Q5 Series II

Audi released the Q5 Series II in late 2012, boasting more-efficient yet more-powerful drivetrains, the adoption of new driver-assistance and multimedia packages, and more standard features.

As facelifts go, the changes were minor, limited to a redesigned grille, bonnet, bumpers, wheels and lighting front and rear, while more upmarket trim is utilised inside.

At the heart of the changes came new or revised direct-injected and forced-induction powerplants, featuring the debut of idle-stop, regenerative braking and an eight-speed automatic gearbox – although the latter was only available on TFSI petrol variants, replacing the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission dubbed S-tronic, which continued on the diesel Q5.

Power from the 2.0 TDI quattro’s four-cylinder turbo-diesel was upped 5kW to 130kW at 4200rpm while torque rose 30Nm to 380Nm.

The updated 3.0 TDI V6 quattro S-tronic delivered 4kW more at 180kW and a hefty 80Nm extra at 580Nm.

On the petrol front, the four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI quattro delivered 165kW and 350Nm, while the new 3.0 TFSI V6 quattro punched out 200kW (5kW more than the old 3.2 FSI V6) and 400Nm (up 70Nm).

Other changes included a switch from hydraulic to electro-mechanical power steering, intelligent engine thermal management, recalibrated suspension tuning, and advanced options including adaptive cruise control with low-speed emergency braking.