Audi's Mid-Size SUV, the Q5, Enters its Third Generation | Audi
Audi Q5 | The Audi Q5
The Q5 is fully redesigned for the first time in approximately seven years.
Audi has announced the full model change of its mid-size SUV, the Q5, in its home country of Germany.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
New Platform Supporting Plug-in Hybrid Introduced for the First Time in an SUV
Approximately seven years have passed since the second generation was announced in 2017. The mid-size SUV Q5 has undergone a full model change to its third generation.
Audi Q5 (left) SQ5 (right)
Audi Q5
The lineup announced for Germany includes gasoline and diesel models adopting the "MHEV plus" mild-hybrid system, as well as the sporty SQ5 and the sporty-looking S line. Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models are also planned for future release.
The first thing that strikes you about the new Q5 is the change in its front design, which could be described as the car's expression.
Audi Q5
The design elements, positioned one level higher than the previous model, give a sharp impression with intricately shaped headlights, a sporty and wide single frame, and vertically arranged air curtains.
The body design also features a high shoulder line connecting the front and rear lights, creating an effect that makes the vehicle appear longer. The rear design is also clean, with lines minimized.
Audi Q5
Audi SQ5
The interior follows the design philosophy of the previous generation but has been further evolved with the full model change. The rear seats are now fully adjustable, allowing for a larger trunk space. Alternatively, the rear seat pitch can be widened for greater comfort for rear passengers, suggesting diverse ways to use the Q5.
The audio system features a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system that produces 3D surround sound, and includes a vehicle noise compensation function to cancel out interior noise.
The digital experience has also significantly evolved, featuring an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch MMI touch display. It uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system, allowing for app downloads from third parties.
Additionally, various vehicle functions can be controlled via a voice assistant with learning capabilities. Avatars are also used for the first time, displayed on the central touch display and head-up display.
This full model change not only brings design updates but also marks the first time an SUV is equipped with the "PPC (Premium Platform Combustion)" platform for vehicles with longitudinally mounted internal combustion engines. It also supports mild-hybrid systems.
At market launch, the engine lineup includes a 2.0-liter gasoline engine (2.0 TFSI) with a maximum output of 150 kW (204 ps) and 340 Nm of torque, a 2.0-liter diesel engine (2.0 TDI) with 150 kW (204 ps) and 400 Nm, and for the sportier SQ5, a 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 270 kW (367 ps) and 550 Nm of torque. All models are paired with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
All models feature a 48V mild-hybrid system "MHEV plus," with the powertrain generator (PTG) adding up to 230 Nm of additional drive torque and 18 kW (24 ps) of power.
Audi Q5
Audi SQ5
The lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 1.7 kWh, allowing the air conditioning to be used even when the engine is off.
Audi claims a significant improvement in ride comfort, with progressive steering as standard. The difference between comfort and sport modes is also more pronounced compared to the previous generation.
Audi Q5
The body is available in 11 colors, and wheels range from 17 to 21 inches depending on the engine specification and exterior.
The new Q5, like its predecessor, will be produced in Mexico, adjacent to the United States, where many users are located. The timing of its introduction and pricing in Japan are yet to be determined. We await further updates.
