5 things to know about the all-new Audi Q5

AUDI Philippines chose the Manila Polo Club last week as the venue of choice to debut the all-new Audi Q5 with VIP guests and clients as well as select members of the media. All were treated to a sumptuous dinner with flowing drinks. A laser light presentation followed that highlighted the exemplary features of the German luxury compact SUV.

“I am proud to bring the all-new Audi Q5 here in the Philippines. This car is setting the bar higher for SUVs in its class,” says Audi Philippines head, Benedicto Coyiuto. “As proof of the brand’s corporate tagline, ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ or ‘Advancement through Technology’, the Audi Q5 boasts of great innovations such as the quattro all-wheel drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, air suspension with damper control, and a comprehensive lineup of infotainment and assistance systems. I believe it will continue to be the best-selling luxury compact SUV here in the Philippines.”

Prior to the launch of the Audi Q5, a family friend reached out to this writer to inquire about the features of the all-new Q5. This friend ended up purchasing a unit in the first batch of Q5s imported for the launch.

Here are five things to know about the all-new Q5:

Bigger and 90 kg lighter than the previous model

Despite the fact that Audi upsized the all-new Q5 in almost all of its dimensions, it is about 90 kg lighter than its predecessor (depending on the variant), thanks to an alchemy of steel and aluminum with higher tensile strength in the chassis.

Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto (left) and German Embassy Head
of Mission Dr. Roland Schissau (right) with the award-winning Audi Q5

The Q5 grew to 4.66 meters long and 1.89 meters wide with a 2.82 meter wheelbase. With a slightly bigger interior cabin, it comfortably has space for five full-sized adults and 550 liters of cargo.

Improved NVH and aerodynamics

The new Q5 enjoys top-in-class aerodynamics with a coefficient of drag of 0.30. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) including wind noise is exceptionally low, and Audi made sure that ride comfort and interior acoustics are one of the best-in-class.

The all-new Audi Q5 has advanced Matrix Full LED headlights.

It also offers variable stages between ride comfort and driving dynamics. Using Audi’s drive select feature, it can adjust damper control with its new adjustable air suspension as well as ride height.

Millennial-ready virtual cockpit

The new adjustable air suspension can vary the ride height over five stages.

This is one of the coolest features of the Q5. Aside from the MMI (multi media interface) monitor on top of the dashboard, most variants of the Q5 will have Audi’s virtual cockpit with a high resolution 12.3-inch screen.

The cockpit has four basic functions: trip computer, audio controls, car information and navigation. It allows a full view of the navigation screen so you don’t have to look at the MMI monitor to see a highly detailed GPS-based map.

A touchpad is also integrated in the rotary pushbutton to recognize hand gestures. The MMI operating logic is similar to that used in today’s smartphones, and it offers such features as intelligent free-text search.

A touchpad integrated into the rotary push button recognizes hand gestures.

The Audi smartphone interface uses Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and most variants carry a Bang & Olufsen sound system with innovative 3D to amplify the spatial dimension of height.

Quattro all-wheel drive system

The new Q5 features the rally-proven quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology that disengages its rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and will automatically and proactively re-engage it when driving conditions dictate.

A ride is customizable using the Audi Drive Select from the MMI.

The intelligent select drive system allows the ultimate balance between efficiency and performance without reducing traction or driving dynamics, thanks to Audi’s proprietary intelligent software solution that always delivers a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience.

Two engine variants

Currently, Audi Philippines will be offering two engine variants, a 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine and a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine. The TFSI engine is rated with 250 hp, and the TDI at 190 hp, which can easily propel the Q5 to a top speed of 220 kph.

The high-tech interior is equipped with the Audi Viritual Cockpit.

Test drive the all-new Audi Q5 at any of the Audi branches at Alabang, Global City, Greenhills, and SM Seaside City Cebu.