German luxury car brand has been on a launching spree in Indian in the year 2021. Be it electric cars, performance cars or luxury sedans—the list is quite long. But it is the highest-selling Q range of cars that were missing in action. And it is an important segment as almost half of the total sales of the brand come only from the Q category of cars. That void has now been filled with the launch of the Q5 facelift earlier this week, which has become Audi’s 9th product in India for 2021. Historically, the Q5 has been amongst the company’s bestsellers globally. The pandemic delayed its arrival in India by quite some time but now the SUV is here in 2 trims – Premium Plus and Technology. Audi says the new Audi Q5 combines a sporty character with excellent everyday usability and comes with a wide array of infotainment and assistance options. It is being manufactured at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India plant in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
LOOKS
The front of the Audi Q5 comes with the trademark single-frame grille with an octagon outline, which has sharper and better-defined edges. While the grille and the slats have chrome garnishes, the skid plates, roof rails, and the new foglamp casing get silver accents. The car also gets new 19-inch alloy wheels which differ in design according to variants, wraparound shoulder line, LED combination lamps, panoramic sunroof, and aluminium roof rails. It is available in five colour options – Navarra blue, Ibis white, Mythos black, Floret silver and Manhattan gray. According to Audi, the sharpened exterior design of this highly successful model emphasises the Q identity and embodies the Quattro DNA.
INTERIORS
Atlas beige and Okapi brown in leather leatherette upholstery with inlays in Piano black finishing make for the interiors of the new Audi Q5. The 25.65 cm multimedia touchscreen comes with the third-generation modular infotainment platform MIB3. It has Audi’s latest MMI Touch, voice controls and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Another highlight is the B&O premium sound system with 19 speakers that produce 3D sound effects at 755 watts output. The SUV also gets 3-zone air-conditioning and contour ambient lighting with 30 colour options. You also get sensor-controlled boot lid operation, park assist with parking aid plus, electric front seats with driver memory, and an Audi phone box with wireless charging.
ENGINE
Audi says the redesigned Q5 promises better performance and an enhanced driving experience. Its 2.0 litre TFSI petrol engine generates 249 HP of power and 370 Nm torque which propels the car from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 237km/h. The car offers Adaptive suspension with damping control which is a boon on broken roads and most undulations are not felt inside the cabin. With Audi Drive Select, the driver can choose between six modes, ranging from comfort, dynamic, individual, auto, efficiency and off-road. And of course, there is the Quattro four-wheel-drive system that enables optimal grip in challenging terrains.
SAFETY & PRICES
The new Q5 gets as many as 8 airbags, including rear-side airbags, to enhance the safety of its occupants. While the Premium Plus variant is priced at Rs. 58.93 lakh the more expensive feature-loaded technology trim will set you back by Rs. 63.77 lakh (ex-showroom). Deliveries of the new Q5 will begin soon.
The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com