Redesigned to project the distinct Audi style, the 2018 Audi Q5 mid-size SUV is ready to take the global car market by storm with its new features and better driving dynamics. This is for the first time that the Q5 SUV has received a full rework in its 9 years of history and it wears the changes well.
The second generation of Audi Q5 delivers a better performance, thanks to the use of VW Group’s MLB chassis. The 2018 Audi Q5 is more powerful, offers better fuel efficiency and has a smoother ride. Due to the new lightweight chassis, the Q5 SUV has shed 200 pounds thus making it more agile and less fuel consuming.
The interior has been redesigned to become more spacious, especially for the rear seat passengers. The center stack has been uncluttered so that it fits with the new design seamlessly. Along with being more spacious, the cabin is also quieter to enhance the comfort of the passengers.
Here is a review of the 2018 Audi Q5 with a closer look at its performance, design, upgrades, safety features and more.
Design of 2018 Audi Q5
The 2018 Audi Q5 has been completely redesigned to offer a new look that is in keeping with the distinct Audi style. The exterior still looks sporty with the commanding Q5 stance, while the interior has been redesigned to be more spacious and comfortable for the driver and the passengers alike.
Exterior
Every line falls into its place on the exterior of the 2018 Audi Q5. The sporty presence of the Q5 is even more aggressive and commanding, thanks to the new design elements that have been incorporated into the iconic Q5 design.
The distinctive Signleframe grille with the Audi logo in the center is still present at the front of the vehicle. The grille is now wider and larger, while the air intakes at the lower front bumper have retained their size. The full LED headlights now have a sharper and more modern look to go with the design theme of the all-new Audi Q5.
The hood is slightly curved at the front to be more aerodynamic. The shoulder lines are prominent as always, while the fenders are curved and muscular to add to the aerodynamics of the exterior. The windows have matte black trims while the grille and the front air intakes have chrome accents.
The 2018 Q5 has 18-inch 5-spoke dynamic design wheels that are fitted with all-season tyres. There are integrated tailpipes at the rear of the vehicle that are flushed into the design seamlessly.
The aluminum roof rails are strong enough to carry additional luggage and adventure gear at the top of the SUV. It has a ground clearance of 8.2-inches that makes it a suitable option for any off-road trip.
Interior
The interior has been redesigned to make it more spacious. This new change can be best seen in the rear of the vehicle, which now offers a headroom of 39.3-inches and legroom of 37.8-inches to the passengers. In comparison, the front seat passengers have 41.7-inch headroom and 41.0-inch legroom.
The 2018 Audi Q5’s interior is capaciously built to carry 5 passengers quite comfortably. The seats are upholstered with high-quality leather to enhance the comfort of the passengers. Both front seats are 8-way power adjustable, while the driver can also enjoy the 4-way power lumbar adjustment feature as well.
The front seats also have comfort head restraints and armrests, while the rear seats have adjustable reclining seatbacks. The rear seats also come with sliding 40/20/30 split-folding function so that the cargo area can be maximized to 60.4 cubic feet from 26.8 cubic feet.
The three-spoke multifunctioning steering wheel has strategically placed shift paddles for the easy access of the driver. The tilt and telescopic manually adjustable steering column allows the driver to adjust the steering wheel according to his preferences.
The cabin has high-gloss dark brown walnut wood inlays and black door sill inlays to usher-in elegance to the luxurious design of the 2018 Q5.
Also read: 2017 Audi R8 – The Redesigned Luxurious Coupe with a Powerful V10 Engine
Performance of 2018 Q5
To embrace the driving dynamics that go hand in hand with modern German engineering and performance, the 2018 Audi Q5 is fitted with a higher performance turbocharged engine and the legendary Quattro All-Wheel Drive System, but with a twist.
To begin with, the engineers at Audi have changed the chassis of the SUV with a lighter and stronger MLB chassis by Volkswagen Group. The chassis is complemented with an equally lightweight suspension that adds to the versatility and performance capabilities of the vehicle.
Due to these two new features, the 2018 Q5 offers a drive that is comfortable, agile and engaging. If paired with the available Active Adaptive Damping Suspension, the vehicle will give complete control to the driver with a variety of damping and suspension options.
To make the drive of the 2018 Audi Q5 truly diverse, the SUV is fitted with the new generation 2.0-litre TFSI 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that can generate 252 horsepower and a torque of 273 lb-ft. Instead of pairing the engine with the previously standard 8-speed automatic transmission, the 2018 Q5 has a new 7-speed dual clutch transmission for smoother, seamless and quick shifts.
The Q5 is fitted with Audi Drive Select that allows the driver to choose from 5 highly intelligent driving modes that also include an Off-road Mode. It can go from 0 to 60mph in just 5.9 seconds, has a top speed of 130mph, fuel tank capacity of 18.5 gallons and has the improved fuel efficiency of 23mpg in the city, 27mpg on the highway and a combined fuel efficiency of 25mpg.
Quattro All-Wheel Drive System with Ultra Technology
The real star of the show is the legendary Quattro All-Wheel Drive System, however, for the 2018 model, the Q5 has been fitted with the new Quattro All-Wheel Drive with Ultra Technology that combines efficiency with advanced driving dynamics for a better performance.
With this new system, the driver will have virtually predictive grip and response. It uses sophisticated sensors to be predictive and proactive by effortlessly switching from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive according to the road and weather conditions. The system responds to the driver within 200 milliseconds to provide an unparalleled performance at all times.
Thanks to its Torque Vectoring System, the Q5 has enhanced directional stability around the corners. The system works with the new Quattro System to slow the inside cornering wheel by applying selective and minimal braking pulses to add more control to the ride.
Also read: 2018 Audi A8L – Flagship Sedan with Supercharged Engine and Advanced Quattro All-Wheel Drive
Technological Features
As for the technological features, the 2018 Audi Q5 is fitted with the latest advanced technological features to bring a modern look and feel to the cabin. Some of the highlighting technological features include:
- 5.0-inch Monochrome Driver Information System
- 7.0-inch MMI Center Infotainment Display
- Audi Sound System with 10-speakers
- Voice Command
- Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto
- Cruise Control with Resume, Coast and Accelerate Features
- Bluetooth
The MMI All-in-Touch System has handwriting-recognition technology to aid the driver in navigating the maps with just a swipe of the finger across the touchpad.
As for the available features, the Q5 2018 SUV comes with Audi Virtual Cockpit, which is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that offers customized information to the driver with Google Earth or Google Street View screen options. Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 3D sound and 19-speakers is also available to replace the standard Audio Sound System.
Safety Features
The 2018 Q5 is fitted with innovative driver assistance features to ensure that the driver and the passengers are safe under all circumstances. Some of the noteworthy safety features in the all-new Q5 include:
- Anti-Lock Brake System
- Electronic Brake-Pressure Distribution
- Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Control
- Secondary Collision Brake Assist
- Traction Control
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- Electromechanical Parking Brake
- Hill Descent Control
- LATCH for Rear Seats
- Anti-Theft Alarm System with Vehicle Immobilizer and Motion Sensors
- Audi Pre Sense Basic
- Audi Pre Sense City
The optional driver assistance technologies are meant to alert the driver in dangerous road and traffic situations. The optional features are:
- Audi Side Assist with Pre Sense Rear
- Rear Cross Traffic Assist
- Vehicle Exit Assist
- Head-Up Display
Price of 2018 Audi Q5
The price and release date of Audi Q5 has not been announced yet for the UAE market. However, it is available in the US market at the starting price of $41,500.
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