Overall: Five different versions of Audi's Q5 bring a broad range of performance and economy.
Q5
Overall: Five different versions of Audi's Q5 bring a broad range of performance and economy.
Drivetrain: Base turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder makes 220 horsepower; Hybrid uses 2.0-litre turbo engine and a 40-kilowatt electric motor; optional 272-horsepower supercharged 3.0-litre V6 is also used in SQ5, but with 354 horses; TDI has 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with 240 horses; eight-speed automatic transmissions and Quattro all-wheel-drive standard on every model.
Taking advantage of customers' increasing demand for tall wagons with luxury badges, Audi has leveraged almost every kind of powertrain possible in its Q5 line, even an optional hybrid setup. It uses the same turbocharged 220-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine found in the base Q5 and bolsters it with a 40-kilowatt electric motor for a total of 245 horsepower. Using a clutch buried inside the eight-speed transmission, the system routes power between the motors, the lithium-ion battery and finally to the four wheels. Audi figures you can drive nearly three kilometres on electric power alone. If your commute is more highway than city, then the long-range TDI might suit your needs: its 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 has 240 horsepower, 428 pound-feet of torque and gets similar fuel economy to the Hybrid. The TDI is faster, though. The carryover 3.0-litre supercharged V6 has 272 horsepower, but also serves as the basis for the SQ5, which is Audi's take on a sports-focused small SUV. The SQ5 pushes out 354 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, and Audi figures it'll hit 60 mph (96 km/h) from rest 5.1 seconds. As for the standard Quattro all-wheel-drive, 60 percent of the torque is directed to the rear wheels, but, when required, additional torque can be shifted to the wheels with the most grip. There's plenty of style inside a roomy cabin that exhibits the kind of understated elegance that has helped make Audi a real desirable BMW alternative. To help distinguish things a bit, V6 models have their own bumpers, lowered ride height and 19-inch wheels. Options include an upgraded interior, keyless-start ignition, heated and cooled cup holder and a navigation system with real-time traffic info. The Q5 is also available with Audi Drive Select, a system that allows the driver to choose his or her own preferences for transmission shift points, suspension firmness and steering ratio. Most of the changes for 2016 are minor, including a panoramic sunroof standard on Premium models.
Base price (incl. destination): $43,900 (2.0T); $59,000 (Hybrid); $59,400 (SQ5) (2015)
Type: Four-door tall wagon
Base engine (hp): 2.0-litre DOHC I4 (220)
Optional engines (hp): 3.0-litre DOHC V6, supercharged (272; 354, SQ5); 2.0-litre DOHC I4 w/40-kilowatt electric motor (245); 3.0-litre DOHC V6, turbo-diesel (240)
Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
l/100 km (city/highway): 12.0/8.0 (2.0)
Weight (kg): 1,850
For more information go to:
www.audiedmontonnorth.com
