Q5 set for launch

Audi is forecasting the new Q5 will be its biggest volume seller in New Zealand for 2025.

The midsize-segment SUV is the marque’s first based on its premium platform combustion (PPC) and is powered by petrol engines that have become even more economical thanks to MHEV-plus technology. 

The platform allows Audi to launch high-volume models with high technical standards in different segments. 

Greg Leet, general manager of Audi NZ, says: “The all-new Q5 is an evolution of one of our most popular SUVs.

“As the second model in our new generation of highly efficient internal combustion engines [ICEs], it represents an important step in bringing the latest Audi technology and performance to our top-selling SUV. 

“The new Q5, a sporty all-rounder with dynamic SUV design, carries forward its strong legacy in New Zealand.”

The new Q5 range will be launched in New Zealand from this year’s third quarter. Starting at $111,990 excluding on-road costs, Audi will offer the SUV in an S line variant with a two-litre TFSI engine.

This delivers 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque. It will also be equipped with quattro all-wheel drive as standard. 

Arriving at the same time is the SQ5 SUV from $149,990 and the SQ5 Sportback from $153,990. These are the top models in the series with three-litre V6 TFSI engines for 270kW of power and maximum torque of 550Nm. 

Space concept and variability

The latest generation Q5 has gained in key product attributes. The rear seat is fully adjustable. It can be moved lengthways and tilted to increasing the trunk volume or comfort for rear passengers. 

Three people can be seated on the rear bench. With the rear seats folded down, transport volume increases up to 1,473 litres.

There’s a larger storage compartment under the centre armrest compared to the previous model, 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. 

The exterior design

A shoulder line creates a powerful silhouette, connects the front and rear lights, and makes the vehicle appear longer. Above the sill, a rising line runs over the wheel arches and into the rear bumper, giving the Q5 a dynamic appearance.

The wide single frame sits high and is flanked by vertical, functional air curtains. The sculpturally shaped headlights create a focused look.

An exterior S line impresses with striking and sporty body components, such as the air-curtain tubes with matt anthracite chrome-look accents. On S models, these elements have a matt silver chrome look. 

The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumpers as an island. The positioning and shape of the functional tailpipes depends on the engine. They are rectangular on the right and left for all petrol engines. The S features the four twin round tailpipes.

The new Audi Q5s will be equipped with alloys. The S line will come with 20-inch wheels as standard and the S models will have 21-inch wheels.

Ultra-modern engines

All Q5s have the “highly efficient” MHEV-plus technology with a 48-volt electrical system supporting the ICE. This reduces CO2 emissions, and boosts performance and driving comfort. 

Purely electric manoeuvring and parking are possible to a limited extent. The powertrain generator provides extra drive torque of up to 230Nm and up to 18kW of power. 

The 48v system also enables the use of an electrically driven air-conditioning compressor. This offers the advantage that even when the engine is switched off – for example, when coasting or at a red light – the air conditioning continues to operate at full power.

The lithium-ion battery is based on lithium-iron phosphate chemistry and has a storage capacity of 1.7kW hours. The new powertrain generator enables electric driving, relieves the ICE and helps reduce fuel consumption. 

When decelerating, the powertrain generator feeds up to 25kW of energy back into the battery. The PPC enables gradual electrification in the form of mild hybrids. 

Later in the lifecycle of the new Q5, plug-in hybrids with a large battery and external-charging options will be available.

Agile handling and comfort

The new Q5 rolls boasts enhanced progressive steering and dynamically tuned steel suspension as standard. Alternatively, a sports suspension – standard on the SQ5 and SQ5 Sportback – is available. 

The steel spring suspension, in combination with the passive damping system and a more agile front axle, gives the Q5 a firmer ride on the road. 

Adaptive damper control is available in the optional air suspension with its basic configuration able pf being adapted to individual requirements via Audi drive select. Compared to the predecessor model, it offers a more noticeable spread between comfort and sport modes.

Individually configurable display

The Audi Q5 is optionally available with a configurable head-up display (HUD). It can show a wide range of information in a clear and concise manner, such as speed, assistance systems, navigation instructions and media data. 

Drivers have the option of controlling vehicle and infotainment functions via the HUD. The controls also allow scrolling through lists with direct selection via steering-wheel buttons – a first.

Incoming calls can be displayed and answered directly by motorist.