LOS ANGELES–Audi unveiled an all-new, second-generation Q5 crossover SUV at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Q5 is the larger of Audi’s compact crossover SUVs (the smaller being the Q3), and it gets sharper edged styling and a host of new safety and technology features for 2018.
Audi didn’t provide specific dimensions, but the new Q5 looks to be roughly the same size as its predecessor, which was slightly on the larger side of the compact SUV class. The new Q5 again offers seating for five passengers; Audi says interior space has been improved, with more rear-seat legroom and shoulder room and increased cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down.
The lone Q5 powertrain at launch will be a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. Audi claims a 0-60-mph sprint of 5.9 seconds. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, as is a power tailgate (a hands-free opening and closing function is available).
The Q5 will offer most of Audi’s latest high-tech equipment. Among the available features are Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, a full-color head-up display, Audi’s MMI All-In Touch handwriting recognition technology, and Audi Connect mobile app connectivity. Available safety features include lane-keep assist; traffic-sign recognition; adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality and traffic-jam assist; rear cross-traffic alert; blind-spot monitoring, and a forward collision warning/mitigation system with automatic braking.
The 2018 Audi Q5 is set to arrive in dealerships in Spring 2017.
CG Says:
The first-generation Q5’s basic design dates back to the 2009 model year, so it’s high time that Audi rolled out a redesigned model… and this one looks like it won’t disappoint. Audi’s recent all-new vehicles have been truly impressive in terms of cabin-materials quality and high-tech features, and we expect that the 2018 Q5 will be similarly compelling. Considering how hot the premium SUV market is at the moment, we also expect it to be a real sales success.
