Sporty and
versatile
Sportlich und vielseitig
ZUR DEUTSCHEN VERSION
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The Audi Q5
Audi is creating
a new market segment: the Audi Q5, the new performance SUV, combines the
dynamism of a sports sedan with an impressively versatile interior and multiple
talents aimed at leisure and family use.
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Three powerful, efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and
an agile suspension layout form an impressive technological package for on-road
and off-road use. The innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission
and the driving dynamics system Audi drive select are among the other highlights.
The Audi Q5 is the sports car in the SUV category and the perfect car for
an active lifestyle - it is progressive and dynamic, spacious, multifunctional
and comfortable. It will be appearing in the fourth quarter of 2008 at a
starting price of EUR 38,300.
The proportions: new configuration
The Audi Q5 is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 ft) wide,
but only 1.65 meters (5.41 ft) high, giving it the sportiest proportions
in its market category. Its drag coefficient of just 0.33 also represents
a top figure for its category. The Q5's design is elegant and sculptural
- typically for Audi, which is the leading brand in this domain. The large
single-frame grill dominates the front end, and the headlamps can be supplied
with xenon plus bulbs and LED daytime running lights as options, in which
case the rear lights also feature LED technology. The side view is dominated
by large wheels and rising lines; the elegant roof contour, crowned by flat
roof rails, accentuates the Audi Q5's slim, coupe-like appearance. The wraparound
tailgate, like the front lid, is made from lightweight aluminum. There are
three versions to choose from for the exterior add-on parts - black (standard),
color-contrasting, or in the body color. Then there are two body packages.
The S line exterior package creates an even sportier look, while the offroad
style package has a more gritty look thanks to the underbody guard at the
front and rear, and 19-inch wheels.
The wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22 ft), the best figure in the segment, means
that there is abundant space on board the Audi Q5. The seats are ergonomically
shaped and of a flexible design. The angle of the rear seat backs can be
adjusted and they can be laid flat very easily - it suffices to operate the
release catches in the cargo area so that they can be folded down onto the
seat cushions. This increases the cargo capacity from 540 to 1,560 liters
(19.07 to 55.09 cubic ft), and there is a second storage compartment beneath
its floor panel. There is a load guard as standard, and a cargo-securing
kit, a dirt-resistant tray and electric drive for the tailgate are available
as options. The Q5 is a performance SUV that is a highly talented all-rounder
for sport, leisure and family use. As an option Audi can supply the rear
bench seat plus, which can be adjusted longitudinally by 100 millimeters
(3.94 in) and incorporates a load-through hatch. There is also the option
of a folding seat back for the front passenger's seat. The Audi Q5 comes
with an array of factory-fitted storage compartments and power sockets; a
climate-controlled cup holder (option) keeps drinks cool or warm. Another
ingenious detail is the fixing point in the front passenger's footwell, to
which various storage facilities can be secured.
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Out in front: the safety equipment
The body of the Audi Q5 contains a high proportion of high-strength and
ultra-high-strength steel components. These reduce weight and at the same
time improve crash safety, rigidity and vibrational behavior - the impression
created by the performance SUV is of an utterly robust, comfortable and quiet
car. On the front seats the belt force limiters and airbags combine in a
new, particularly intelligent way. Inside, the Q5 presents a variation on
Audi's clear, elegant design language. The cockpit has a bias towards the
driver; its controls can be operated with intuitive ease and the build quality
entertains no compromises, as is customary in an Audi. Choice materials such
as aluminum, wood, chrome, leather and Alcantara lend the interior even greater
appeal. The electromechanical parking brake, the intelligent key, the automatic
air conditioning and the display in the instrument cluster are standard;
on the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI with manual transmission, the display shows the correct
gear as a recommendation for efficient driving. A large central monitor is
also standard on all models. If the car is fitted with MMI navigation plus,
many of the operating functions are grouped together in the MMI terminal
on the center tunnel. This best-in-market operating system has entered a
new generation - its operation via the large rotary/pushbutton control is
now even more intuitive.
Powerful and efficient: the engines
The Audi Q5 is appearing on the market with three engines - one gasoline
and two TDI. All of them are direct injection units with turbocharging. Their
major strengths are high performance, beefy pulling power, refined running
- and impressive fuel efficiency. The 2.0 TFSI has been redesigned from the
ground up. The four-cylinder engine combines three hi-tech features -
turbocharging, gasoline direct injection, and the innovative Audi valvelift
system for variable control of valve lift. Its high torque of 350 Nm (258.15
lb-ft) is already reached at 1,500 rpm and is maintained constantly up to
4,200 rpm; the maximum power output is 155 kW (211 hp). The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI
reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2 seconds from a standing start, and has
a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). Its fuel consumption averages just
8.5 liters per 100 km (27.67 US mpg). The 2.0 TDI, which owes its particular
refinement to a common rail fuel injection system, also has a displacement
of two liters; just like the gasoline version it has two balancing shafts.
