Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a compact crossover SUV to be released by German automaker Audi for the 2009 model year. It will be built using the new Audi MLP platform (Modular Longitudinal Platform) which debuted in the 2007 Audi A5 coupé. The Q5 will be the second Audi model in the "Q" range, after the full-size Q7. The Q5 will slot above the Q3, which will be based on the Volkswagen Tiguan.

The Q5 will eventually be offered with multiple engine configuations, including petrol engines, Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines, and Hybrid gasoline/electric. Audi's new 7-speed S-Tronic branded Direct-Shift Gearbox transmission technology will also be available in the Q5.

The new vehicle will be built in Audi's home town of Ingolstadt. It will need an investment of about US$400 million in production tooling and expansion. The Q5 will also be produced in Changchun, China for the Chinese market. The first public introduction of the Audi Q5 was at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show on 19 April 2008, although a convertible concept car named "Audi Cross Cabriolet quattro" was shown at the 2007 Los Angeles Motor Show.

Powertrain options include a base 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a 3.2L variable valve lift gasoline engine, a 2.0L and a 3.0L TDI diesel, as well as a hybrid petrol/electric version for future model years. The only planned powertrain available for the U.S. market as confirmed by Audi USA on July 9, 2008 will be a 3.2L 6 cylinder gasoline engine mated to Audi's 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission driving Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. Any future powertrain options for the USA market have not been announced.

The Q5 will be available in several different trim options. The S-Line trim option upgrades the base Q5 exterior with more aggressive body mouldings and mesh front fog light grills. More paint options are also included with the S-Line. The Offroad exterior package includes front and rear underbody protection panels, along with flared fender and door sill protection for a more capable look.

Harmon/Becker Automotive Systems will produce Audi's new updated Multi Media Interface (MMI) technology as it debuts in the Q5. The new system will offer navigation, communication, and wide-screen entertainment. A new Nvidia graphics processor will be used in the new MMI system, and will generate smooth map transitions while driving. A three-dimensional orientation view with true-to-scale terrain and photorealistic depictions of key landmarks will also be generated. Included features in this new system are USB storage media (iPod or MP3), satellite radio, and an integral four-band GSM mobile/cell phone (SIM card ready) with Bluetooth connectivity.

Delivery dates to dealers are October 2008 for Europe, and Summer 2009 in North America. Hot weather testing for the US model were undertaken in Florida, California, and Arizona. Future powertrain options and other possible Q5 variants for the United States market have yet to be announced.

See Wikicars' comprehensive Audi Q5 Review.

Recent Changes

 * Along with the introduction of the Q5, Audi unveiled a higher-spec variant of the CUV with the Q5 S-Line. The S-Line adds a stiffened suspension to improve handling, standard 19in alloy wheels (20in optional) wrapped in 255mm performance tires, subtly revised front and rear fascia which adds aggressive and sporty touches, black exterior window trim roof rails, a polished grille and matching mesh pattern air vents surrounding the fog lights and new sports seats with electrically adjustable lumbar support draped in perforated Nappa or Alcantara interior trim.

Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability

 * RECALL ALERT: On December 29, 2009, Audi issued a recall affecting 6,054 MY2009 Q5s built between Nov. 25, 2008 and June 4, 2009 due to an incorrectly manufactured left and/or right A-pillar trim cover clip. In these cases, the A-pillar trim could become loose when the side curtain airbags deploy during an accident. If this were to happen, a stray trim piece could injure one of the front-seat occupants. Dealers will inspect the clip in the middle of the left and right A-pillar covers and replace it for free if it does turn out to be faulty. Owners can contact Audi at 800-253-2834 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

Safety
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Colors
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Main Competitors
Some of its main competitors are the BMW X3, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, and the Lincoln MKX.

Hybrid Models


On December 28, 2009, Audi released a press release announcing commitment to green technology to the tune of 5.9 billion euros. Among this massive investment is the promise of a Q5 Hybrid for 2011, as the brand's first full hybrid model.

A couple of weeks ahead of the 2010 LA Auto Show, more information regarding the Q5 Hybrid surfaced on Audi's website. That said, Audi has yet made an official announcement pertaining to when the green CUV will be released. The Q5 Hybrid is a full hybrid, powered by a 2.0 litre TSI Inline-4 developing 240 horsepower and 480 Nm / 354 lb-ft of torque that's working in conjunction with a 33-kW (44 HP) electric motor, regenerative braking, and start/stop tech. An adaptive control system further optimizes the gas/electric power ratio. On electric motivation alone, the car is able to cruise at speeds of up to 100 km/h / 62 mph.

There will also be an S mode; which translates to a racier performance from the hybrid drivetrain.

Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
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Generations
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Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
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Awards
2009 Carsales Luxury SUV People's Choice Award