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2017 Audi Q5 Makes Spy Photo Debut with New Family Face

The Audi car naming system doesn't work like the one from Mercedes-Benz, so the A4's SUV equivalent is called the Q5, not the Q4. But, this first test prototype shows the second generation quattro competitor looks just like the A4.
2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos 12 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos2017 Audi Q5 First Spy Photos
On the sunny roads of Spain, the Q5 has begun testing for what will become a 2016 debut. From the front, the design language is identical to what we've seen on every other recent Audi, proving the German car company is extremely reticent to change.

The wider grille is connected to the headlights via a slanted line that's part of the hexagonal fascia. Many models do this, including the X3 and GLC, because it makes the front appear wider and more masculine.

The side shows a clean shoulder line that only curves when it goes over the wheel arches. The rocker panels are identical to the Q7 and so is the stance. We think the most distinctive feature on the whole car will be the three-dimensional taillight design, inspired by the Macan sister SUV, but done with Audi lines.

But enough about design; let's talk about what's underneath the camo. The latest MLB Evo platform will be used, so we can expect to see a weight loss of about 100 kg (220 lbs). The powertrain lineup will mirror that of the A4 sedan, starting with a variety of different 2-liter turbo models.

Audi has developed a 190 horsepower 2.0 TFSI that's sure to be used on the Q5 ultra model. It will offer better fuel economy than the 252 hp version of the same block. Of course, diesels will also be part of the equation, starting with the 2.0 TDI and working up to the 3.0 TDI rated at 218, 272 and 320 PS in the case of the powerful SQ5 model.

After the Q5's launch in late 2016, we could see the arrival of the first RS Q5 model ever. Audi has a new twin-turbo V6 engine under development and the temptation to chase after the Macan Turbo is too great.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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