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2018 AUDI Q5

  • Dynamic design, standard quattro® with ultra® technology, benchmark infotainment and driver assistance systems are just some of the highlights of the all-new Audi Q5, on sale Spring 2017
  • Redeveloped 2.0-liter TFSI® engine generates 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque to sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, over a full second faster than its predecessor
  • Sporty characteristics of a sedan with the offroad capabilities of an SUV and space for up to five passengers and their gear

HERNDON, Virginia, November 16, 2016, 9 AM ET – With the sporty performance of a sedan and versatility of an SUV, the all-new 2018 Q5, sets a new standard for the luxury SUV segment.Showcasing a full suite of available driver assistance systems and exceptionally competent driving dynamics paired with advanced infotainment features, the best gets better with the new Q5.

Following its North America debut in 2009, the Q5 helped fuel Audi of America’s growth to 200,000 sales in 2015 as the brand’s top-selling model. Now, the all-new 2018 Q5 will lead the largest product cadence in the Audi brand’s history over the next three years.

2018 Audi Q5

The 2018 Q5 applies the distinctive Audi “Q” SUV design language, further underscoring the sporty, independent nature of the vehicle. The exterior has been redesigned to feature enhanced lines including a flat, coupe-like roof line coupled with a strong, wave-design shoulder line and pronounced wheel arches which emphasize the standard quattro® all-wheel drive. The interior has a greater feeling of spaciousness and lightness thanks to the wing-design wrap-around dashboard and delivers even more technology such as the available Audi virtual cockpit, MMI® touch and standard Audi smartphone interface.

Featuring a redeveloped powertrain, the Q5 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter TFSI® four-cylinder engine and an all-new seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch transmission which results in a 5.9 second sprint from 0-60 mph. The Q5 also features a new suite of driver assistance systems including standard Audi pre sense® city and available Audi side assist and rear cross traffic assist, designed to help drivers navigate the road and traffic with ease.

From the improved driving dynamics to the elevated design and advanced technologies, the 2018 Q5 further enriches the highly versatile segment leading Audi nameplate.

Design

Following the “Q-design” of the new Q7, the Q5’s exterior features sportier proportions including sculpted three-dimensional headlights that flow in harmony with the distinctive Singleframe® grille and clamshell hood to the wider horizontal rear of the vehicle.

The all-new Q5 also offers improved interior space compared to the previous generation, with more rear legroom and shoulder room, as well as increased cargo capacity with the second row seats folded down. The asymmetrical center console of the interior creates a driver-focused cockpit while a small number of controls with expanded functionality helps bring a greater ease of operation into the Q5.

Exterior design highlights include:

  • All-new front fascia with three-dimensional Singleframe® grille and horizontal lines which emphasize the width of the vehicle
  • Short front and rear overhangs maintain the vehicle’s muscular SUV proportions
  • Standard aluminum roof rails and rear spoiler
  • Power-folding, power-adjustable, auto-dimming heated exterior side mirrors with memory (standard on Premium Plus models)
  • Standard Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights or available full LED headlights; standard LED taillights with dynamic rear turn signals
  • Available parking system plus with front and rear acoustic sensors
  • Standard power tailgate with available hands-free opening and closing function

Typically Audi: quattro design language

A distinctively curved and strongly undercut shoulder line gives structure to the side view. The strongly emphasised wheel arches are a reference to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, and the low greenhouse tapers back down early. Just as at the front, horizontal lines at the rear convey an image of width and presence. The tail lights are also available with optional dynamic indicators. The tailgate wraps around the C-pillars – a typical feature of the Q models from Audi. A diffuser insert integrates the exhaust tailpipes.

Weight saved: up to 90 kg lighter than the previous model

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. Consequently, the unladen weight was reduced – depending on the engine – by up to 90 kg. Steels with maximum tensile strength and aluminium form an intelligent material mix in the body.

The new Q5 also stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics. The four-cylinder versions attain a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimised roof. Wind noises are exceptionally low, and vibration comfort is high – the new SUV from Audi indulges the driver and passengers with the best interior acoustics in its class.

Spacious and wide: the interior

The interior offers a lot of space for five persons, and it surpasses the previous model and its competitors in key dimensions. Its horizontally oriented lines underscore the impression of width and comfort, and a three-dimensional trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel. The new equipment lines concept offers customers a broad selection of colours and materials.

