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The new Audi Q5: sporty and versatile

BEIJING, China - The new Audi Q5 combines the dynamism ofa sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options forleisure-time and family use. Strong and efficient engines, quattropermanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear have been brought togetherto create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving.Highlights such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutchtransmission and the Audi drive select control system are proof ofAudi’s Vorsprung durch Technik. The sportiest SUV in its class isdynamic, multifunctional and comfortable.

The dimensions alone indicate that this is a SUV of all-new proportions.Measuring 4.63 meters (15.19 feet) long and 1.88 meters (6.17 feet) wide,the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters (5.41 feet) high – making it sportierthan any of its competitors. What’s more, this SUV sets anotherbenchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its sporty elegance and artfully sculpted forms, the design of theQ5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The frontend is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the largesingle-frame grille; on request, they can be outfitted with bi-xenon lampsand LED daytime running lights. Viewed from the side, the large wheels andrising edges are especially prominent features.

Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores theslim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wraparound tailgate – madefrom aluminum just like the hood – clearly identifies this SUV as arelative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The taillights are available ineye-catching LED technology as well.

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5– black (standard), contrasting color or full paint finish in thecolor of the car. Two body packages are available as well. The S lineexterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV,while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection inthe front and back and 19-inch wheels gives this SUV a robust flair.

Long wheelbase, roomy interior

The Audi Q5 is a multi-talent for sport, leisure-time and familyactivities. As an option, Audi offers the “rear bench seatplus”, which slides 100 millimeters (3.94 inches) lengthwise toprovide a load-through facility. The front passenger’s seat can beoutfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects suchas surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders,bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied ex works. On request,Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot orcold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well– an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which variousstorage fixtures can be attached.

Top-of-the-line safety equipment is a matter of course for Audi cars. Onthe front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a newand especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is madeof high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximumprecision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safetyas well as rigidity and vibration patterns.

The Audi Q5 employs design elements typical of the brand in theinterior, but adds its own unique variations – the driver-orientedcockpit is set higher, for example, in keeping with the upright sittingposition. The ergonomics are exemplary, boasting the uncompromisingcraftsmanship one expects from Audi – a little treat for the sensesin terms of look and feel. The clear-cut interior takes on even morecharisma with fine materials such as aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome,leather and Alcantara as well as a large selection of optional designpackages.

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electromechanical parking brake, anintelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in theinstrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended idealgear for efficient driving in the given situation. A large, central monitoris part of the standard equipment as well. When an onboard navigationsystem is added, many of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on thecenter console. This is the next generation of the best operating system onthe market – with even more intuitive graphics and control via thelarge rotary pushbutton.

Strong and efficient – the engines

The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engineunites three high-tech features – turbocharging, gasolinedirect-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system forvariable control of valve lift.

The high torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is available at 1,500 rpm andremains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 155 kW (211hp). The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2seconds, reaching a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). On average, thevehicle consumes just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg).

Drawing on four cylinders and two liters of displacement as well, the2.0 TDI is superbly refined thanks to a new common-rail fuel injectionsystem; like the gasoline engine, it has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm(258.15 lb-ft) (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine deliversstrong propulsive power at an outstanding 125 kW (170 hp). Averageconsumption of just 6.7 liters per 100 km (35.11 mpg) is proof ofAudi’s successful efficiency strategy. The two-liter TDI catapultsthe Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a topspeed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).

The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 dieselengine delivers a gratifying 176 kW (240 hp), with 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) oftorque available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding power flowand cultivated sound, it takes the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph)in 6.5 seconds, accelerating to a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). Onaverage, the three-liter engine consumes 7.7 liters of fuel per 100 km(30.55 mpg).

