2017 Audi Q5 from £37,170 16 | 01 | 2017

    AUDI’S NEW 2017 Q5 model will start from £37,170, the Ingolstadt car maker has revealed. On-sale now from Scottish dealerships, first deliveries of the all new second-generation Audi SUV are scheduled for April. (Related: New 2017 Audi SQ5 V6 petrol)

    Available in a choice of three specs, SE, Sport and S line, the range starts with the £37,170 for the 2.0-litre diesel in SE form. The price rises to £38,270 for the same car in Sport trim, and £40,220 for S line.

    Intriguingly, the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine costs around £800 more across the three trim levels.

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    Not surprisingly, the new Q5 will be available with a comprehensive range of four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines, with most carried over from the class-leading A4. (Related: Roadtest — Audi A4 2.0TDI Ultra)

    The V6 units are part of a new generation of engines jointly developed between Audi and Porsche, and which are expected to appear in the forthcoming updated Cayenne and Macan models.

    The latest Q5 range, however, will also accommodate a plug-in hybrid version featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor. Expect it to have an all-electric range of up to 31 miles.

    At launch the latest Q5 will be available with a 2.0TDI diesel in 187bhp form, and a 249bhp 2.0TFSI petrol. The latter, according to Audi, will return 40.9mpg at the pumps and emit 157g/km. Even better, Audi says we should expect 56mpg from the 2.0TDI Ultra; that’s a best in class.

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    And while a 282bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel will follow, there will also be a 349bhp SQ5 powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. If that isn’t powerful enough, there will also be an RS Q5 delivering close to 500bhp from a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine.

    As stated at above, Audi will introduce its ‘ultra’ technology — which disengages the rear axle when it's not needed, boosting efficiency — to some of the new Q5 models. And while a sports differential can be optioned for the V6 diesel, torque vectoring features in all versions of the Q5.

    The 2017 model will also be available with either front or quattro four-wheel drive, plus the choice of six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes.

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    And while air suspension — including a self-levelling feature borrowed from the Q7 — will be offered as an option, the standard Q5 gets new five-link front and rear suspension, with steel springs and adjustable dampers largely borrowed from the A4.

    Standard across the range is also the ability to choose from seven different driving modes via Audi's Drive Select system, with two new modes for offroad driving.

    Closely related to the latest A4 saloon, Audi’s BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC rival has been engineered from scratch to reduce weight. Built on VW Group's MLB platform — which is already used by the A4 and the larger Q7 — the new Q5 is close to the old model in size, but incorporates better packaging to improve interior space.

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    Externally, the 2017 Q5 has grown slightly. The new SUV with the four rings is 4663 mm (15.3ft) long, 34mm (1.3in) longer than the previous model. Its width is unchanged at 1893mm (6.2ft), its height is 1659mm (5.4ft) (six mm (0.2in) taller); and its wheelbase has been extended to 2819 mm (9.2ft) (12mm (0.5 in) longer).

    Audi designers have also focussed on ensuring the new Q5 is one of the most aerodynamic cars in this class. The result is a cabin which is exposed to very little vibrations and benefits from  'exceptionally' low wind noise.

    Outside, the 2017 Q5 now boasts a more rugged appearance — incorporating influences from the Q7 and smaller Q2 — aimed at amplifying the car's off-road credentials. These lines are most noticeable at the front.

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    Depending on specification, the new Q5’s headlights  come as either LED or high-resolution Matrix LED, and Audi's dynamic turn signals also feature.

    Inside the luxurious five-seat cabin, buyers will be able to opt for Audi's 12.3in Virtual Cockpit display — which is already in use on a wide variety of models — as well as two different infotainment screens.

    The ‘standard’ car will feature a 7.0in free-standing screen, while a larger 8.3in screen is fitted to the range-topping models. Both systems are controlled via a rotary dial and touch pad, while top-end versions also include haptic feedback.

    The 2017 Q5 will also include a newly-developed head-up display — which projects relevant information directly onto the windscreen — on the options list

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    There’s a choice of 14 exterior colours, and five new trim levels: sport, design, S line, design selection an S line exterior package. Additional elements to the car’s exterior — such as contrasting grey elements — will emphaise the car's rugged nature on design line models.

    Standard equipment includes a new multi-function steering wheel, while the options list includes a heated wheel. rather bizarrely, there’s also the option of ambient lighting which can light the car with 30 different colours. And while the standard car sits on 17in alloys, buyers can choose from alloys up to 21in.

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    Audi has also further increased the size of the Q5’s already significant bootspace. The new model can now swallow 610 litres, an increase of 10-litres over the previous model, with all five seats in place, and 1550 litres with them folded away. A sensor-activated boot helps with loading heavy items, while the car's air suspension can also be lowered.

    Across the 2017 Q5 range, a powered tailgate is standard, as is Audi's parking system, three-zone climate control and heated front seats.

    Buyers cam also choose from three additional optional safety packages, named Tour, City and Parking. Depending on which package buyers choose, functions include adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistance, lane assistance, cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking and parking assistance.

    Related: Audi reveals Q8 SUV concept

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    Jim McGill

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