Audi Q5 in a class of its own

Syafiq Affendy Mar 12th, 2010 .

THE Audi Q5 has raise .the bar in the Performance Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) market, boasting a sporty side and versatility both on- and off-road.

With its arrival onto Singapore soil, the Audi Q5 brings with it dynamism of a sports sedan combined with a highly variable interior and versatile options for leisure time and family use.

A strong and efficient engine, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and an agile running gear have been put together to create a superior technology package for both on- and off-road driving.

Highlights such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi Drive Select Control System are proof of Audi’s `Vorsprung durch Technik’ or `advancement through technology.’
The sportiest SUV in its class, the Q5 is dynamic, multifunctional and comfortable. Its dimensions alone indicate this is a SUV of all-new proportions.
Measuring at 4.63 meters long and 1.88 metres wide, the Audi Q5 is just 1.65 meters high, giving it a sportier appearance than any of its competitors. Its 2.81-metre wheelbase – the best in the segment – allows for plenty of onboard space.

Furthermore, this SUV sets another benchmark in its class with a low drag coefficient of 0.33.

With its sporty elegance and artfully sculpted form, the Q5 is perfectly in-tune with the characters of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille, outfitted with LED daytime running lights.

Crowned by a railing, the elegant slope of the roof underscores the slim, coupe-like styling. At the rear, the wrap-around tailgate clearly identifies this SUV as a relative of its older brother, the Audi Q7. The tail-lights are ensconced in eye-catching LED technology as well.

The Audi Q5 heads to Singapore in two engine variants: a 2.0 TFSI and a 3.2 FSI. Both engines are direct-injection and characterised by outstanding performance, propulsive power and refinement while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2.0 TFSI has been entirely redesigned. The four-cylinder engine unites three high-tech features – turbocharging, gasoline direct-injection technology and the innovative Audi valvelift system.

The high torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 155 kW (211 hp).

The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 222 km/h. On average, the vehicle consumes just 8.5 litres of fuel per 100 km.

The 3.2 FSI combines a whole raft of high-tech features – the innovative Audi valvelift system, FSI gasoline direct injection and a variety of measures to further enhance efficiency.

The 3.2 FSI develops 195 kW (270 hp) from a displacement of 3197 cm3, and its ample maximum torque of 330 Nm (243.40 lb-ft) is achieved constantly from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm.

It accelerates the Audi Q5 3.2 FSI from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.8 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 232 km/h.

The Audi Q5 comes equipped with the new twin-clutch, seven-speed S tronic transmission. This high-tech component executes gearshifts in a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency.

Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.

The pioneer of all-wheel drive, Audi builds the Audi Q5 standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive – the only logical solution for a dynamic SUV. In normal running conditions, the transfer case distributes the power to the front and rear axle in a 40:60 ratio for a rear-focussed style that enhances driving pleasure.

When needed, the quattro driveline can deliver up to 65 percent of the power to the front axle and a maximum of 85 percent to the rear axle.

For greater driving pleasure, the standard control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components.

At the touch of a button, the driver determines whether the system should work in a comfortable, an especially well balanced or a sporty mode.

The MMI operating system offers a fourth mode, which can be individually programmed.

Even before its market launch, the Audi Q5 was awarded the Golden Steering Wheel 2008 by Bild am Sonntag. It has also swept three other prestigious awards since sales started in November 2008 – Best Off-Roader 2008, Best Cars prize from Auto Motor and Sport, and the Euro Car Body Award.

The latter was conferred upon the Audi Q5 for its intelligent lightweight design, good aerodynamics, innovative technologies and streamlined production.

The Audi Q5 is enjoying remarkable success worldwide, having sold 18,000 units to date. The Audi Q5 2.0 TSFI made its Singapore debut in April 2009.

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