New Audi Q5 arrives in the Philippines
THE DEMAND for compact SUVs has been rising over the years. While the growing market is coupled with a rise in SUV options from various automobile brands, the Audi Q5 stands out from the rest. Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto guarantees that the all-new Q5 “is setting the bar higher for SUVs in its class.”
With the Manila Polo Club packed with guests last Oct. 11, a modern lights show by a robot-like figure coupled with videos of the Q5 on the road were the prelude to the unveiling of the Audi Q5. “Modern” and “high-tech” set the tone for what the Q5 is all about. It is an exemplar of Audi’s corporate tag line ‘Vorsprung
Durch Technik’ or ‘Advancement through Technology.’
Coyiuto explains what makes the Q5 special: “It boasts of great innovations such as the quattro all-wheel drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, air suspension with damper control, and a comprehensive lineup of infotainment and assistance systems.”
Physically, the Q5 has a commanding presence defined by a sharp shoulder line and a flared Singleframe grille in front. It has smooth rounded curves all throughout, with a slightly elongated hood. On display during the launch were two variants—a 2.0-liter TFSI-powered variant with 250hp in silver, and a 2.0-liter TDI with 190hp in blue.
The Q5’s intelligent software solution ensures a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience. Its quattro all-wheel drive allows for smooth and refined handling, while delivering high torque. The Q5’s ride can be customized through “Audi Drive Select” which varies comfort and dynamics. A driver can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. New adaptive air suspension can also vary the ride height of the Q5 body over five stages. Its aerodynamically optimized roof reduces wind noises for a hushed high-speed cruising and lower fuel consumption due to reduced wind drag.
Inside the Q5, all-leather interiors can comfortably fit five full-sized adults. There is generous luggage space, with the compartment capable of holding up to 550 liters in volume.
The infotainment system features a main control panel with a virtual cockpit highresolution 12.3-inch screen. Quite impressively, a touchpad is integrated into a rotary pushbutton that can recognize handwritten gestures and gestures typically used in consumer electronics. The control panel integrates an MMI operating logic that is capable of smart phone features such as intelligent freetext search. The Audi smartphone interface enables the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height. The ambient lighting in the cockpit creates a brilliant atmosphere in three different colors.
The Q5 offers the unique combination of elegance, toughness and superior technology that makes it ideal for city driving or rough-road driving.
No wonder Coyiuto is optimistic. Of the Q5, he said: “I believe it will continue to be the bestselling luxury compact SUV here in the Philippines.”