A three-spoke multifunction steering wheel is standard. When it is dark, the optional ambient lighting creates an attractive atmosphere in 30 different colours. The workmanship quality in the new Q5 is uncompromising.

The rear seat back of the new Audi Q5 is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the rear seat position, the basic volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610 litres, 10 litres more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550 litres. Cargo loading is simplified by apower-operated tailgate fitted as standard, an optional variably folding mat, optional hands-free control of the power tailgate and manual lowering of the body via the optional air suspension.

Simply coherent: controls and displays

Operation of the new Audi SUV is intuitive and is marked by three great new features. The optional Audi virtual cockpit presents brilliant graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. The driver can choose from two views – a classic view with large round instruments and a mode in which the navigation map or lists dominate.

The MMI terminal in the centre console acts as the main control element. In the top infotainment system, the optional MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch display, a touchpad is integrated into the rotary pushbutton. It recognises handwritten entries as well as gestures familiar from consumer electronics such as zooming gestures. If the new Q5 has an automatic transmission, it also has the larger MMI all-in-touch including haptic feedback.

The MMI operating logic is based on the flat hierarchies used in today’s smartphones, and it offers such features as intelligent free-text search. The new natural-language voice control function also recognizes inputs from everyday speech.

Serving as an additional third operating level in the new Audi Q5 is the multifunction steering wheel plus. Audi can deliver a newly developed head-up display as an option. It projects relevant information onto the windshield – including from driver assistance systems – as symbols and numbers that can be perceived quickly.

Audi navigation: “Personal route assist”

The new Audi Q5, like the Q7 and the A4, has a self-learning “personal route assist” function. After activating this function, the navigation system learns the routes and destinations that the customer regularly selects, and it associates this information to the parked position and time of day.

For as long as it is active, the system therefore learns from the customer’s behaviour and uses this information to suggest optimised route planning for the next trip – even while navigation is inactive. The navigation system incorporates the three most likely destinations into the calculation, taking into consideration both the arrival time and current traffic levels. For instance, the system can suggest that the customer activate navigation to find out about potential alternative routes. The driver decides whether or not to activate the function. He also has the option of deleting saved destinations. If the function is deactivated, the system does not store the destinations and does not consider deleted destinations or the routes driven.

Online via LTE: MMI navigation plus

MMI navigation plus utilises the Audi connect module to integrate a LTE module and a Wi-Fi hotspot – this lets passengers go online with up to eight mobile devices. Audi connect enables convenient roaming in Europe for many Audi connect services with its permanently installed SIM card – the Audi connect SIM with a flat data rate.

The free Audi MMI connect app produces a close interconnection between the car and smartphone or a smartwatch and offers other services. They include remote checking of important vehicle states, online media streaming and transmission of a calendar from a smartphone to the MMI.

High-end option: the infotainment modules

The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the vehicle’s antenna for optimal reception quality; it also charges smartphones inductively according to the Qi standard. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet, which is also new, serves as a flexible Rear Seat Entertainment device. The Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the new Q5.

Driver assistance and safety systems

In its driver assistance systems, the new Audi Q5 also tops its segment with a broad range of high-tech options. In their intelligent interplay, the systems represent a next step towards piloted driving. They are bundled into three driver assistance packages – Tour, Parking and Parking Advanced.

The predictive efficiency assistant helps the driver save fuel by specific information on the car’s surroundings. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) including traffic jam assist can handle some of the steering work in slow-moving traffic.

Audi active lane assist makes it easier to stay in lane. Distance warning alerts the driver when the distance to a vehicle drops below a safe distance.

Cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist are other new features that perform excellently in pursuit of safety. The same applies to the pre sense systems – Audi pre sense city is a standard feature which warns of pedestrians and vehicles and may initiate automatic emergency braking within system limits. Park assist, the camera-based recognition of traffic signs and hill descent assist round out the features.

Powerful and efficient: TDI and TFSI engines

The new Audi Q5 is launching in the UK with a powerful 2.0 TDI engine producing 190PS. Fuel consumption for this model has been significantly reduced. Soon after the launch a 2.0 TFSI engine will also be available. The further developed 2.0 TFSI has an output of 252PS, yet it returns up to 41.5mpg combined, which equates to 154 grams CO2 per km. The also intensively revised 3.0 TDI, coming at a later date, increases output to 286PS with 620Nm (457.3 lb ft) of torque.