Also developing 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque (from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm),
this diesel unit is capable of powerful acceleration and develops a high
power output of 125 kW (170 hp). Its average fuel consumption of only 6.7
liters per 100 km (35.11 US mpg) supplies ample proof of Audi's efficiency
strategy. The two-liter TDI propels the Audi Q5 from zero to 100 km/h (62.14
mph) in 9.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph). The
3.0 TDI is the most powerful engine in the range. The V6 diesel summons up
all of 176 kW (240 hp) and - from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm - 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft)
of torque. This superlative power takes the Audi Q5 from a standstill to
100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81
mph). On average the three-liter engine needs only 7.5 liters of fuel per
100 km (30.55 US mpg). The 2.0 TDI channels its power through a six-speed
transmission. For the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI, Audi has developed a new generation
of the dynamic S tronic - the innovative dual-clutch transmission now has
seven gears. The hi-tech unit changes gear within a few hundredths of a second,
and also provides astonishingly smooth gearshifts and high efficiency. The
driver can set the seven-speed S tronic to change gear automatically or they
can decide for themselves when to shift gear, optionally also via shift paddles
on the steering wheel. As on the Audi A4, the best midsize sedan in the opinion
of the trade press, the driveline of the Audi Q5 features a differential
located ahead of the clutch, and immediately behind the engine. This repositions
the front axle well forward, resulting in a long wheelbase and an ideal axle
load distribution. That in turn is the key to the Audi Q5's major strengths
- its unruffled directional stability, high standard of comfort and thrilling
dynamism. Audi equips all versions of the Q5 with quattro permanent all-wheel
drive. This distributes the engine's power 40:60 between the front and rear
wheels, producing a slightly rear-biased, sporty characteristic. If need
be, the quattro powertrain can divert up to 65 percent of the torque to the
front wheels, or as much as 85 percent to the rear.
Aluminum links: the suspension
The suspension, too, underscores the dynamic character of the Audi Q5. The
direct steering layout provides an intimate link between the driver and the
road. The five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension
are made substantially from aluminum, and the underslung steering gear applies
adjustments at the steering wheel directly to the wheels. Large brakes provide
powerful deceleration. 17-inch alloy wheels with size 235/65 tires are fitted
as standard, or Audi can supply wheels measuring up to 20 inches in diameter
as options. Audi's performance SUV drives with sporty precision and unwavering
stability, while always providing a comfortable ride. Its ESP stabilization
system incorporates new functions that the competition is unable to match.
For instance, the ESP has a sensor that identifies when a roof rack is fitted
and then knows that the Audi Q5's center of gravity is higher - this is
significant, because the roof load may be as much as 100 kilograms (220.46
lb). In this instance the ESP cuts in slightly earlier once the handling
limits are approached; this allows the system to adopt a very dynamic basic
characteristic. With a trailer load of 2.4 metric tons (4409.25 lb) (braked,
at a gradient of eight percent) the Q5 is a powerful towing vehicle. But
the Audi Q5 also excels on rough terrain. Its climbing performance is an
exceptionally high 31 degrees. The angles of approach and departure are 25
degrees, and the ramp breakover angle where the wheelbase really does matter
is 17.6 degrees. The ground clearance is a substantial 20 centimeters (7.87
in) and a wading depth of 50 centimeters (19.69 in) is permitted when driving
through water. The standard-fit hill descent assist makes driving down steep
slopes safer by holding the speed at below 30 km/h (18.64 mph). The ESP and
ABS use special characteristic maps for off-road driving. The ESP majors
on maximum traction in off-road conditions. The ABS automatically identifies
the surface conditions and selects the ideal control strategy for sand, gravel
or scree.
Audi drive select - made for driving
enjoyment
On the road, too, a whole package of optional high-end technologies make
the experience of driving the Audi Q5 even more captivating. The Audi drive
select control system manages the engine's throttle response, the power
assistance for the steering and the S tronic shift points in automatic mode.
The driver determines at the push of a button whether these functions should
have a predominantly comfortable, balanced or sporty response. If the MMI
navigation plus system is also fitted, there is a fourth characteristic map
that the driver can program as preferred. Audi drive select can also be extended
with two other innovative technologies - electronic control for the shock
absorbers, and Audi dynamic steering. Equipped with a superposition gear,
it varies the steering ratio and power assistance continuously depending
on road speed - between a direct ratio at low speed and an indirect ratio
at high speed. Near the handling limits, the dynamic steering stabilizes
the Audi Q5 in tandem with the ESP by applying minor adjustments to the steering
with lightning speed. Audi is equipping its new performance SUV lavishly
- such items as the automatic air conditioning and the audio system with
eight speakers are included as standard. There is a particularly attractive
system of multimedia components available. In the top specification, MMI
navigation plus with hard drive and DVD drive, a Bluetooth phone, a TV tuner,
an intelligent speech control system, digital radio reception, an interface
for an iPod or MP3 player with USB connection and a high-end sound system
from the Danish specialist Bang & Olufsen can all be combined. The top
navigation system uses a high-resolution monitor to provide a new,
three-dimensional map display. Its hard drive can also store music files
in MP3 format.
The assistance systems: luxury from the full-size
category
Audi can on request equip the Q5 with hi-tech systems adopted from the full-size
category, making driving an even more controlled, relaxing affair. The Audi
parking system advanced is a parking aid with rearview camera, Audi lane
assist helps the driver to stay in lane, and Audi side assist alerts the
driver to potential hazards when changing lane. The adaptive cruise control
system keeps the performance SUV at a constant distance from the vehicle
in front, and the auxiliary function known as braking guard warns an inattentive
driver to prevent a nose-to-tail collision. The other equipment items likewise
underscore the Audi Q5's status as a performance model. These include the
convenient key for keyless access, standard-fit tire pressure monitoring,
a large panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic air conditioning, roller
sun blinds for the rear side windows and the dynamic cornering light system
Audi adaptive light. The high-beam assistant switches automatically between
high-beam and low-beam headlamps. The front seats can be adjusted, heated
and cooled electrically.
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The equipment, data, and prices specified refer
to the models offered in Germany. This document may contain errors and is
subject to change without notice.
READER COMMENTS
AUDI AG, Kommunikation
Produkt
AUDI AG, Product Communications
Ingolstadt, July 2008 |
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