New Audi Q5 2017 is the main star of the Audi showroom in Paris Motor Show. The second generation of this medium-sized SUV from Ingolstadt has become even more sporty, 90 kilograms lighter and more spacious. The 2017 Audi Q5 is multifaceted and Audi claims that it sets new rules and standards in its class. Again.

New 2017 Audi Q5 Highlights

Predecessors

1st generation 2009 Audi Q5 (in production from July 2008 till present).

Production

San José Chiapa, Puebla (Mexico), production for global market.

Start of sales

Early 2017 (in Europe).

Price

From around 45,100 euros in Germany for 2017 Audi Q5 2.0 TDI with a 2-liter 163 hp engine, quattro drive and S tronic gearbox.

Audi Q5 (2nd generation) main highlights

• Longer (+24 mm), wider (+13 mm) and higher (+9 mm) than predecessor.
• Wheelbase longer for 12 mm.
• Overall weight reduced by up to 90 kilograms.
• Slightly larger luggage compartment measures from 550 to 610 liters (10 liters more than before), 1,550 liters with folded rear seats.
• High resolution 12.3-inch main screen, 8.3-inch tablet in the center console, LTE network connection.
• New off-road driving programme with increased ground clearance.
• A comprehensive set of advanced safety assistance systems, personal route assist.
• Five engines: 2-liter TDI with 150, 163 or 19 hp, 2-liter TFSI with 252 hp, 3-liter V6 TDI with 286 hp and 8-speed automatic transmission.

Audi Q5 is bigger, lighter and more advanced

The appearance of the new Audi Q5 expectedly follows the design guidelines, set by the oldest, largest and most elite Q7. Among the design details, some elegant add-ons stand out. For example, typically shaped LED lighting channels and the discrete diffuser for the airflow control with integrated exhaust pipes.

Compared with its predecessor, the new Audi Q5 grew in all key dimension elements, except for weight. The 2017 Audi Q5 measures 4.66 meters in length, is 1.89 meters wide and 1.66 meters tall. Between the axles, there are 2,82 meters of space. 17-inch wheels are serial, and 18-, 19- and 21-inch wheels are available depending on the equipment package and engine.

The novelty is the new matrix LED lights, which can fully automatically and precisely adjust the light beam, thus allowing a more relaxed and safer driving at night.

The 2017 Audi Q5 is available in 14 different color tones. Equipment is divided into 5 basic packages, according to the known principle of sport and design. The most attractive appearance, external and internal, still belongs to the already known sports package S line sport.

Technical upgrade of the Audi Q5 is really noticeable

Audi is not hiding high expectations from its new, second-generation medium-sized SUV. Audi Q5 has long been the sales champion of its class. And as they said in Paris, nothing was left to chance.

It is not important from which angle you evaluate. Whether it comes to connectivity, spaciousness, flexibility or driving systems, the new Audi Q5 wants to re-set the rules of the game.

The new Audi Q5 is actually piled up with advanced systems that provide a less stressful, more comfortable and safer, as well as more efficient driving. For example, the car offers broadband Internet connection in the LTE network.

Infotainment at a high level, LTE network

In front of the drivers flourishes already seen, but nevertheless always a luxurious set of digital gauges, so-called Audi virtual cockpit, with two different basic views: the one with larger gauges, or the one with a bigger navigation map and other information. It is worth highlighting a 12.3-inch screen with extremely high-quality high-resolution graphics.

Another 8.3-inch screen in the shape of the tablet is located at the top of the center console and serves as a visual and graphic support of the entire MMI communication system. From the integration of the smartphone, drivers entries via the trackpad, connecting to the Internet through the LTE network and its Wi-Fi hotspot.

With Apple Car Play and Android Auto interface, it is compatible with the majority of smartphones. Wireless charging is possible, and even the phone signal can be strengthened with the help of the navigation antenna. In front of the driver’s eyes is, in addition to a transparent set of digital meters, the projection of all key driving information and navigation to the windshield via a newly developed head-up display.

Smart navigation and smart assistance systems equal smart driver?

Audi promises first-class materials, high-precision manufacturing, ambient lighting in 30 different shades, massage seats, a heated steering wheel, top of the art air conditioning…

One of the things worth mentioning is the smart navigation that we have already met in Q7 and A4. It acts as a personal assistant for route planning and is named personal route assist. The system self-learns which routes are the preferred choices of an individual driver, and then suggests the direction of travel based on those preferences. Or offer parking spaces, in which the driver usually parks the vehicle.

There is also the choice of high-quality audio systems, signed by Bang & Olufsen with its 3D sound system.

