A look at the Audi Q5 from the inside

Audi’s new Q5 will be making its first Australian appearance at the Melbourne International Motor Show later this month. A select few, however, have already sampled the Q5, and, in sunny Spain of all places. How did one get in on this all expenses paid junket? By being a member of Audi Australia sales staff, that’s how.

Jonathan from Audi Centre Canberra has been a great supporter of AUSmotive, so I figured it was only fair to return the favour by asking him for a brief writeup of his experience at the internal Q5 launch from Marbella on the Costa Del Sol. Life’s tough for some!

The Q5 will go on sale down under in just a few months and initial pricing details have been confirmed. In the meantime, you can have a sneak preview of the car by reading Jonathan’s words after the jump. There’s also quite a few images, and promo piece from the Audi Channel via YouTube.

Audi Q5 internal global training report

I have recently returned from Audi AG’s Global Training event in Spain for the new Audi Q5 totally convinced by the new mid-size SUV. The engineers from Ingolstadt have based the Q5 on the B8 A4’s Modular Longitudinal Platform, but have somehow created a vehicle that feels not only more comfortable and spacious than the A4, but sportier and more sure footed. Audi’s adaptive suspension (non-height adjustable) and adaptive steering is an option on vehicles for the Australian market, but the standard vehicle set-up already deals nicely with rough roads, bumps and off-camber corners.

We tested the 3.0TDI S-Tronic, 2.0 TFSI S-Tronic, and 2.0TDI manual (only available down under with the S-Tronic). The new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox is exceptional. Gear changes are even more seamless than the current 6-speed transmission, and now noticeably lacking the off-the-line hesitation that was one of a few criticisms of the first version. While the V6 diesel was a blast, for real world driving, the response and torquey nature of both 4 cylinder engines was surprising, and more than adequate for the twisty mountain roads along the Costa Del Sol.

Although 90% of Q5s sold will never see dirt, a comprehensive off-road track was built for the launch. The short overhangs and decent ground clearance allow the Q5 to handle moderate off-road work with surprising ease. loose surface inclines of up to 45 degrees and deeply rutted tracks were overcome easily. For those who may not have a lot of dirt driving experience the standard Hill-Descent Control and Off Road ESP are quite effective.

For anyone who has driven a B8 A4, they will be instantly at home in the cabin of a Q5, but will also be pleasantly surprised by the matt wood trim, 3G MMI navigation system with a new controller and new graphics, a hot/cold cupholder, and a vast array of media options. (All optional equipment in Australia). The leather and carpet is hard wearing, and the usual soft touch plastics abound. The seating design is commendable, with drivers and passengers of all sizes able to find a comfortable position—the rear seats also recline for added comfort.

Upon viewing the Q5 in person for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of a gaping, black-hole like front grille, as seen on the Q5’s bigger brother (Audi Q7). Sure, the design is far from daring and some may call it boring, but I think it is classic Audi, reflected in the large air-intakes, a rising side dynamic-line, wrap around aluminium tailgate, and slightly tapering roofline at the rear.

– Jonathan, Audi Centre Canberra