The Q5 crossover has been a huge success for Audi. It’s a big seller around the world. Pushing this successful nameplate forward, Audi unveiled the redesigned 2017 model at the Paris Motor Show.
As before, it combines the sportiness of a sedan with a roomy, versatile interior. Maximum cargo space measures 21.5 cubic feet, nearly half a cube more than the previous model.
This improvement comes courtesy of larger exterior dimensions; the Q5 has grown slightly in nearly every direction, yet in spite of these increases it’s up to 198 pounds lighter than the outgoing version. That’s what you call progress.
Helping deliver such an impressive weight loss is a mixed-material body that’s made from both steel and aluminum. Naturally, with less mass to haul around this crossover should be more efficient than before. Segment-leading aerodynamics should also help in this area as well and provide best-in-class interior quietness.
Another feature of note is the optional Audi Virtual Cockpit. It impresses with a 12.3-inch display that replaces a traditional instrument cluster. It offers two different view modes including one where the navigation map takes over most of the screen for an immersive experience. And really, there’s no excuse for getting lost if you’ve got this!
Check out our Complete 2016 Paris Auto Show Coverage
Underhood, a wide variety of gasoline and diesel engines will be offered to European customers. The range should be both more economical and powerful than before. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel is the top compression-ignition offering, delivering 286 horsepower. The peak gasoline unit has a capacity of 2.0-liters and provides 252 ponies.
As for transmissions, customers on this side of the Atlantic can get a six-speed manual, a seven-ratio S tronic self-shifter or even an eight-speed tiptronic automatic. As always with Audi, quattro all-wheel drive is available. This world-famous traction-enhancing technology gains a disconnecting rear axle for greater efficiency than before.
The 2017 Audi Q5 is set to go on sale in Europe early next year. The vehicle will be manufactured at a brand new factory in Mexico. Base price should be 45,100€, which is about 51 grand.