Versatile and efficient: drivetrain

The drivetrain of the mid-size SUV has been redeveloped from the ground up – this also applies to the six-speed manual transmission and seven-speed S tronic. The automatic transmissions integrate a fuel-saving freewheel function. The driver controls it by a selection lever or by shift paddles on the steering wheel; in both cases, the control signals are transmitted electronically.

The new quattro drivetrain with ultra technology is standard equipment for the 2.0 TDI with190PS, and for the 2.0 TFSI with 252PS.  The quattro with ultra technology always disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and if necessary it can proactively re-engage it. The new concept boosts efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics.

For the V6 diesel, Audi can deliver an optional sport differential at the rear axle which distributes torque between the wheels as necessary and thereby provides a maximum of driving dynamics – this is another new feature in this model series and in the competitive field.

Torque vectoring gives handling a refined touch. The intelligent software solution always delivers a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience.

Resolving contradictions: the chassis

The new Audi Q5 enables handling that combines very different strengths – it is sporty while being extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspensions and also the new electromechanical power steering system. Dynamic steering is available as an option; it varies its gear ratio according to the driving speed and steering angle.

Customers can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. The chassis with damper control offers a very wide spread between comfort and dynamics, which the driver can select via Audi drive select. In addition to adjusting damper control, the new adaptive air suspension can be used to vary the ride height of the car body over five stages.

In the standard system, Audi drive select, which accesses various technical modules, the driver can select one of as many as seven driving modes. The two new modes, lift/offroad and allroad, emphasise the offroad character of the Audi Q5 optimally.

The new Audi SUV comes from the factory with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sport equipment line comes with 18-inch wheels, and the S line package with 19-inch wheels. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available as options.

Static photo, Colour: Navarra Blue

Interior design highlights include:

  • Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
  • Wing-design wraparound dashboard with standard three-zone automatic climate contro
  • Standard eight-way power front seats and four-way power lumbar adjustment for the driver or available twelve-way power front sport seats
  • Available panoramic sunroof (standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims)
  • Standard ambient LED lighting or available ambient LED lighting plus package with 30 color settings
  • Split folding 40/20/40 rear seatbacks with recline functionality and fore/aft adjustment
  • Three LATCH child seat mounting points in rear seats

Powertrain and Performance

The Q5 is equipped with a new 2.0-liter TFSI® four-cylinder engine, coupled with a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission, to produce 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than its predecessor.

The Q5 also features a redesigned front five-link suspension to provide a comfortable yet agile ride for long distances. The 2018 Q5 also offers an available comfort adaptive damping suspension. This wheel-selective suspension system uses continuous electronic damper control, to enable various suspension and damping combinations that make up the Audi drive select modes.

Now offered as standard equipment on all Audi Q5 models, Audi drive select with five different modes – comfort, auto, dynamic, offroad, and individual, allows the driver to choose the option that best meets their driving situation and handling preferences.

The all-new Q5 also features a new system of quattro® all-wheel drive with ultra® technology that is optimized for performance and efficiency. The technology utilizes an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch along with a decoupling rear axle differential to achieve fully variable torque distribution. This quattro system with ultra technology allows for intelligent, proactive control of the all-wheel drive system to help predictively modify the torque application as the driver demands or the road conditions require.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS

 

MODEL ENGINE TRANSMISSION HORSEPOWER TORQUE
2018 Q5 2.0 TFSI® quattro AWD Seven-speed

S tronic®

252 hp @
5,000-6,000 rpm
273 lb-ft @
1,600-4,500 rpm

Technology

The new Q5 features the latest in MMI and infotainment from Audi including the available Audi virtual cockpit, standard Audi smartphone interface, MMI® all-in touch® and Audi connect,® all of which help the driver to more easily view and control content while remaining connected.

