The all-new Audi Q5 will build on the success it started nearly ten years ago.
Audi UK head of PR, Jon Zammett said, “The Q5 has achieved 1.6-million global sales since it was launched in 2008. We already have a strong range of Q SUV models – the Q7, Q5, Q3 and the recently launched Q2 and our directors have indicated that there will be Q4 and Q8 models to come”.
He added that the latest Q5 is an all-new car built in an all-new factory in Mexico for global sales. In the UK there will be three diesel and three petrol powered variants and all have quattro all wheel drive.
Currently we have a 2.0-litre TDI 190hp turbodiesel and a 2.0-litre TFSI 252hp turbo petrol unit and all have S tronic automatic transmission as standard. Specification levels for each engine are currently SE, Sport and S line. On-the-road prices, including the new 1 April VED road tax First Year rate start at £37,240 and rise to £41,355
He continued that the new Q5s are constructed of a mix of lightweight hot steel and aluminium and they are 90kg lighter than the previous first generation versions. All offer more agility and have a more compliant ride and all have an electrically operated tailgate. Air suspension is also an option he said.
Martin Baker, Audi’s UK Product Manager for Q3/Q5/Q7 models added, “Last year we sold 12,680 units and we hope to maintain that figure in 2017 taking into account the changeover period between the two generations. When the range is fully available about 95% of UK customers are expected to choose a diesel powered model with 65% choosing the 2.0-litre 190hp unit.
“When it comes to specification levels 65% will choose the top level S line, 30% Sport and 5% SE. With the lower running costs and improved emission levels he added there is already an increase in interest from fleet buyers which to date have only accounted for 20% of UK registrations”. The expected best selling version, the Q5 2.0-litre, 190hp, S line costs £40,290.
First impressions
The first models in the all-new second generation Audi Q5 mid-sized SUV range are just starting to arrive with their new UK owners.
The first arrivals are both 2.0-litre turbocharged engines; a 252hp TFSI petrol unit and a 190hp TDI diesel, all have S tronic auto transmission with quattro all-wheel drive.
In due course the range will offer the choice of three petrol and three diesel engines. Specification levels are SE, Sport and S line. On-the-road prices currently start from £38,305 and rise to £41,355 including the new higher First Year VED road tax rates.
At the media launch this week I managed to get behind the wheel of the best selling model even after additional versions are introduced. This was the 2.0-litre, TDI 190hp quattro S tronic S line costing £40,290 on-the-road.
The latest Q5 is all-new built in a brand new factory in Mexico for global sales. The first thing I noticed were the new styling lines and sharp creases in the bodywork, a significant improvement over the previous rounded shape which gives the vehicle more ‘character’. As before it has five doors and five seats with a slightly larger load space of 550-litres and folding the rear three seats this goes up to 1,550-litres.
There is the usual high quality Audi signature interior with many of the same controls, instruments and overall layout of most new generation models. Improved levels of standard specification include Audi Drive Select, twin leather heated front seats, parking system and powered tailgate. Sport and S line models gain MMI Navigation with Audi Connect and S line versions gain LED headlights and dynamic indicators.
There is the new cost option of adaptive air suspension with variable ride height and off-road modes but the new standard suspension is much more compliant than before even allowing for the 19-inch wheels and ‘S’ sport suspension fitted to my test car. Providing a more comfortable ride as standard is one of the major improvements made by Audi for their new cars. The handling agility has also improved as the vehicle is 90kg lighter than its predecessors.
Also noticeable was the hushed ride with less engine noise intrusion and less wind and road noise as well. It just felt like a more polished performer. There is no doubt that although classed as an SUV with 4WD most vehicles of this nature are no longer aimed at the work-horse sector of the market.
Indeed the number of 4x4s available for those that really need off-road performance are getting less and less as manufacturers push their products further upmarket into the lifestyle bracket.
Yes this new Q5 will have some off-road ability and it has a Descent Control function but mainly away from city streets and open roads it might be used occasionally to negotiate rougher tracks and a grassy field but in the main it will be used as a family or business car with the potential to tow a boat, trailer or horsebox. The braked towing weight of this model is 2,400kg.
On road the Q5 is well balanced although with some cornering body roll due to its increased height if driven at higher speeds. It felt a big car to ‘muscle’ through winding country roads but sure-footed all the same. Around town and in the commonplace stop-start commuter traffic it was a doddle to drive.
With CO2 emissions 136g/km, the new VED road tax costs are £200 First Year rate and then £140 for the standard rate thereafter. However my test drive version, the expected best-seller from the range, the on-the-road price crept over the new £40k price cap for a new car so on top of the standard rate charge there will be an extra annual charge for five years of £310.
Again with so many new premium brand cars bought from 1 April this year customers really need to select the model and added extra cost options with care so as not to get stung with added tax costs.
In the case of the new Audi Q5 it probably is an extra price worth paying.
Mini Milestones
Audi Q5 SUV 2.0 TDI quattro 190hp, S line S tronic (best selling model) £40,290
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 190hp, 400Nm of torque from 1,750rpm, 7-speed dual clutch automatic, quattro all wheel drive
Performance: 135mph, 0-62mph 7.9-seconds, Combined Cycle 55.4mpg (42.3mpg on test)
CO2 136g/km, VED road tax £200 First Year rate then £140 standard rate + £310 for 5-years as the vehicle costs more than £40k, BIK company car tax 29%
Insurance group: 30E tbc Warranty: 3-years/60,000-miles
For: Sharper styling, improved specification, better ride comfort, low noise intrusion, low depreciation cost
Against: Select the model, wheel sizes and options with care due to increased VED tax costs.
© David Miles