New Audi Q5 pricing plan

Audi Australia is aiming to keep price rises to a minimum when it launches the crucial second-generation Q5 mid-size luxury SUV in Australia in the third quarter of 2017.

Initially to be offered only in 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel and TFSI turbo-petrol forms, the Q5 will ride on a new architecture bringing a significant boost in tecnology and equipment.

You can check out our first drive impression from the global media launch in Mexico, where the Q5 will now be built, to see whether it improves on the original -- the biggest selling prestige SUV in Australia from 2009 to 2015 and a vehicle that continues to sell well.

The desire to hold pricing close to current levels, potentially starting around $65,000, is a continuation of Audi’s policy that recently saw the latest generation A4 come to market without any significant rises across the range.

“We do plan to be offering the best package we can offer the Australian motoring public,” Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle told motoring.com.au.

“It’s not just the fact that this segment is getting busier, it’s the fact we have done this over a number of models launches … and will continue to do so."

Audi Australia is letting only a little slip about the equipment levels of the new Q5. It has confirmed a selection of features will be standard including driver aids like pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection, side assist, rear cross traffic assist and exit warning.

Also standard across the range will be a a powered tailgate with foot swipe, MMI navigation and a smartphone interface including Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

High-tech features like the Virtual Cockpit, head-up display, Matrix LED headlights and adaptive air suspension will be available in some form in the range.

Audi is also hinting that the Q5 range could include steps up in trim levels for different powertrains, as well as option packs such as S Line and Technik.

But all five equipment lines revealed for Europe as part of the global launch program are unlikely to make their way to Australia.

“We are seeing all sorts of new infotainment, connectivity and driver assistant technology in the latest offerings from Audi so that will certainly be the case [with the Q5], but we will continue our theme of offering significant value in that segment as well,” Doyle said.

At the core of the new Q5 is Audi’s own MLBevo longitudinal front- and all-wheel drive architecture that already underpins the A4, A5 and Q7.

There are a bunch of benefits from upgrading from the original MLB structure including weight reductions of up to 65kg, increased torsional stiffness, new five-link suspension designs and more electronics capability.

The engines also upgrade. The 2.0-litre TDI lifts from 130kW/380Nm to 140kW and 400Nm, while the fuel economy claim improves from 6.0L/100km to 5.2L/100km and the 0-100km/h sprint from 9.0 sec to 7.9 sec.

The 2.0 TFSI upgrades from 165kW/350Nm to 185kW/370Nm, averages 7.1L/100km (was 7.5) and boasts a 6.3 sec 0-100km/h time (was 7.1 sec).

Both engines drive via a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission (in the first-generation the TFSI matches with an eight-speed auto) and the latest quattro ultra on-demand all-wheel drive system that saves fuel by disconnecting the prop shaft at the transmission when rear-wheel drive is not required.

In 2018 the latest 210kW/620Nm version of Audi’s 3.0-litre V6 TDI will be added to the Australian line-up. This engine drives via an eight-speed torque converter auto with fuel-saving freewheeling function and permanent all-wheel drive. No fuel consumption figures are currently available for this engine.

Other variants we can eventually expect to see are a yet unconfirmed 3.0 TFSI V6, a virtually confirmed SQ5 and a rumoured RS Q5.

The new Q5 is slightly longer than its predecessor in overall length (+34mm at 4663mm) and wheelbase (+12mm at 2819mm). The body is more squared off than its predecessor's but claimed to be the most aerodynamic in class as well as the lightest.

Audi is also claiming the Q5 outdoes its predecessor in terms of key dimensions such as front and rear shoulder room, head room and knee and elbow room at the rear. All occupants ride on newly-developed seats.

The 40:20:40 rear seat can slide, tilt and spit-fold, growing luggage capacity from 610 litres to 1550 litres. There is an emergency spare tyre under the boot floor. Wheel and tyre sizes in Europe vary from 17- to 21-inch.

Audi says one of its priorities with the new Q5 was to retain sportiness while improving comfort and its new combination of air springs and adaptive dampers is key to this.

Passive suspension will be standard in Australia but the adaptive system will be optionally available, offering various modes via the drive select controller including comfort, dynamic and ride height-adjusting lift/offroad mode.