Standards, regarding the smoothness of operation of all the latest driving assistants, are set very high. Here, the new Audi Q5 is on the way to a completely autonomous driving and offers a lot of active safety today, which means that you can become a pretty safe driver, as all the assistants and artificial intelligence make every effort to avoid an accident.

Plenty of room and flexibility

At the presentation in Paris, the spaciousness and flexibility of the cabin and the boot were additionally stressed out. The rear bench is divided into three parts and allows the longitudinal movement and adjustment of the backrest.

Basic volume of the luggage compartment depends on the settings of the last rows of seats, and ranges from 550 to 610 liters, 10 liters more than before. The trunk capacity can also be enlarged by folding the rear seats, which ultimately means 1,550 liters of volume.

They thought about easier loading of luggage or sports equipment in the trunk. Therefore, in the case of the optional air suspension, the rear part of the vehicle can be lowered on request.

Fewer kilograms for better driveability and reduced fuel consumption

Engineers, in line with the trends, thoroughly addressed the optimization of weight. Because fewer kilograms mean better ride and more efficient use of energy. Depending on the choice of the engine and equipment, the weight is reduced by 90 kilograms, which in reality means there is one heavily built adult passenger less in the car compared to the predecessor. The bodywork is a combination of ultra hard steel and aluminum, stacked on the principle of a smart building with a high degree of firmness.

In terms of driving, of course, Quattro four-wheel drive plays an important role, which continuously adjusts the amount of torque to each wheel. With stronger motor versions, this advanced drive system can be furthermore upgraded with the sports differential on the rear axle, which, with regard to the road surface and driving sharpness, distributes the torque between both wheels and enables superior performance in dynamic driving.

Many driving programs: Audi Q5 almost like a chameleon

The driving characteristics are defined with various driving programs, which can be selected by the driver via Audi drive select control interface. This system can depend on the wishes, intervene in all key driving settings of the 2017 Audi Q5. It is also possible to select the type of air suspension and 5-step height adjustment of the vehicle through this system.

Among the different driving programs, there is a new off-road feature with a higher ground clearance and Allroad program for fast real-time adaptation to terrain driving activity. Optionally, there is also a dynamic control system that changes the ratio of the steering system based on the speed and angle of the wheels.

New Audi Q5 with engines up to 252 hp and three different transmissions

The 2017 Audi Q5 basic engine range consists of two-liter four-cylinder diesel engine TDI, with a power of 163 and 190 hp, equipped with the technology for lower emissions and fuel consumption. Upon the request, the entry-level TDI diesel engine can also be the one with 150 hp.

The petrol engine lovers have to satisfy with a two-liter supercharged four-cylinder TFSI with 252 hp.

The offer will be later complemented by a 3-liter V6 TDI machine, which will be available in combination with the 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. Other engines will transmit the power to the wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed S-Tronic.

The new Audi Q5 assembled 2400 meters above sea level

San José Chiapa is a city in the Mexican state of Puebla.  It is also the place where the latest and 12th Audi factory started the production of the Audi Q5 SUV for the global market. The production site measures 400 hectares, at an altitude of 2400 meters and employs around 2,500 people. This is the first time in the history the company is producing a model for the global market at a location outside of the European continent.

New 2017 Audi Q5 price, rivals and arrival date

The main competitors will probably be BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, and Mercedes GLC.

2018 Audi Q5 vs. 2017 BMW X3 technical comparison (video)

The technical comparison between Audi Q5 vs. BMW X3 shows these two cars are almost identical if we look at the exterior and interior dimensions. X3 has a little bit more luggage volume when rear seats are down.

The same story continues under the hood. Both have engines ranging from 2- to 3-liters, diesel and petrol. The top of the range Audi SQ5 offers more horsepower. On the other hand, the BMW X3’s most powerful diesel has a bit more torque. Performance wise, Q5 has a bit higher top speed, while the X3 accelerates a bit quicker.

Looking at the price, it is true that BMW X3 is a few percent cheaper to buy (base model price; USA and UK) but we all know the majority of Q5 and X3 customers are not satisfied with the basic model. And the additional equipment can be expensive and add a lot to the final price tag.

Technical details: 2017 Audi Q5

Dimensions:

• Length: 4.66 meters
• Width: 1.89 meters
• Height: 1.66 meters
• Wheelbase: 2,82 meters
• Luggage compartment: from 550 to 610 liters, extends to 1,550 liters
• The coefficient of drag: 0.30

Engines:

• 2-liter supercharged TDI with 150, 163 or 190 hp
• 2-liter supercharged TFSI with 252 hp
• 3-liter V6 TDI with 286 hp coming later

Transmission:

• 6-speed manual gearbox
• 7-speed S tronic
• 8-speed tiptronic in V6 TDI

Image credit: Audi