Technology features include:

  • Available Audi virtual cockpit features a 12.3-inch display that delivers vibrant color at 60 frames per second with NVIDIA® quad core processing power. The virtual cockpit helps to enhance the infotainment viewing and navigating experience via the large Google Earth™ images (requires Audi connect PRIME) supported with 4G LTE (where available).
  • Available full-color head-up display projects relevant driving information directly in the driver’s field of vision.
  • Available for the first time in the Q5 model line, MMI® all-in touch® with handwriting-recognition technology includes ‘Menu’ and ‘Back’ functions, two touch keys for horizontal menu control logic, eight storage buttons for radio station presets and the ability to move the map or zoom in/out using swipe or pinch motions respectively.
  • Standard Audi smartphone interface provides Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto integration via USB connection, making smartphone interactions easier and more seamless for the driver.
  • The available 19 speaker, 755 watt Bang & Olufsen® sound system with 3D sound creates almost true-to-life surround sound reproduction.

Audi connect®

Audi connect packages together all applications that help connect the vehicle with the internet, the owner and the surrounding infrastructure. Improved functions include online traffic info, weather updates, fuel prices, Apple Siri® Eyes Free integration for compatible devices, internet radio streaming as well as picture navigation and read-aloud personalized news headlines and Twitter® alerts among other features (requires subscription).

Supported by 4G LTE (where available), available in-car Audi connect infotainment, security and service features include:

  • Vehicle services such as vehicle status report, online roadside assistance and service interval notification
  • Automatic Crash Notification (SOS)
  • Manual Emergency Call (SOS)
  • Stolen Vehicle Locator

The Audi connect mobile application has also been updated to support new remote services designed for the US market which include Curfew, Speed, and Valet Alerts, remote lock and unlock capability and online car finder.

Driver assistance

The Q5 incorporates driver assistance features that are designed to help drivers confidently navigate the road and traffic.

Driver assistance features:

  • In the case of an impending collision, standard Audi pre sense® basic can intervene to help prepare the vehicle for impact. This process includes beginning to close the side windows and panoramic sunroof, pretensioning the front safety belts,
  • Standard Audi pre sense city helps detect cornering and stationary vehicles, as well as pedestrians, at speeds of up to 52 mph and can initiate full braking when a potential collision is detected.
  • Audi side assist (standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims) provides blind spot monitoring via LED indicators on the exterior mirror housings at speeds above 9 mph.
  • Audi pre sense rear (standard on Premium Plus and Prestige) helps monitor the traffic following the vehicle and takes similar actions to Audi pre sense basic.
  • Vehicle exit assist (as part of Audi side assist) can help prevent incidents with a side assist warning light, which blinks and helps alert the driver when vehicles or cyclists are approaching from behind as the vehicle doors are opened.
  • Rear cross traffic assist (as part of Audi side assist) supports the driver when reversing out of a perpendicular parking space. Indicator arrows in the MMI® display can inform the driver of approaching vehicles, and in critical situations, a warning tone and brake jolt can be applied, prompting the driver to stop the vehicle.
  • Available Adaptive cruise control with stop & go and traffic jam assist helps maintain set distance from the vehicle in front, including braking and accelerating as needed. Between 0-40 mph, traffic jam assist combines acceleration, braking and steering guidance, which can help reduce the stress of driving in congested traffic.
  • Available traffic sign recognition (as part of the Driver assistance package) including vehicle speed warning can detect speed limits and displays the information in the Audi virtual cockpit or driver information system. Additionally, the system helps evaluate various driving conditions, no passing zones and school and construction zones.
  • Available Audi active lane assist observes lane markings and can provide gentle steering wheel warning vibrations if it is determined that the vehicle is approaching the edge of the lane without signaling.
  • Turn assist (as part of the Driver Assistance package) can detect the approach of oncoming traffic, when making a left-hand turn at an intersection (when the vehicle is traveling above 1 mph and below 7 mph and turn signal is activated).

Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

Driver assistance system availability may differ at launch. Driver assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

Audi connect should only be used when it is safe and appropriate. Audi connect services and features are optional, provided with the support of authorized affiliated and third party service providers, and may require additional subscriptions with separate terms and conditions. Services are subject to change, and Google Earth and Street view services may not be available after December 2017.  Certain services collect location information, see Terms of Service for information about how to disable and for other details.

2018 EPA estimates not available at time of publication. See www.fueleconomy.gov for updated information. Your mileage will vary and depends on several factors including your driving habits and vehicle condition.

 

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