What's the news?
Audi's new Q5 SUV, which is very likely to be one of its top-selling cars come the end of the year, has been launched on the Irish market at a starting price of €48,350. There will also be a 190hp version of that, plus a 150hp S-Line version and a 190hp S-Line S-Tronic quattro which, priced at €54,8590, is expected to be the most popular model.
At 4.6-metres long, the new Q5 is a little bigger than the old one and a longer wheelbase means that there's more cabin space too. In spite of the extra room, weight has gone down, by as much as 90kg model for model.
While SE and S Line will be the only trims available for the moment, standard equipment has improved from the previous model. Among the features included are xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, the Audi MMI Navigation with seven-inch MMI colour display, bluetooth and USB charging function, Audi drive select dynamic handling system, twin leather and front and rear parking sensors. The LED interior lighting pack is now also standard across the family. Similarly, Audi smartphone interface, Audi Connect (on a three month free trial), automatic boot lid and full body paint finish are standard on both trims. You can spec it with the Auid Virtual Cockpit digital instrument pack and a heads-up display if you like.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Audi board commented that: "the first Audi Q5 was for many years the world's best-selling SUV in its class. It was no easy task to design its successor, but that is precisely why it is so very exciting. With the new Q5 we are setting the bar a notch higher. Among the great innovations are the Quattro drive system with ultra technology, highly efficient engines, the air suspension with damper control and a comprehensive line-up of infotainment and assistance systems."
Three pack options will also be available from launch. The Comfort & Sound pack including a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system and 3-zone climate control, and Technology Pack, including the Audi Virtual Cockpit will be made available on both SE and S Line trim lines. An S Line exclusive black pack will also be made available, featuring 20-inch titanium look alloys, dark tinted glass and black roof rails.