Seven speeds – the new S tronic

Just like in the new Audi A4, pronounced the best midsized sedan by thetrade press, the position of the component units in the drivetrain has beenaltered in the Audi Q5 – the differential is located in front of theclutch, directly behind the engine. This solution, which made it possibleto move the front axle much further forward, creates a long wheelbase andoptimum distribution of axle load. It is precisely these features fromwhich the Audi Q5 derives its unique strengths – good directionalstability, high comfort and impressive dynamics.

The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi builds the Audi Q5 standard withquattro permanent all-wheel drive – the only logical solution for adynamic SUV. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributesthe power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focusedstyle that enhances driving pleasure. When needed, the quattro drivelinecan deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximumof 85 percent to the rear axle.

The running gear in the Audi Q5 further emphasizes its sporty nature.The five-link front axle and trapezoidal-link rear axle are made primarilyfrom aluminum, the steering box below directs the steering impulse directlyto the wheels. Large brakes ensure high retardation. The vehicle comesstandard with 17-inch lightweight forged wheels in size 235/65. Audi offerseven larger wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter on request.

The new performance SUV from Audi is sportily precise, spontaneous, safeand comfortable at the same time. Its electronic stabilization program(ESP) has been re-designed and enhanced with innovative functions notavailable from the competition. A sensor “tells” the ESP if aroof rack has been mounted, causing the Audi Q5’s center of gravityto be shifted higher in keeping with the roof load of up to 100 kilograms(220.46 pounds). If a roof rack is present, the ESP engages earlier in thehandling limit. Without a roof load, the driver is free to tap the fulldynamic potential of the Audi Q5.

The Audi Q5 is suitable for all purposes and driving surfaces. Capableof towing up to 2.0 tons, this powerful vehicle delivers excellentperformance in rough terrain as well. The standard hill descent controlsystem makes it safe to navigate down steep inclines by regulating thepreselected speed when driving at under 30 km/h (18.64 mph). The ESP andits sub-function, the ABS, have special ranges for off-road driving. TheESP focuses on achieving maximum traction in off-road driving; the ABSautomatically recognizes the consistency of the driving surface and selectsthe ideal strategy for sand, gravel or loose rocks.

The numbers speak for themselves: The Audi Q5’s climbingcapability of 31 degrees of incline is exceptional. The overhang angle is25 degrees thanks to the short front overhang. The ramp breakover angle,determined by the wheelbase, is 17.5 degrees. Ground clearance is animpressive 20 centimeters (7.87 inches), with a fording depth of up to 50centimeters (19.69 inches) when driving through water.

Audi drive select – for more driving pleasure

Audi drive select is available with two innovative components. One is anelectronic controller for the shock absorbers, the other is Audi dynamicsteering. Outfitted with a superposition gear, it continuously varies thesteering ratio and the power steering assistance depending on the speeddriven – which means less steering effort is required when parking,and firm steering with low sensitivity at higher speeds. At the handlinglimits, the dynamic steering stabilizes the Audi Q5 in conjunction with theESP by means of instantaneous steering interventions.

The new performance SUV from Audi is rolling off the production linewith a generous range of standard equipment including an audio system witheight speakers. A highly contemporary modular system of components isavailable for multimedia options – the highest upgrade level featuresa Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speechcontrol system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system fromthe Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation systemboasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representationof maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save musicfiles in MP3 format.

The assistance systems: Straight from the luxury class

On request, the Audi Q5 comes with a spectrum of high-tech, onboardsystems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even moresuperlative and relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking systemadvanced with rearview camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warningsystem) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes.Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between theperformance SUV and the vehicle in front.

Additional high-tech extras for the Audi Q5 include the advanced key forkeyless access to the vehicle, a tire pressure monitoring system, the largepanoramic glass sunroof with additional tilting function, the triple-zoneclimate control system, sun blinds for the rear side windows, the dynamiccornering light system known as Audi adaptive light, an electric tailgateand a swiveling trailer hitch. The high-beam assistant automaticallyswitches between the high and low beams. On request, the front seats can beelectrically adjusted, heated and ventilated – Audi offers the extrasfrom the luxury class in its new performance SUV here as well.