Photo: SB-Medien
The all-new Audi Q5 is just a few months away from being unveiled. We know that because engineers have stripped off most of the protective body cladding covering their test prototype. By early 2016, the second-generation SUV will show us what it takes to compete with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
To call the design of the 2017 Audi Q5 unimaginative would actually be an understatement. Pretty much every line is the same as on the bigger Q7 or the A4 sedan that shares its platform. The front will be dominated by a large hexagonal silver grille, the only major design element still hidden by camouflage. One particular noteworthy change is that fewer horizontal bars will be used for the mesh.
Simple rectangular headlights are connected to the grille and flow over the fenders, making the Q5 look wider, which it probably also is. The rear is another case of no change is good change. The same oversized hatch covers everything, engulfing the LED taillights into its design. Where have we seen that before? Only on half the Audi model range.
The interior wasn't captured in these spy photos, but we know it's going to share all its major components with the all-new Audi A4 B9 models. A digital dashboard and touch-sensitive air conditioning controls are just some of the highlights.
Considering both are based on the same platform, the modular MLB, we expect the substantial weight loss of about 100 kilos (220 lbs) to carry over from the A4 to the Q5. Most of that is down to re-engineering major components, but also to the materials being used.
Engines will also be carried over. One particularly noteworthy unit is a 2-liter TFSI rated at 190 PS and capable of sipping fuel really well. When combined with FWD and an "ultra" setup, it should return around 5.5 l/100km (42.7 mpg) on the combined cycle. Diesel options will also be plentiful and hopefully devoid of the scandalous "defeat device". The 2.0 TDI will be offed with 150, 163 and 190 PS, followed by 218 and 272 PS versions of the bigger 3.0 TDI.
Although development hasn't yet started, we suspect the SQ5 will make a comeback due to its popularity. Expect a 350 horsepower turbocharged V6 for the US market and a twin-turbo 3.0 TDI in Europe.
Simple rectangular headlights are connected to the grille and flow over the fenders, making the Q5 look wider, which it probably also is. The rear is another case of no change is good change. The same oversized hatch covers everything, engulfing the LED taillights into its design. Where have we seen that before? Only on half the Audi model range.
The interior wasn't captured in these spy photos, but we know it's going to share all its major components with the all-new Audi A4 B9 models. A digital dashboard and touch-sensitive air conditioning controls are just some of the highlights.
Considering both are based on the same platform, the modular MLB, we expect the substantial weight loss of about 100 kilos (220 lbs) to carry over from the A4 to the Q5. Most of that is down to re-engineering major components, but also to the materials being used.
Engines will also be carried over. One particularly noteworthy unit is a 2-liter TFSI rated at 190 PS and capable of sipping fuel really well. When combined with FWD and an "ultra" setup, it should return around 5.5 l/100km (42.7 mpg) on the combined cycle. Diesel options will also be plentiful and hopefully devoid of the scandalous "defeat device". The 2.0 TDI will be offed with 150, 163 and 190 PS, followed by 218 and 272 PS versions of the bigger 3.0 TDI.
Although development hasn't yet started, we suspect the SQ5 will make a comeback due to its popularity. Expect a 350 horsepower turbocharged V6 for the US market and a twin-turbo 3.0 TDI in Europe.
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