This is Audi's all-new compact SUV that will challenge the BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Land Rover Freelander and the new, Mercedes-Benz GLK that was also unveiled at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show. Measuring 4.63 metres long and 1.88 metres wide, the Q5 slots right under the larger Q7 in the German carmaker's SUV line-up. We can't say that we're thrilled with the Q5's somewhat lacklustre exterior looks, but at least the interior, as with every Audi, is great. 
Based on the underpinnings of the new A4 Sedan / Avant and A5 Coupe models, the 5-passenger premium SUV is equipped with Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel drive system as standard. Under normal running conditions, the AWD system allocates the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a more rear-wheel-drive focused style. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.
Power comes from a choice of three engine variants, a redesigned version of Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI gasoline unit that develops 211 Hp that accelerates the Q5 from nought to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 7.2 sec, and two turbodiesel units, the 170 Hp 2.0 TDI (0 to 62 mph in 9.5 sec) and the 240 Hp 3.0 V6 TDI (0 to 62 mph in 6.5 sec). The 2.0 TDI is hooked up with Audi's 6-speed manual transmission while the other two variants get the new 7-speed twin-clutch transmission. -More details and 27 pics after the jump
PRESS RELEASE
The new Audi Q5: Sporty and versatile
- All new performance SUV to slot in below the Audi Q7 in
- Innovative technologies for dynamic driving characteristics
- Spacious interior with myriad intelligent functions
The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions. Measuring 4.63 metres long and 1.88 metres wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 metres high, giving it a more purposeful stance than any of its competitors. What���s more, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.
With its elegant, flowing lines the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be equipped with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels and rising edges are especially prominent features.
Crowned by a rail, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate ��� made from aluminum like the bonnet ��� clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The tail lights are available with distinctive LED lighting technology as well.
Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 ��� black (standard), contrasting colour or a full body-coloured paint finish. Two body packages are available as well. The S line exterior package imparts a more sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives the SUV a more robust character.
Long wheelbase, roomy interior
At 2.81 metres in length, the wheelbase is the longest in its segment, creating a roomy interior on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment. This compartment, offering access to a second storage area under the floor, then expands from 540 to 1,560 litres in volume. Optional extras include a rail mounting kit for luggage, a net partition and a luggage compartment liner.
The Audi Q5 has been designed to make light work of leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the ���rear bench seat plus���, which slides 100 millimetres lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger���s seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied as standard, and on request Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well ��� an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.
Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a given for Audi cars. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.
The Audi Q5 employs design elements typical of the brand in the interior, but adds its own unique variations ��� the driver-oriented cockpit is set higher, for example, in keeping with the upright seating position. The exemplary ergonomics are classic Audi though, as is the liberal usage of fine materials such as aluminium, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara, as well as a large selection of optional design packages.
The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigation system is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the centre console. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market ��� with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton.
Strong and efficient ��� the engines
The Audi Q5 launches with three engine variants ��� one petrol engine and two TDI units. All of the engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger ��� characterized by outstanding performance, strong propulsive power and polished refinement while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.
The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features ��� turbocharging, petrol direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system for variable control of valve lift.
The high torque of 350 Nm is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 211PS. The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 62mph in 7.2 seconds, can reach a top speed of 138mph and averages 33.2mpg.
Drawing on four cylinders and two litres of displacement as well, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; like the petrol engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine delivers its typically strong response from an impressive 170PS. Combined fuel consumption of 42.1mpg is proof of Audi���s successful efficiency strategy. The two-litre TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).
The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers 240PS and 500 Nm of torque, which is available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding response and refinement, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 62mph in 6.5 seconds, accelerates to a top speed of 139mph and covers 36.6mpg on the combined cycle.
Seven speeds ��� the new S tronic
The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI ��� the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.
As in the new Audi A4, the position of the component units in the drivetrain has been altered in the Audi Q5 ��� the differential is located in front of the clutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possible to move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase and optimum distribution of axle load. It is precisely these features from which the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths ��� good directional stability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.
The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi equips the Audi Q5 as standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focused style that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.
The latest generation running gear in the Audi Q5 also contributes to its outstanding composure. The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarily from aluminium, the steering box below directs the steering impulse directly to the wheels. Large brakes ensure high retardation. The Audi Q5 will ride on lightweight lightweight alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.
The new performance SUV from Audi offers precision, reassurance and comfort at the same time. Its electronic stabilization program (ESP) has been re-designed and enhanced with innovative functions such as a sensor that ���tells��� the ESP if a roof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5���s centre of gravity to be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of
up to 100 kilograms. If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in the handling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap into the full dynamic potential of the Audi Q5.
The Audi Q5 is suitable for all purposes and driving surfaces. Capable of towing up to 2.0 tons, this powerful vehicle delivers excellent performance in rough terrain as well. The standard hill descent control system makes it safe to navigate down steep inclines by regulating the preselected speed when driving at under 19mph. The ESP and its sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. The ESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABS automatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selects the ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.
The numbers speak for themselves: The Audi Q5���s climbing capability of 31 degrees of incline is exceptional. The overhang angle is 25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle, determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is an impressive 20 centimetres, with a fording depth of up to 50 centimetres when driving through water.
Audi drive select ��� for more driving pleasure
An extensive package of high-end technologies makes the Audi Q5 even more driver focused. The optional control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components and is available in several upgrade variants. At the touch of a button, the driver determines how much emphasis should be placed on comfort or agility. The MMI operating system offers a fourth mode, which can be individually programmed.
Audi drive select is available with two innovative components. One is an electronic controller for the shock absorbers, the other is Audi dynamic steering. Fitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies the steering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speed driven ��� which means less steering effort is required when parking, and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with the ESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.
The new performance SUV from Audi leaves the production line with a generous range of standard equipment including an audio system with eight speakers. A highly contemporary modular system of components is available for multimedia options ��� the highest upgrade level features a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.
The assistance systems: Straight from the luxury class
On request, the Audi Q5 can also be equipped with an array of high-tech, onboard systems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even more relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.
Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key for keyless access to the vehicle, a tyre pressure monitoring system, the large panoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zone climate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamic cornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgate and a swivelling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and ventilated ��� Audi offers the extras from the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.
