New Audi Q5 packs the best of German engineering

The latest version of Audi Q5 is more stylish, more powerful and showcases the best of German engineering, says Joshua David Luther.

Images: Kind courtesy, Audi India

The new Audi Q5 has not only undergone a style transformation, but is also slightly more powerful than its predecessor. The designers have moved away from the straight line scheme and introduced a dash of curves to lend more attitude to this SUV.

The side profile features a prominent belt line that has a flowing and curvy design. The silhouette has a gradual and gentle slope backward and ends in a neat and curve at the back. The rear LED lamps come with dynamic turn indicators accompanied by a sophisticated design.

The facade of the new Q5 sports modish LED headlamps with a neat-looking DRL design. The single-frame grille is reminiscent of the one on the Q7. The front also gets large air intakes and has ample plastic cladding all around. Adding to the butch appeal of the SUV are bold and pronounced wheel arches with bulky 235/60 R18 tyres, which enhance the vehicle’s on-road presence.

Audi has also furnished the interiors with beige leather and leatherette upholstery. The beige colour scheme goes well with the wooden inlays that set all around the cabin.

Some striking features that will set the Q5 apart from the herd include Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a three-zone climate control with an individual zone for rear seat occupants, and the Audi phone box with inductive charging.

Other features include electrically-adjustable driver (with memory function) and co-passenger seats, interior mirror with an auto dimming function, MMI control with touch pad, voice control, navigation and multiple connectivity options. The Audi Q5 also gets an electric boot release and boot lid closing function. The new Q5 also features a 21.08-cm MMI monitor that is a fixed unit. It also doubles up as a parking camera.

The car comes with a massive panoramic sun roof that makes the cabin feel roomy. Rear seat occupants can also get a manual roll-up blind.

The boot space offered on the Q5 starts at 550 litres and can be extended up to 1,550 litres with the rear seats down.

The rear seat back also has a standardised three-way split.

The new Audi Q5 is powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel TDI mill that churns out a solid 400Nm of torque and 190hp of power. The engine is now 8 per cent more powerful and 20 per cent more efficient with a claimed fuel efficiency of 17 km/litre. The engine renders its peak torque low in the range at 1,750rpm. This goes up to 3,000rpm and then caters to a peppy surge when you floor it. Peak power comes in at 3,800rpm and goes up to 4,200rpm.

Audi has claimed that the new Q5 can touch a top speed of 218 kmph, and that it can accelerate to 100 kmph from standstill in 7.9 seconds. The DCT is also quite smooth while ambling at lower speeds and is responsive when you want to get going.

The suspension leans to the softer side and takes care of most undulations quite well. The quattro setup ensures good control no matter what conditions you are driving in. Even at high speeds, the Q5 holds well to the road and displays the best of German engineering while tackling corners. Braking is facilitated with an all-disc brake set-up; the brakes are crisp and accurate.