Photo: SB-Medien
Audi had a busy day at the Nurburgring. Not only did the TT RS Roadster come out to play but we also got to see a new version of the Q5 test prototype. Considering Volvo's XC60 is now the best-selling car in this segment, Audi needs to reinvent its SUV in a major way.
We can see that designers and engineers are throwing literally everything at this project. At the front, a little bit of camouflage has come off, and we can see a useless piece of the grille. Who cares? What's interesting is that the headlights have been re-covered because full-LED projectors have replaced the Xenon Plus system we previously saw.
At launch, the Q5 may be LED-only, but the system should become a €1,900 (based on the A4) option soon after that. Design-wise, the Singleframe grille dominates the front end of the car. It should connect to the headlights using a chromed surface like on the Q7, but we can't guarantee that.
At the back, we see that this test prototype has been fitted with dual rectangular exhaust pipes on either side of the bumper. This feature has never been seen before, suggesting only some models will receive it. Based on the size of the wheels, we suspect this prototype is the 272 PS 3.0 TDI diesel model.
However, the engine range of the Q5 will be at least as wide as that of its rivals. The least powerful unit should be a 2.0 TDI ultra engine with 150 or 163 hp. A TFSI gasoline-powered ultra model will also be offered with 180 PS. There will also be two V6 diesel engines, the same ones you see on the Q7. However, the gasoline V6 units will be reserved for the performance models.
The SQ5 should come out at the same time as the regular model and will pack twin-scroll turbo engine with 354 horsepower. In a few more years, it's possible that a twin-turbo RS Q5 model will follow.
However, the Q5 will not be an SUV defined by its power, but by its intelligence. The Kasparov of the segment should be able to do all sorts of clever things, including using the cruise control to drive by itself. Audi will even say that its infotainment system is faster than the best smartphone.
On the suspension side, we should see two suspension configurations (normal and sport) with two more adaptive versions of those. But all of them will use the 4-link all-round independent setup. One cool option we hope will carry over from the A4 is the quattro rear differential that helps the Torsen AWD system feel and act sportier. It will be optional on the SQ5 and the Q5 3.0 TDI 272 PS.
At launch, the Q5 may be LED-only, but the system should become a €1,900 (based on the A4) option soon after that. Design-wise, the Singleframe grille dominates the front end of the car. It should connect to the headlights using a chromed surface like on the Q7, but we can't guarantee that.
At the back, we see that this test prototype has been fitted with dual rectangular exhaust pipes on either side of the bumper. This feature has never been seen before, suggesting only some models will receive it. Based on the size of the wheels, we suspect this prototype is the 272 PS 3.0 TDI diesel model.
However, the engine range of the Q5 will be at least as wide as that of its rivals. The least powerful unit should be a 2.0 TDI ultra engine with 150 or 163 hp. A TFSI gasoline-powered ultra model will also be offered with 180 PS. There will also be two V6 diesel engines, the same ones you see on the Q7. However, the gasoline V6 units will be reserved for the performance models.
The SQ5 should come out at the same time as the regular model and will pack twin-scroll turbo engine with 354 horsepower. In a few more years, it's possible that a twin-turbo RS Q5 model will follow.
However, the Q5 will not be an SUV defined by its power, but by its intelligence. The Kasparov of the segment should be able to do all sorts of clever things, including using the cruise control to drive by itself. Audi will even say that its infotainment system is faster than the best smartphone.
On the suspension side, we should see two suspension configurations (normal and sport) with two more adaptive versions of those. But all of them will use the 4-link all-round independent setup. One cool option we hope will carry over from the A4 is the quattro rear differential that helps the Torsen AWD system feel and act sportier. It will be optional on the SQ5 and the Q5 3.0 TDI 272 PS.
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