India-bound Audi Q5 facelift
Audi took the wraps off the updated and facelifted version of the new Q5 SUV. The new Q5 is sharper, more sporty, and features visual updates on the outside and changes on the inside – primarily in terms of the tech that you get.
The most noticeable improvement on the facelift of the Audi Q5 is the revised front-end with the new single-frame octagonal grille, which is now much shallower than before and lacks the brushed silver bezel linking it to the headlamp. This makes the grille look a lot bigger visually than it is on the current Q5. Audi will also have the option of a more chrome elements conventional grille.
The front bumper has now been reworked and is now much more chiseled, while the side intakes have now increased in size and blacked-out parts have now become sporty. The variations across the rear are even more subtle. There is a trim element that now links the tail-lamps and the rear bumper – much like the front – is more sporty with new vents and built-in exhaust tips.
One of the most important modifications to the Q5 must be the new headlamps and tail-lamps. As planned, the Q5 is now getting a brand new daytime LED running light system which is much sharper and more aggressive than the outgoing model’s. Driven headlights are now standard on all models, while the Matrix Driven headlamp on higher models is an optional extra.
The taillights get a redesign too and now come with digital tech OLED (organic LED). Press the lock or unlock button and you’re greeted by a rather cool pattern. When customers spec the Q5 they can also select between different lighting setups. Putting the car in a dynamic mode often changes the lighting pattern and while this may be seen as a bit of a joke – in conjunction with the dynamic turning indicators – it’s very cool.
Within, though the visual changes are minimal; tech is clearly in focus. The main screen has been upsized to a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen display from the older 8.3-inch model. The system is MIB 3 or Modular Infotainment Platform from Audi and is said to be 10 times faster than its predecessor. The Q5 also gets car tech linked and Amazon’s Alexa platform as a bonus too.
As part of the connected car tech, Audi will also offer a feature called ‘on-demand functions’ that offers the option of enabling additional features such as the Navigation Plus; the navigation tech now offers high-resistance images via Google Earth or the smartphone interface of Audi via over-the-air updates via the MyAudi app.
The central control mechanism at the transmission tunnel has now been removed, replacing it with a more driver-oriented control on the steering wheel. The Q5 also comes with an optional heads-up display. But there are no improvements in cabin space.
Although Audi will continue to sell the Q5 facelift globally with both petrol and diesel engines, the SUV will only come with one petrol engine in India. The Indian-market Audi Q5 facelift will come in the 45TFSI configuration with a 2.0-liter TFSI petrol engine, most likely making a torque of 245hp and 370Nm; the same as the new A6 model available here.
The Q5 will also get a mild-hybrid configuration to improve fuel economy. The engine will be mated to a dual-clutch 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox, while the all-wheel-drive Quattro will be standard.
The new Audi Q5 will go on sale in international markets by the end of 2020 but will arrive in India in 2021 only. The facelifted model also marks the Q5 ‘s return to the India market. Audi had sold out the Q5 earlier this year in the run-up to introducing BS6 emission standards.
The Q5 facelift will take on the recently-updated Mercedes-Benz GLC and Land Rover Discovery Sport, as well as the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. Expect Q5 facelift prices to be in the Rs 55 lakh range (estimated, ex-showroom).
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