guys riding their mountain bikes in an effort to teach all of us a thing or two about the capability of the Audi SUV. Apparently, the Q5 can run through the woods and trail through all of the rough terrain they have to offer, just like the killer mountain bikes. Want some visual confirmation? Check out the video and see for yourself
The Audi Q5 is rolling off the production line in three engine variants – one gasoline engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger – characterized by outstanding performance, hefty propulsive power and cultivated running while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency. The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI engine that delivers 240 HP and 500 NM of torque. This version can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and can hit a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph).
Have some cash to blow, but the wife, and/or husband, won’t let you buy a Porsche? Well, as bad as that might be, mid-range crossovers won’t solve that pain. Instead, they’ll provide a luxury driving experience with the fun factor of getting stabbed.
Okay, so maybe it’s not that bad. As much as we don’t like crossovers, we do think they’re better than massive SUVs. Some can even be fun to drive now and again. For these tests we will be looking at style, image, standard equipment, interior space, and driving dynamics. Price will also be considered, but not as much as the other areas.
We will have to get a price cap to keep things in the mid-level, so we’ll set it at $45,000. That should be more than enough to get the lower end luxury models from Cadillac plus the German and Japanese car companies.
Usually, all the Audi models have, at some point, an S and an RS version and since the Q5 has acquired some stiff competition with the BMW X5 and the BMW X5M, the company decided to offer more options of the Q5 for their customers.
The first to arrive on the market is the SQ5, a model inspired by the Q5 Custom Concept. It will arrive in 2011 and will be powered by a super-charged 3.0 liter V6 engine with a compressor comparable to Audi’s existing S4. This car will be delivering an output of 333 horsepower. While most of the car is the same with the standard Q5 version, a couple of striking differences between a standard Q5 and the SQ5 will include, among others, a new front and rear spoiler and a rear diffuser, quad exhaust and a chrome "S" grille.
The next step will be the RSQ5, a model powered by the same 3.0 TFSI V6 engine and will deliver 408 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
There is a soft spot in our hearts for BMW and with the SQ5 and the RSQ5 producing 333hp and 408hp, respectively, we stand strong on the 555hp produced by the BMW X5M. We can only hope that this new competition will lead BMW to an X3M model. If you happen to be an Audi lover, don’t worry, we will keep a lookout for any type of confirmation on these two new Audi models. Who knows, if they do debut, maybe it will get us to change our minds.
About a month ago, ENCO Exclusive revealed a tuning package for the Audi Q7 SUV. Now, it looks like those guys are far from finished after revealing yet another Audi tuning kit, this time for the smaller Q5.
Among the features included in ENCO Exclusive’s Q5 kit includes large blackened air inlets to both sides of the radiator grille, a new hood with a sublime mid-section with two chrome air outlets, a new front spoiler, a rear bumper skirt with exhaust pipes and a rear spoiler. The package is finished by brand new silver monoblock set of 22-inch wheels in Enco "Jura" design.
Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay is a consummate automotive consumer, and if his personal collection of super cars isn’t enough to convince you then just take the German luxury car builder Audi’s word for it because they put the singer behind the wheel of a new Audi Q5 crossover to see what he thinks of the new car. Jay Kay was particularly fond of the Q5’s aggressive exterior lines as well as the full length sunroof that opens up the interior as well as the spacious accommodations for up to six passengers and the ability to carry loads of cargo. But don’t take our word for it, see for yourself.