2018 Audi Q5: Design, Performance, and Technology
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Introduction
Since its initial launch in 2009, the Q5 has become one of the best-selling models for Audi, with the Ingolstadt factory selling 1.6 million units to date, including 280,000 units added in 2016 worldwide. Recognizing its remarkable success, Audi invested $1.3 billion in a new 400-acre production facility in Mexico dedicated solely to the Q5. Recently, the 2018 Q5 and its sportier counterpart, the SQ5, were launched in the UAE and across the Middle East.
Exterior Design
The 2018 Audi Q5 showcases noticeable changes at both the front and rear. It features redesigned bumpers, sleek new shapes for its headlights, and clear lines on the new hood. The side profile exhibits a distinctive curve with a clear line extending from the beginning of the hood to the taillights. The rear design remains largely unchanged apart from new LED taillights and a revamped rear bumper featuring exhaust outlets. Overall, the exterior design of the Q5 is not only modern but also purposeful and more elegant than before.
Interior Design
The interior of the Audi Q5 has become more spacious for passengers and their luggage, attributed to the clear increase in the vehicle's exterior dimensions and smart interior design. Audi has utilized premium materials to create this distinctive cabin, along with exquisite finishing touches that enhance its beauty. The dashboard design has been revamped to be more driver-focused, using high-quality materials for the controls and buttons to enhance the driving experience.
Comfort and Quietness
The German automaker has managed to provide a quieter cabin compared to the previous model by implementing sound insulation and reducing air drag through its aerodynamic exterior design. Additionally, Audi has increased the interior space, expanding the trunk capacity by 10 liters compared to the previous model, which had a capacity of 550 liters.
Technology and Safety
The 2018 Audi Q5 and SQ5 come standard with Audi's latest quattro all-wheel drive system, along with airbags and safety systems such as ABS, EBD, and BA. It also features hill descent control, additional child safety seat ISOFIX anchors, and parking sensors around the vehicle. Optional features include blind spot monitoring, parking assistance, hidden vehicle alert systems, collision avoidance systems, and hill stability control.
In terms of technology, the Q5 2018 offers the expected features from an Audi vehicle, presenting a cockpit-like interior equipped with an updated multimedia infotainment system that includes a touchpad, an 8.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen, and wireless smartphone charging.
Performance
Audi engineers have successfully reduced the vehicle's weight by 90 kg by extensively using lightweight aluminum and steel. The Q5 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 252 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission that directs power to all four wheels using Audi's latest quattro system. This new quattro system operates intelligently, disconnecting all-wheel drive when it is not needed by decoupling the rear axles and channeling power to the front wheels. When it detects a loss of traction or slipping, it seamlessly re-engages all-wheel drive. Audi's latest quattro system enhances fuel efficiency, improves steering and grip on the road, and reduces friction in the drive system.
SQ5 Version
For the more powerful "SQ5" version, Audi has opted for a conventional quattro system where the rear axles are always active. This system is also intelligent, as it channels 85% of the engine's power directly to the rear wheels to enhance excitement and provide a unique driving experience. To support this function, Audi introduced its new sport differential, which manages torque between the two rear wheels, delivering stronger torque to one wheel when needed.
Variants and Pricing
The 2018 Audi Q5 is available in two versions, both equipped with a 2.0-liter TFSI engine. The price for the base Q5 45 TFSI is 209,000 AED, while the S-line version is priced at 240,000 AED. The sporty SQ5 version is priced at approximately 280,000 AED.
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