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.
In an interview with Automotive News, the head of Audi’s dealer council, Joel Weinberger confirmed that the compact Q3 crossover and A7 four-door coupe are under development, and a small SUV is being discussed.
Talking about the Q5, he said that US market will first see the hybrid version and then the diesel one: "The Q5 will go hybrid first and not diesel. You can only have so many drivetrains. It comes down to pricing too. Audi has told me the unit cost of a diesel is $4,000 more but they realize they cannot sell it for $4,000 more — the premium will be half of that. We’ll sell them if they can keep pricing in line."
When asked if Audi need the smaller Q5 SUV in the United States, he answered: "The Q7 is a really big vehicle. Just size-wise you have to look at the (Lexus) RX 330 as your target. The Q5 will fit into that niche and it should not cannibalize the Q7. It will be bigger than the (BMW) X3 and (Acura) RDX. Smaller SUVs tend to be more female-oriented."
After quite a lot of pictures of Audi’s new baby SUV, the Q5, appearing with lots of sticky tape disguises, the no-nonsense Germans at Auto Bild have captured the new car in the flesh, totally uncovered.
The Audi Q5 will join the Audi Q7 as the Audi brand’s second model in the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. “The Audi Q5 will be an overtly sporty vehicle that will add an important product to the Audi model range. The Audi Q5 will take us a big step closer to vehicle sales of 1.4 million per year, a target that we have set ourselves for 2015,” continued Winterkorn.
The Q5’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system has a 40/60 percent front/rear torque bias. Likely engines include a direct-injection 2.0-liter four and a 3.2-liter V-6. The 4.2-liter V-8 could power an S-line version. A six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG do the shifting.
In order to be able to use V-8 engines, which are considered essential for the U.S. market, the engines in this SUV will be mounted lengthwise, not transversely.
We expected the Audi Q5 to debut at Los Angeles Auto Show, but it seems we were wrong. and the X3’s competitor will debut in January 2008 at Detroit Motor Show. Until then, here’s a pretty cool spy video of the Audi’s latest SUV.
Audi has announced that the Q5 premium SUV will be launched at the Los Angeles auto show in November. The Q5 will come to compete with BMW X3 and new Mercedes-Benz GLK Full story
No doubt, this are the clearest spy shots of the Q5. And this is what helped AutoExpress to make a clear view of how the Q5 will look like. The Q5 will be launched at the 2008 Geneva motor Show and will go on sale later after. Full story
