Audi has launched the all-new Q5 in South Africa, following on from the first Audi Q5, which was for many years the world’s best-selling SUV in its class. The first version of this vigorous SUV has sold more than 1.6 million units worldwide since its debut in 2008 and Audi has moved 11 300 units locally since 2009.
The new Q5 is brawnier than its predecessor but hasn’t lost any of its sporty good looks. At 4.66 metres long, 1.89 metres wide and 1.66 metres tall with a 2.82 metre wheelbase – compared to the previous model, the new Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions.
However despite the added dimensions the new model is lighter than the previous one – by up to 90kg, depending on the engine selection.
The new Audi Q5 is launching in South Africa with two engines: one TDI mill and one TFSI and comes in five variants. The range topping SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro Tiptronic will set you back R 1 044 000. This flagship model costs an eye-watering R246 500 more than the (second in the line-up) Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic Sport, which costs R 797 500.
The entry level Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic comes in at R 698 000.
The two models sandwiched in the middle are the Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic Sport at R 748 000 and the Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic at R 747 500.
The first engine option is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which delivers an output of 140 kW and 400 Nm, will take 7.9 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and has a top speed of 218km/h. Fuel consumption is claimed at 4.9-litres per 100km.
The second option is the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an output of 185 kW and 370Nm. It takes 6.3 seconds to go from a standstill to 100km/h and the manufacturer claims it uses 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 km.
Four of the Q5s variants feature a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard (the SQ5 gets an eight-speed torque converter), while all five come with quattro all-wheel drive.
The following equipment is available as standard on the 2.0T FSI 185 kW and 2.0 TDI 140 kW:
- 17-inch wheels
- Ambient lighting package (30 colours)
- Audi drive select®
- Audi sound system
- Bluetooth interface
- Collapsible spare wheel
- Cruise control
- Driver information system
- Dynamic suspension
- AUX-IN and USB
- Electromechanical power steering
- Energy recovery
- Indirect tyre pressure monitoring system
- Leather multifunction plus steering wheel
- Leather/artificial leather combination
- LED rear lights
- quattro® with ultra technology
- Rear parking aid
- Side airbags at front and head airbag system
- Stainless steel loading edge protection
- Three-zone automatic air conditioning
- Start / Stop (petrol engines!)
- Xenon headlights
In addition, the Sport models will feature the following equipment:
- 18-inch wheels
- Aluminium door sill trim
- Bumpers in full paint finish
- High gloss package
- Interior inlays with aluminium
- LED headlights
- Line specific radiator grille
- Line specific rear diffuser and air intakes
- Sport seats
- Steering wheel with chrome
The Audi SQ5 will have the following standard equipment over and above the rest of the range:
- 20-inch wheels
- 4-way lumbar support for the front seats
- Exterior mirror housings in aluminium look
- Frequency Alcantara/leather combination
- Electrically adjustable front seats
- High-gloss package
- LED headlights
- LED rear lights with dynamic indicator
- Luggage compartment lid, electrically opening and closing
- MMI Navigation plus with Audi connect
- Matt brushed aluminium inlays
- Park assist including parking system plus
- Pedals and footrest in stainless steel
- quattro with self-locking centre differential
- Roof spoiler
- Scuff plates in door apertures
- Side airbags at front and head airbag system
- Sports steering wheel, flat bottomed
- Sports seats in front
- Start/stop system
- Three-zone automatic air conditioning
Pricing
Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic: R 698 000
Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic Sport: R 748 000
Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic: R 747 500
Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic Sport: R 797 500
SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro Tiptronic: R 1 044 000