Audi has unveiled the third-generation of its luxury SUV, the Audi Q5, and it is the first SUV from the luxury carmaker to be based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) platform. Along with a design refresh and updated interiors, it is now available with a mild-hybrid powertrain and Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard. In terms of rivals, it will go up against the likes of the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
This being a generation change, the exterior design of the latest Audi Q5 is all new, keeping in line with Audi’s design language. The SUV gets what Audi calls a Singleframe grille and revised bumpers with vertical air vents that feature a functional air curtain. It also gets slim matrix LED headlamps at the front and connected OLED tail lamps at the rear with up to eight digital light signatures. There are three trims available globally – Sport, S line and Edition 1, with the S line and S models getting larger front air intakes and a sportier diffuser at the rear. The alloy wheel sizes range from 19 to 21-inches, depending on the trim.
On the inside, the Audi Q5 gets three digital screens – a 11.9-inch digital cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment along with an option 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. Audi. Other features include an even larger storage compartment under the centre armrest compared to the previous model, numerous smaller storage areas for sunglasses, keys and other everyday items, an inductive and cooled charging tray with 15 watts of charging power in the front centre console, two USB-C ports in the front, and two in the rear. As part of the optional Sound & Vision Pack or standard on SQ5 Edition 1, the USB ports at the front can support charging capacities of up to 60 watts; the rear ports can even support charging capacities of up to 100 watts. This means larger devices such as laptops can be safely supplied with power while driving. The new Q5 also gets Audi’s new three-spoke steering wheel.
Being based on the PPC platform, the Audi Q5 is powered by mild-hybrid powertrains. The new MHEV plus system with a 48-volt electrical system supports the engine. At the time of its introduction in global markets, the Q5 features three engine options – a 2-litre TFSI petrol, a 2-litre TDI diesel and the 3-litre TFSI V6, the latter being exclusive to the Audi SQ5. We expect the 2-litre petrol to come to India and this engine produces 201bhp and 340Nm. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive is standard.