Audi has launched the new generation of the Q5 in India today. It is now based on the MLB evo platform which also underpins its bigger sibling, the Q7 and the Q5 is now bigger than before. The top-of-the-line Technology variant is priced at Rs 57.60 lakh, ex-showroom.
Under the hood of the new Q5 is the 2-litre inline four cylinder VGT diesel motor that makes 187.7bhp and 400Nm of maximum torque, coupled to a 7-speed DCT that sends power to all four wheels via the quattro AWD system. Audi says the new Q5 loses up to 90 kg of weight, while the power gets a bump of 8 per cent and fuel efficiency too is up by 20 per cent. The Q5 hits the ton from standstill in a claimed 7.9 seconds, maxing out at 218kmph. The SUV gets independent suspension with adaptive dampers as standard. It gets five drive modes – comfort, dynamic, auto, individual and off road.
The Q5 gets driver assistance tech like ABS, EBD, electronic differential lock, electronic stabilization control, traction control and dual circuit brake system It gets eight airbags for safety including rear side airbags and comes with a five star rating in Euro NCAP tests. The yacht style gear lever is another elegant touch.
Inside the cabin, the main highlight is the Virtual Cockpit System that allows the user to customize the information cluster. The speedo and tacho can be shrunken to bring up navigation or vehicle data or other info and vice versa. The 8.3-inch infotainment display runs the MMI system and it gets voice command functions. It gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth for connectivity options. It also gets a couple of USB slots, SD card slots, CD player and additional 10GB of on board storage space for music. The top end variant gets the Audi phone box which supports wireless charging along with MMI navigation plus. The new Q5 gets Audi’s 180 watt 10 speaker sound system. The SUV comes with three-zone air conditioning, panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery.
We have driven the Q5 and you can read our first drive impressions here.