New Audi Q5 range arrives in South Africa

What is it?

The Q5 has been part of Audi's SUV line-up for more than 15 years. This latest generation introduces a new design language, updated interior technology and a wider set of driver assistance systems, while keeping the same positioning within the midsize luxury SUV segment.

Exterior:

Every model in the range is offered in S line specification as standard, with 20-inch alloy wheels fitted from the outset. Further wheel options run up to 21 inches. The front features an enlarged Singleframe grille with air curtains, while the rear gets a light strip spanning the width of the car. The Sportback variants get a sloping roofline compared with the SUV body style. Ten exterior paint finishes are available, including three new colours: Sakhir Gold Metallic, Grenadine Red Metallic and Tambora Metallic. An optional Carbon Style package adds carbon mirror housings, door trim strips and, on the SUV, a carbon roof spoiler.

Interior:

The cabin is built around what Audi calls its Digital Stage, combining an 11.9-inch virtual cockpit plus display with a 14.5-inch curved MMI touch display. A 10.9-inch MMI passenger display is available as an option, allowing the front passenger to access navigation and entertainment functions independently through an Active Privacy Mode. Standard equipment includes electrically adjustable front sport seats, three zone climate control, ambient lighting and wireless smartphone charging.

Powertrains:

The Q5 2.0 TFSI produces 200 kW and reaches 100 km/h from standstill in 5.7 seconds, paired with quattro ultra all-wheel drive and a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. The Q5 2.0 TDI produces 150 kW and 400 Nm of torque. The SQ5 uses a 3.0 litre V6 TFSI engine producing 270 kW and 550 Nm, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds, quattro all-wheel drive and S sport suspension. Adaptive air suspension is optional on the Q5, with an Adaptive S air suspension option on the SQ5.

Range:

The line up spans the Q5 SUV, Q5 Sportback, SQ5 SUV and SQ5 Sportback. Trim levels are S line and S line Black on the Q5, with the SQ5 offered in standard and Black specification.

Prices:

Pricing includes VAT and CO2 emissions tax. In 2.0 TFSI 200 kW guise, the Q5 S line SUV is priced at R1 295,000 (SUV) and R1 365 000 (Sportback), while the Q5 S line Black is R1 350 000 (SUV) and R1 420 000 (Sportback). The SQ5 with the V6 TFSI 270 kW engine starts at R1 510 000 (SUV) and R1 580 000 (Sportback), with the SQ5 Black priced at R1 565 000 (SUV) and R1 635 000 (Sportback). The 2.0 TDI 150 kW derivatives are offered as SUV only, with the Q5 S line priced at R1 275 000 and the Q5 S line Black at R1 330 000. All models come with Audi South Africa's 5 year/100 000 km Freeway Plan as standard, with Audi Assured Guaranteed Future Value available through Audi Financial Services.