The Audi Q5 has received a mid-cycle refresh, with a series of subtle styling tweaks, an upgraded interior and a new range of petrol and diesel engines.
Set to go on sale in October following a Paris motor show launch, the facelifted version of the strong-selling SUV is distinguished by lightly revised bumpers, grille, headlamp graphics and tailpipes.
Inside, the dashboard and centre console are retained, but new trims aim to provide a higher-quality feel.
Chassis tweaks include new springs and dampers that are claimed to improve overall comfort levels. The steering has also been reworked, with an electro-mechanical system replacing the former hydraulic set-up.
There are five new or upgraded diesel and petrol engines, all featuring stop-start as standard. These include a revised 3.0 TDI V6 producing an extra 5bhp and 59lb ft at 242bhp and 428lb ft, and
a 268bhp 3.0-litre V6. This replaces the old naturally aspirated 266bhp 3.2-litre V6 and features in the range-topping 3.0 TFSI model, which can crack 0-62mph in 5.9sec.
Also available is the Q5 Hybrid. It mates the Audi SUV’s older 208bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor developing a peak of 53bhp. Together, they provide a system output of 242bhp, along with 354lb ft of torque.
At the Le Mans 24-hour race in June, Audi plans to lift the veil on a new SQ5 model running the 309bhp/479lb ft twin-turbocharged 3.0 V6 TDI just launched in the A6. Expect a 5.8sec 0-62mph time and a 155mph governed top speed.
A petrol SQ5 is also rumoured for markets including the US and China. Power is likely to come from Audi’s supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, which produces 328bhp and 324lb ft.
