Q5 Qualities: What's New For Audi's Luxury SUV?

Most people don’t think of “sleek” and “SUV” in the same sentence, but common assumptions have never been a barrier to Audi’s brilliance. When the German luxury auto brand first released the Q5, it combined the power and convenience of a sport utility vehicle with the streamlined, flowing appearance Audi is known for. This year, Audi is releasing a new and improved version of the same model, providing the same great combination with enhanced style and performance. From off-road vacations to sporting trips to moving furniture, this light but powerful vehicle is sure to impress.

Long & Lean

Arguably the most significant change Audi has made to the 2018 Q5 has been to reduce its weight. Compared to the previous Q5, the 2018 model weighs 198 fewer pounds. This improves the vehicle’s handling and raises fuel efficiency, allowing you to save money and the environment while driving in a wider range of environments. The lighter body does not come at the expense of vehicle size or interior space, however. The new Q5 is 1.3 inches longer than the previous model, allowing it to incorporate a larger wheelbase and 0.4 more inches of rear legroom. Cargo space is also abundant; the SUV has 21.5 cubic feet of storage area under normal conditions and 54.7 cubic feet when its rear seats are folded.

Shoring Up Safety

The new Audi has all the same safety features as previous vehicles in its line, including adaptive cruise control, rear traffic warnings, autonomous braking, and an active lane assistance system. On top of this established safety package, the 2018 Audi Q5 contributes an exit warning system, which lets drivers and passengers know if they are about to open their doors under unsafe conditions. Not only will this defend the vehicle and its occupants, but it will also protect pedestrians and cyclists from accidental collisions.

Profile on Performance

Besides improving on the safety of previous Q5s, the new Audi also offers an impressive power train. The vehicle has a turbocharged 2-liter engine that provides 272 pounds per foot of torque and 252 horsepower. The SUV also comes with an Ultra all-wheel drive system, which offers seven speeds with automatic transmission to both front and rear wheels. This system uses two separate clutches, with one behind the transmission and the other inside the rear axle. This feature allows the vehicle to stop sending drive to the rear wheels when they don’t need it, saving fuel and lowering the SUV's environmental impact.

Further Features

The 2018 Audi Q5 has a number of other novel features, including:

• Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• An available WiFi hotspot
• An available Bang & Olufsen sound system
• Available Audi Virtual Cockpit, complete with an LCD screen
• An available MMI Touch system, which interprets drivers’ handwriting and gestures

Audi of Melbourne offers Audi’s latest vehicles to drivers throughout Brevard County, Florida. For more information on the 2018 Q5 and other advanced offerings, visit our website today.