New Audi Q5 and SQ5 unveiled
BY PETER BARNWELL | 3rd Sep 2024
GENERATION three of Audi’s Q5 and SQ5 medium SUVs in petrol and diesel form with mild hybrid assistance have been unveiled in Europe, the latest offerings described by Ingolstadt as “a proven concept with a dynamic design, high variability, new infotainment and modern operating concept.”
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are due at a later date.
Given Australian arrival is not until next year, pricing and specifications are not yet available but Audi says the entry level model will sell in Germany for €54,650 ($A89,111). The current model lists Down Under from $73,400 excluding on-road costs.
The Q5 is up against a raft of ICE-powered, electrically-assisted, medium-size premium SUVs including BMW’s incoming new-generation X3, the Genesis GV70, Land Rover’s Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC models.
It is Audi’s first SUV to be built on the company’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture with, as the name suggests, efficient, partially electrified combustion engines.
The platform is designed to enable Audi to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments, helping the brand give future models a unique character.
Following Audi’s recent introduction of the A4-replacing A5 passenger car, the Q5 shares many elements across powertrains, interior layout, technology and design (from herein Audi’s even-numbered models will be all-electric while odd-numbered vehicles are internal combustion and hybrid).
At the unveiling, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, said: "As the second model of our new generation of highly efficient combustion engines, this new edition of the successful model marks the next important step in the rejuvenation of our portfolio."
The Q5 has been around for more than 15 years, during which it has become one of the most popular SUVs in the German and European medium SUV segments – as well as regularly outselling the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC in Australia – this latest iteration is expected to continue the nameplate’s popularity.
New for generation three is an updated infotainment system and operation concept, customisable digital light signatures and modern driver assistance systems.
Audi says forthcoming expansion of the model family will feature plug-in hybrid technology.
“The sporty Q5 sets new standards in the midsize-segment of premium SUVs: sporty, technology-oriented design language meets high variability and proven suitability for everyday use.”
It uses Volkswagen Group’s ‘E 1.2’ electronics architecture, designed to integrate modern and future-proof connectivity and digitalisation features into all new models.
The Q5 rolls out of Audi’s San José Chiapa, Mexico plant which has been operating for eight years to facilitate the company’s penetration into the North American market.
From a practical perspective, the new Q5 is more spacious inside and features a fully adjustable three-passenger rear seat that can be moved lengthways and tilted, thus increasing luggage volume or comfort for rear passengers as required.
Externally, the new Q5 has an obvious sporty flavour to its stance, flanks and proportions… a high shoulder line creates a powerful silhouette and connects the front and rear lights making the vehicle appear longer. Above the sill, a rising line runs over the wheel arches and into the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance even when stationary.
The front is assertive as all the defining design elements are positioned one level higher than in the predecessor model. The sporty, wide Singleframe sits high and is flanked by vertical, functional air curtains.
The positioning and shape of the functional tailpipes depends on the engine: a double square tailpipe under the diffuser on the left-hand side (for all diesel engines), or rectangular tailpipes on the right and left (for all petrol engines). The S model features the four twin round tailpipes in a new, sharpened design.
Variants will comprise basic, advanced exterior and S line exterior with the S model given an independent and more aggressive exterior appearance.
German spec Q5s are equipped with alloy wheels in sizes from 17 to 21 inches, depending on the exterior and engine.
The interior is designed to be "human-centric" and geared towards the needs of its users, exemplified in a layout that provides “visual clarity".
Audi says functionality and aesthetics are combined down to the last detail, the control panel in high-quality material forming the basis for the "Digital Stage" with a curved design and OLED technology housing the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display. A 10.9-inch MMI Passenger Display is optional for front passengers.
The PPC architecture specifies longitudinally installed combustion engines all of which at launch are equipped with a new new 48-volt ‘MHEV plus’ system which supports the combustion engine, reduces CO2 emissions and is said to increase performance and driving comfort.
Limited purely electric manoeuvring and parking is possible. The powertrain generator (PTG) generates an additional drive torque of up to 230Nm and 18kW of power.
Its 48-volt system also enables the use of an electrically driven air conditioning compressor offering the advantage of cabin cooling even with the engine is switched off.
The MHEV plus battery with lithium iron phosphate chemistry (LFP) has a storage capacity of 1.7kWh. The main tasks of the belt starter generator are to start the engine and supply electrical energy to the battery.
Regenerative energy is harvested when decelerating and braking feeding up to 25kW of energy back into the battery.
PHEV versions of the Q5 will arrive later in the model lifecycle with a large battery and external charging option.
At European launch, three engine versions (all MHEV equipped) are available with further drive variants to follow.
All models use the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with the entry-level engine a 2.0 TFSI delivering 150kW and 340Nm equipped with front-wheel drive, quattro optional.
Also available is a 2.0 TDI delivering 150kW and 400Nm only available with all-wheel drive.
Topping out the Q5 advance guard is the SQ5 with a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI producing 270kW and 550Nm.
Agile handling and comfort is aided by optimised suspension and steering set-up, while latest-generation driver assistance systems are fitted to “significantly improve everyday life and road safety for all road users”.
Mr Döllner said he sees the new Audi Q5 as a guarantee of success.
"The Audi Q5 has been our most successful and most important SUV model in the midsize class for more than 15 years. The new edition is a further development of its proven characteristics," he said.
"As the second model in our new generation of highly efficient combustion engines, it marks the next important step in the rejuvenation of our portfolio. I am certain that the new Audi Q5, as a sporty all-rounder with a dynamic SUV design, will continue its success story."
