Debut of the revolutionary yet tradition-upholding Audi Q5 at its world stage premiere.
It's always a thrill, even for industry veterans, when a vehicle's cover gets lifted after seven years of its lifecycle - and this time, it's the new Q5. Audi's team of designers, developers, and media reps kept journalists on the edge of their seats by leading them into a studio with the still-veiled SUV Q5. After some chatter, the veil finally came off.
However, what was revealed wasn't a complete overhaul of the Q5. With a bit of luck, your neighbor might not even notice if you receive your brand new SUV. Or will they? The contemporary headlight design gives it a fresh look, and the taillights, with illuminated strips across the entire trunk lid, bear a strong resemblance to the new e-tron Q6. You've got the option to choose from eight different light graphics using OLED technology. These can also emit warning signals (like a hazard triangle) to alert the driver behind of potential hazards. Keeping your new purchase a secret might be harder than expected.
Revolution under the hood
But under the hood, it gets a lot more exciting. Just like the recently unveiled A5, the mid-size SUV is based on the "Premium Platform Combustion." While gasoline and diesel engines play a primary role, they're not the only option. The Q5 starts with three combustion engines, including the "MHEV-Plus" hybrid system based on a 48-volt on-board network. This adds 24 electric horsepower and 230 Newton meters to the optional two-liter gasoline or diesel (both four-cylinder) or the three-liter V6 in the SQ5. The electric motor draws power from a 1.7 kWh battery, allowing some of the otherwise wasted kinetic energy to be recovered, resulting in significant efficiency gains.
Both two-liter engines produce 204 horsepower - the gasoline version is available with all-wheel and front-wheel drive, while the diesel comes exclusively with quattro. This also applies to the 367 horsepower top version. Plug-in hybrid versions with an expected electric range of around 100 kilometers will follow later. All variants transmit power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel consumption values will be available after final homologation.
Since the Q5 is not yet dynamically available, there's more time to examine the infotainment. There are no major surprises, as the interior designers seem to have created a single concept for the entire mid-size range. However, it's an attractive one, with significantly more display than before. The user quickly notices that the creatives have already planned many digital elements in an early development phase, while the predecessor originally had a classic analog instrument cluster with a later-integrated electronic display. Now there's a large, curved panel with stylishly rounded ends.
To add architectural tension, Audi has opted for a display landscape that's not one solid piece, instead offering a uniquely designed second monitor unit on the right side. This is an optional extra, intended for the passenger to prevent boredom on long drives. It's unclear why Audi has chosen to omit physical buttons, such as those on the steering wheel or door panels for adjusting the lights or mirrors, in favor of touch-sensitive controls with poor haptic feedback. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is taking the opposite approach to benefit users.
Practical Q5
The Q5, however, stands out in terms of user practicality: Its interior offers ample space on multiple levels. At nearly 4.72 meters long and with a wheelbase of 2.82 meters (both figures on par with its predecessor), this SUV provides generous legroom. There's also plenty of cargo space, with nearly 1500 liters of volume. A new feature allows the rear seat to be not only slid but also adjusted in inclination. Unlike before, the cargo cover can now be stored in a dedicated compartment when not in use.
It's also practical that the front phone can now be charged conveniently using a cooled inductive charging pad with 15W output. As expected, the Q5, still produced in Mexico, will come with numerous assistance systems, which will be discussed in due course on ntv.de. The same applies to the configurable head-up display and the extensive multimedia system. We'll also find out how comfortable the SUV is with the optional air suspension.
Currently priced at 52,300 euros, the Ingolstadt-based model is not an affordable option. Let's hope more affordable base versions follow. The market launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, requiring some patience. The late introduction is likely due to the brand's current busy schedule, as they're currently renewing one model series after another.
The new Q5, with its contemporary headlight design and taillights resembling the new e-tron Q6, might make keeping a secret about your brand new SUV a challenge. Under the hood, the Q5's revised powertrain options, including the "MHEV-Plus" hybrid system, promise an exciting drive.
The Q5's spacious interior, offering ample legroom and nearly 1500 liters of cargo space, highlights its practicality. In terms of charging, the SUV now features a cooled inductive charging pad with 15W output for front phones.
