SOPHISTICATED ROAD WARRIOR
HANDSOME AUDI Q5 HAS LOTS OF TECH AND SURPRISING AGILITY, BOTH ON THE DIRT AND OFF,
LOS CABOS, MEXICO • Ahead of the official press launch and long before it hits Canadian showrooms, we got a sneak peek of the latest Audi Q5. Now in its second generation, it is all new and bristling with some neat technology.
The new Q5, which will arrive in dealerships next April, has a more sophisticated look, with the defining characteristics being the new grille and a character line that links the headlights to the tail lights. Where it is different is the clam shell-like hood wraps around and blends into the fenders. This seam, in turn, brings an uninterrupted flow into the door’s line, which effectively eliminates an otherwise ugly shut line. It is striking in its effectiveness and gives the new look real sophistication.
Now based loosely on the new A4’ s MLB platform ( and to be shared with next- generation A6), the Q5 grows in most key dimensions, including the trunk. The cargo capacity rises by 10 litres to a maximum of 610, yet the overall package is 50 kilograms lighter than the outgoing 2.0- L Q5 TFSI model. This not only helps the power-to-weight ratio, it made the tester feel lighter on its 20-inch tires.
At this point, the only engine coming to Canada is a reworked version of the 2.0- L TFSI turbo- four. The improvements see the power rise to 252 horsepower and 273 pound- feet of torque at 1,600 rpm, which brings a run to 100 km/ h of around seven seconds. That’s ample power for everyday use; its peppiness surprised me, as the mid-range is very strong.
The power reaches the road through a seven- speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Audi’s new Quattro ultra all-wheel-drive system. This version of Quattro uses two clutches to disengage the rear axle and save precious drops of fuel. When needed, it takes just 250 milliseconds to bring the allwheel- drive capability back on line. It functioned flawlessly both on- and off- road. The latter was interesting because this is, first and foremost, a road-going car.
Further out, there are talks of a hybrid version as well as the spicy SQ5. Rupert Stadler, Audi AG’s chairman, was quick to point out the 3.0-litre V6 TDI may still make it to North America in spite of VW’s woes. It twists out an effortless 286 hp and 457 lb- ft of torque, while returning up to 13- per- cent better fuel efficiency. Now that is very difficult not to love. Based on some seat time, it would be a very welcome addition and it would serve to give the Q5 some serious clout — talk about mid-range grunt!
One of the new features is an adaptive air suspension with continuous damper control. There are a number of modes: Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual along with Allroad and Lift/ Off- road. Dynamic hunkers things down, Comfort softens things up. Ditto the steering; it is firm in Dynamic and light in Comfort. It also changes the throttle and shifting characteristics.
Auto switches back and forth between these two modes, but never gets quite as firm as Dynamic nor as soft as Comfort. It proved to be the best setting, except for those more exuberant moments when Dynamic proved to be ideal. Allroad and Lift/Off-road function as the names imply; Off- Road j acks the suspension up and softens the throttle and forces earlier upshifts to prevent wheelspin.
During the on- road run through the mountains, the Q5’s composure was commendable. The f eedback was reassuring and the response to input was slick as it carved the switchbacks. Switching to the off- road portion of the drive saw the suspension do a good job of filtering out washboard surfaces while the all-wheeldrive system kept the wheels turning in some pretty deep sand. No, nobody is going to go Rubicon rumbling, but the new Q5 has surprising off-road prowess.
The cabin takes a marked step forward in terms of both quality and the lengthy list of amenities contained therein. The materials are obviously off the top shelf, the seating in all positions — well, except the middle rear spot — is comfortable and there are a ton of electronics aboard. Leading the way is Audi’s Virtual Cockpit; it puts a 12.3- inch screen behind the wheel that can be customized to show a normal dashboard or highlight the navigation system, with the dials shrinking to the corner spots. The tester also featured a good, full- colour head- up display to go along with a free- standing infotainment system with an 8.3- inch display. It all came together very nicely without being as imposing as this reads.
Beyond that, the Q5 will offer the usual side- and cross-traffic aids, along with adaptive cruise control and the like. It includes traffic-jam assist, which can do some of the steering work in slow- moving traffic. The final Canadian specifications and content details will be announced closer to launch.
There was little wrong with the outgoing Audi Q5. This model tweaks every aspect to produce a much better vehicle. The look is sophisticated, the cabin nicely attired and it has the right driving dynamics (hopefully the new adaptive suspension will make it to Canada). As it stands, that is up in the air, although it would be a natural for the SQ5.