Audi USA announced that the 2009 Q5 crossover will go o sale next spring at a price of $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200. It will compete with models like Lexus RX, the BMW X3 or the Mercedes-Benz GLK.
The Audi Q5 is derived from the same Audi-exclusive platform first developed for the A4 model range. The versatility of that vehicle platform gives the Q5 the driving comfort and performance characteristics of a luxury performance automobile and the longest wheelbase in its class. The efficient engineering and design of the Q5 also translated into shorter front and rear overhangs for better weight distribution to help stability. Audi also widened the vehicle platform to increase shoulder room inside the Q5 and to optimize the driver’s seating position for a more commanding view of the road.
The Audi Q5 will also lead the segment of AWD, gasoline-powertrain crossover vehicles in fuel economy. According to the U.S. EPA, the Audi Q5 achieves 18 mpg city mileage and 20 mpg combined - both tops in the category - along with 23 mpg highway mileage.
Press release after the jump.
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Audi announced the US specifications on the Q5 crossover that will go on sale on the American market in March. In here it will be offered with a 2 V6 FSI direct injection engine, quattro® all wheel drive, and a six speed Tiptronic transmission. Also the Q5 will be the first Audi offering with Generation 3 MMI, and navigation with real-time traffic information.
The 3.2L V6 engine will delivers 270hp @ 6500 rpm and a peak torque of 243 lb-ft @3000 rpm. The 0 to 60 mph sprint will be made in 6.7 seconds. In Europe the Q5 is being offered with a 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and a 3.0 TDI.
The Q5 will compete with Acura RDX, BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE, current generation Lexus RX350, Mercedes Benz GLK350, and the upcoming Volvo XC60.
UPDATE 02/06/09>: Audi USA announced that the 2009 Q5 crossover will go o sale next spring at a price of $37,200. Pricing for the Audi Q5 Premium Plus starts at $41,500, and the Audi Q5 Prestige starts at $48,200.
Full details in the press release after the jump.
Full story
The Audi Q5 is not yet available in the U.S., and we can already show you the second tuner package for the car. After Digi-Tec, the Audi Q5 received another tuning program from another major German tuner, ABT. The new body kit consists in a new front grille in the ABT style, a completely re-designed front bumper with integrated fog lights, new stylish side sills, a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust system and rear air diffuser and a rear roof spoiler.
Under the hood, the 2.0 TDI engine received a power boost of 20 hp, developing now 190 hp, while the 3.0 TDI engine develops now 310 hp. The 2.0 TFSI engine was also boosted from 211 hp to 240 hp. More details when the official information will be released.
Recently launched, the new Audi Q5, also known as the Bmw X3 rival, received its first customization programme in order to make it more attractive for the customers.
The first company who offers accessories for the Q5 is Digi Tec announced, who already announced its new 20 inch wheels for 770 euros per piece, as well as a new setting included in the wheels price, which lowers the vehicle with up to 35 mm. Digi Tec also offers for 1000 euros a new re-programming of the ECU improving the 2.0 liter TFSI engine from 211 to 245 hp and the torque from 350 to 400 Nm.
According to the German magazine Automobilwoche, Audi might built A4 sedan and the midsized Q5 SUV here in USA. Audi planners say a volume of 50,000 to 80,000 vehicles is necessary to justify U.S. production. "The example of BMW shows that a local factory helps a company capture the market," said Juergen Pieper, an analyst with Bankhaus Metzler.
Production would take place at Volkswagen’s planned new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that will have capacity to build up to 200,000 units a year. In studying the case for the U.S. plant, Volkswagen had originally considered building the VW Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne SUVs there. They are all on the same platform. But Porsche has rejected U.S. production. "There is absolutely no consideration being given to the production of vehicles in the U.S.," a Porsche source said. "There is no supplier base with appropriate capabilities for Porsche."
