Exterior Design and Features of the new Audi Q5

 To behold, the new Audi Q5 is quite dashing. The designers of the Q5 have moved a little away from the straight line scheme and introduced a dash of curves to give this SUV a little more attitude than before. This becomes evident when you take a closer look at the SUV. The side profile features a prominent belt line that has a flowing and minutely curvy design to it. The silhouette has a very gradual and gentle slope backward and ends in a neat and curvy behind. The rear LED lamps come with dynamic turn indicators and have a curvy yet sophisticated design.  

The facade of the new Q5 sports modish LED headlamps with a neat looking DRL design. The singleframe grille is reminiscent of the one on the Q7. The front also gets large air intakes and has ample of plastic cladding all around. Adding a bit to the butch appeal of the SUV are bold and pronounced wheel arches that play home to bulky 235/60 R18 tyres. The new Audi Q5 definitely has a good on-road presence and the new design language is not overly exciting but also has a nice twist to it.

Interior Design and Features of the new Audi Q5         

 Step into the cabin of the new Q5 and you are greeted with warm and earthy interiors. Audi has furnished the interiors with a beige leather and leatherette upholstery. The beige colour scheme goes well with wooden inlays which have been set all around the cabin. The German car manufacturer has seamlessly blended technology into the spaces of this cabin and has ensured efficient ergonomics. Some striking features which will set the Q5 apart from the herd include Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a three zone climate control with an individual zone for the rear seat occupants and the Audi phone box with inductive charging.

Other features being offered on the new Audi Q5 include electrically adjusted driver (with memory function) and co passenger seat with a 4 way lumbar support adjustment, interior mirror with an auto dimming function, MMI control with touch pad, voice control, navigation and multiple connectivity options. The Audi Q5 also gets an electric boot release and boot lid closing function. That said, features like a boot release sensor could have been included. The new Q5 features a 21.08 cms MMI monitor which is a fixed unit. It also doubles up as a parking camera. For safety purposes the SUV also features sensors, the inclusion of a park assist feature would have done wonders in adding to the convenience this SUV has to offer, but that has sadly not been included on the package.     

The seating in the cabin is more than comfy and all occupants will get a very roomy feeling in the cabin. This is partly due to the massive panoramic sun roof up top. Rear seat occupants can also get a manual roll up blind. The boot space offered on the Q5 ranges from 550 litres and can be extended upto 1550 litres with the rear seats down. The rear seat back also gets a standardised 3 way split. Audi has ensured the cabin of the Q5 exudes luxury. That said it does not really stand out in the crowd but gets a very safe design theme.

Engine and Performance of the new Audi Q5

Powering the new Q5 is a 2 litre, 4 cylinder turbo diesel TDI mill that churns out a solid 400Nm of torque and 190hp of power. The engine is now 8pc more powerful and 20pc more efficient with a claimed fuel efficiency figure standing at 17.01kms to a litre. The engine renders its peak torque low in the range at 1750rpm. This ranges up to 3000rpm and then caters to a peppy surge when you floor it. Peak power comes in at 3800rpm and goes up to 4200rpm.

The performance of the Q5 is not entirely too exciting but it does get going in a hurry if you want it to. Audi has claimed the new Q5 to be able to touch a top speed of 218kmph and that it can accelerate to 100kmph from standstill in 7.9 seconds. The DCT is also quite smooth while ambling at lower speeds and is responsive when you want to get going. Also on offer are various drive modes to for your different moods.

The suspension leans to the softer side and takes care of most undulations and bumps quite well. The quattro setup ensures good control no matter what conditions you are driving in. Even at high speeds the Q5 holds well to the road and in corners displays the best of German engineering. Braking is facilitated with an all disc brake set up, the brakes are crisp and accurate. The overall drive experience of the Q5 is admirable and the SUV does well both on and off the beaten path.

Verdict

The new Audi Q5 is made from the same great tasting dough that made the previous generation SUV. It does get a new flavour thanks to the introduction of a few curves to the body and the addition of new features. All of this goes to make a fine purchase if the price is reasonable but then you also have the Volvo XC60 to compete with and that offers much more!