Audi announces pricing for all-new Q5

Audi has announced the model line-up and pricing for its all-new Q5.

On sale in June, the second-generation prestige SUV will receive a technology and safety boost with the addition of new features which will be standard fitment on all Q5 models.

The first all-new Q5 since 2009 will be offered with both 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines, both paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission.

Each vehicle features Audi’s new quattro ultra drivetrain which switches from all-wheel drive to front wheel-drive when full traction isn’t required, contributing to fuel consumption savings which amount to a claimed 12 per cent for the 2.0-litre diesel models.

In line with its top-selling predecessor and key rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and BMW X3, the new Q5 range is priced between $65,900 and $73,500 with three models available at launch in two specification levels – design and sport.

The most affordable Q5 model will be the Q5 design 2.0 TDI which is available exclusively with the 2.0-litre 140kW/400Nm turbo-diesel engine.

The top specification sport model will be available with the same diesel powerplant for $70,700 or with a high-output 185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol engine capable of accelerating to 100km/h in just 6.3 seconds for $73,500.

All Q5 models receive a high level of safety and infotainment technologies as standard. These include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian protection, exit warning system to help drivers avoid opening their doors into passing traffic, rear cross traffic alert with brake input, side assist blind spot monitoring, Audi pre-sense basic and rear to help pre-empt collisions and parking system with front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera.

The sport model adds additional driver assistance aids including adaptive cruise with stop and go, turn assist which brakes the car in the event that it senses a turning manoeuvre cannot be completed in time, predictive efficiency assistant that gives the driver hints on improving efficient driving and high-beam assist.

All cars will also be equipped with Audi’s latest MMI navigation system boasting natural voice recognition, 3D maps with live traffic info and Audi Connect which allows a vehicle to access high-speed 4G LTE network via SIM card, allowing it to act as a wifi hotspot and facilitating Google Earth and Google Search functions. All cars are also compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Q5 design edition is fitted with a 7.0-inch high-resolution screen while the sport model steps up to a larger 8.3-inch screen adding an MMI touchpad that allows for spelling out commands with fingertip control and a DVD player.

Sport models also gain Audi’s popular virtual cockpit – a 12.3-inch configurable dashboard which has been optioned in around 70 per cent of A4 models for Australia.

Convenience features across all models including 40:20:40-split rear seats, hands-free entry including kick-to-open electric tailgate, tri-zone digital air-conditioning with digital display in the rear and, for the first time, all Q5 models including the entry design vehicles will be equipped with paddle shifters.

Luggage capacity has been extended in the new Q5 by 10 litres to between 550 and 610 litres, depending on whether an optional sliding rear seat is specified. With the rear seat folded flat, luggage capacity reaches 1550 litres.

The new Q5’s exterior design has been updated with a bold new treatment which Audi describes as taut and sculpted. Design models are fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels while sport models feature a 20-inch alloy wheel and additional body coloured trim.

Ride and handling improvements include a new front and rear suspension set up, which combined with new quattro ultra drivetrain components have contributed to a weight loss of the Q5 in the order of 90kgs, improving fuel efficiency.

In addition to standard specifications, Audi customers have the opportunity to further personalise their Q5 with the addition of Comfort, S line and Technik packages.

2017 Audi Q5 pricing (plus on-road costs):
Q5 design 2.0 TDI Quattro s tronic -- $65,900
Q5 sport 2.0 TDI Quattro s tronic -- $70,700
Q5 sport 2.0 TFSI Quattro s tronic -- $73,500