Automotive

Audi doesn't mess with the formula in smarter, lighter Q5

Audi doesn't mess with the formula in smarter, lighter Q5
The Audi Q5 on the floor at the Paris Motor Show
The Audi Q5 on the floor at the Paris Motor Show
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The Q5 is all new, but looks very similar to the old model from the outside
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The Q5 is all new, but looks very similar to the old model from the outside
The devil is in the detail with the new Audi Q5
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The devil is in the detail with the new Audi Q5
Wheels ranging from 17 to 20-inches can be fitted
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Wheels ranging from 17 to 20-inches can be fitted
The Q5 looks like a scaled-down version of the Audi Q7
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The Q5 looks like a scaled-down version of the Audi Q7
The Q5 is up to 90 kg lighter than before
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The Q5 is up to 90 kg lighter than before
The Audi Q5 on the floor at the Paris Motor Show
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The Audi Q5 on the floor at the Paris Motor Show
The Q5 can be has with four diesel engines or one petrol engine
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The Q5 can be has with four diesel engines or one petrol engine
Take a peek under the skin of the new Audi Q5
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Take a peek under the skin of the new Audi Q5
Take a peek under the skin of the new Audi Q5
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Take a peek under the skin of the new Audi Q5
The material mix on the new Audi Q5 makes it stiffer and lighter than before
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The material mix on the new Audi Q5 makes it stiffer and lighter than before
The Q5 can be had with an all-wheel drive powertrain
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The Q5 can be had with an all-wheel drive powertrain
Air suspension is an option on the new Q5
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Air suspension is an option on the new Q5
The new Q5 looks like the outgoing model from a distance
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The new Q5 looks like the outgoing model from a distance
The Q5 will hit showrooms early next year
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The Q5 will hit showrooms early next year
The Q5's singleframe grille makes it fit right in with the rest of the Audi family
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The Q5's singleframe grille makes it fit right in with the rest of the Audi family
The new Q5 is designed to be sportier than before
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The new Q5 is designed to be sportier than before
The cabin is standard Audi practice, but that's no bad thing
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The cabin is standard Audi practice, but that's no bad thing
Quilted seats are an option on high-end Audi Q5s
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Quilted seats are an option on high-end Audi Q5s
Audi's singleframe grille carries over from the Q7
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Audi's singleframe grille carries over from the Q7
The MMI touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
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The MMI touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Rear passengers will enjoy the extra space that comes with a taller roofline and longer body
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Rear passengers will enjoy the extra space that comes with a taller roofline and longer body
The Virtual Cockpit from the TT carries over into the Q5
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The Virtual Cockpit from the TT carries over into the Q5
View gallery - 22 images

It might be difficult to tell from a distance, but you're looking at the brand-new Audi Q5. With a stronger, lighter body and a new set of efficient powertrains, it aims to take the luxurious feeling from the Q7 and scales it down for families who don't need seven seats and a gargantuan boot.

As it did with the new A4, Audi has turned to an intelligent mix of materials for a lighter, stiffer body. Measuring up at 4.66 m (15.3 ft) long, 1.89 m (6.2 ft) wide and 1.66 m (5.4 ft) tall, it's bigger than its predecessor in every direction. But, rather than packing on the pounds, it's actually up to 90 kg (198 lb) lighter than the outgoing car.

Power comes from a choice of four diesel engines and one petrol motor, all of which are more efficient than before. The entry-level diesel puts out 110 kW (150 hp) of power, although drivers who want a bit more grunt under their right foot can also opt for 120 kW (163 hp) and 140 kW (190 hp) versions of the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel motor.

If that's not enough, there's also a 3.0-liter diesel on offer, with 210 kW (286 hp) of power and a chubby 620 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, petrol devotees are able to spec a 2.0-liter TFSI engine with 185 kW (252 hp) on tap.

The Q5 can be has with four diesel engines or one petrol engine
The Q5 can be has with four diesel engines or one petrol engine

Just like any good Audi, all-wheel drive is available across the range. In entry-level diesel models, the system defaults to front-wheel drive in normal driving conditions, before using a central clutch to rapidly shoot power to the rear axle when it detects slip. More powerful versions are fitted with a more conventional quattro system, which can be coupled with an active rear diff for better power-down on the way out of corners.

Opening a door reveals the Q5's cabin is standard Audi fare, with lots of high-quality materials and high-tech features. Quilted seats are an option, as is the gorgeous virtual cockpit which has found its way into everything from the Volkswagen Passat and Audi TT to the Lamborghini Huracan. Buyers will also be able to spec the full set of active driver aids, including auto-emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and cross-traffic alerts.

The Q5 debuted at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, and will hit showrooms early in 2017.

Source: Audi

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