Effective immediately, two new entry-level engines are available for the Audi Q5: the 2.0 TDI and the 2.0-liter TFSI, both in conjunction with the 6-speed manual transmission. The diesel version is now also available in the A4 allroad quattro. These powerplant options expand the Audi product line with fuel-efficient models at attractive prices.

Effective immediately, Audi customers can order the 2.0 TDI with common rail high-pressure injection and 105 kW (143 hp) as an entry-level diesel for the Audi Q5 as well as for the Audi A4 allroad quattro. There is also a new entry-level gasoline engine available for the Q5 – the 2.0-liter TFSI with 132 kW (180 hp). All new models are equipped with quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

Both the gasoline and the diesel versions are impressive in-line four-cylinder engines with direct injection. The supercharged TFSI gasoline direct-injection unit with 2.0 liters displacement exerts an impressive 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque throughout the broad range from 1,500 to 3,900 rpm. This powerplant is equipped with the Audi valvelift system on the exhaust side. With this variable control, the Audi engineers were able to substantially reduce fuel consumption while further increasing the efficiency of the engine. The 2.0 TFSI accelerates the Audi Q5 from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.5 seconds. Its average fuel consumption is 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers (28.0 US mpg).

In the high-tech diesel engine with the common rail injection system, the maximum torque of 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) is exerted between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. In the Audi Q5, which – like with the Audi A4 – has recently passed the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety test with the maximum rating of five stars, the engine averages a thrifty 6.5 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers (36.19 US mpg). The SUV accelerates to the 100 km/h mark (62 mph) in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI with six-speed manual transmission consumes an average of 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers (37.94 US mpg). Thanks to its higher torque level it reaches the 100 km/h mark (62 mph) in 10.3 seconds and can accelerate up to 200 km/h (124 mph).

Selling prices for the Audi Q5 start at EUR 36,800 for the 2.0 TFSI and EUR 36,500 for the 2.0 TDI. The base price for the Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI is EUR 37,100.

Just a week ahead of its U.S. market launch, Audi announced pricing for its new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK rival, the 2009 Q5. In the States, the luxury compact SUV will be offered initially with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine is mated to a six speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and, three different equipment levels. Pricing for the entry-level Q5 Premium starts at $37,200 while the better equipped Q5 Premium Plus and Q5 Prestige begin from $41,500 and $48,200 respectively. Keep in mind that the above prices do not include a destination charge of $825, taxes, title or dealer charges.

Audi will offer a hybrid version of its Q5 crossover in the United States starting in late 2010, says Wolfgang Hatz, head of powertrain development for the Volkswagen group.

In an interview Sunday at the Detroit Auto Show , Hatz said Audi must offer a hybrid model to compete with rival vehicles that already offer the technology, such as the Lexus RX 400H. The BMW X6 will be offered as a hybrid late this year, and Mercedes plans to roll out a hybrid in each of its major models starting with the S400 hybrid this year.

But Hatz said he believes the greatest potential lies in diesel.

“If you look at what you have to spend to get the advantage of the hybrid and what you have to spend on other technologies like diesel, the diesel is much more cost-effective,” Hatz said. “We have to do hybrids in order to show people that we are able to do them.”

Hatz said the cost to develop a hybrid powertrain is three to four times greater than for a standard drivetrain, compared to less than 50 percent for a diesel drivetrain. Considering the low volumes of hybrid vehicles, it makes for a “negative business case” to offer the drivetrain in one model only, he said.

“At the moment, we have to spend quite a lot on the basic technology, which then we can perhaps spread later on more models,” Hatz said.

Audi had planned to offer its first hybrid in the larger Q7 SUV, but the dollar’s weak value against the euro made the business case unworkable. Hatz said the Q5 was a natural alternative.

Already on sale in Europe, the gasoline version of the Q5 hits U.S. shores in March. It will compete with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Volvo XC60.

When the engineers and designers with ABT Sportsline intend to tune an SUV, you can be sure that the result will be an extraordinary vehicle. That has been the case with the Touareg, AS7 and Tiguan - and that will be continued with the new ABT Q5. The elegant crossover vehicle is by concept a premium model in the category of compact SUVs, but “such a wonderful car always spurs us to create something really special,” says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of ABT Sportsline emphasizes that it is about “blending our philosophy with the character of the car.” With the ABT Q5, this worked perfectly: The Allgäu SUV is fast, beefy, sleek, extravagant, extremely versatile - and therefore evokes five wows.

The ABT Q5 is impressing, harmonic and superior from every angle. The front skirt with the integrated underride protection finds its equivalent in the rear skirt, which, in a very elegant way, also hides the tow bar extendable for use. The mighty front grille, the fender extensions and the dynamic door strip attachments form a unit. The rear wing, the 4-pipe-rear muffler and the BR wheel rim in size 20-inch also fit in optimally into the elegant overall picture. The ABT Q5 is indeed a car for all occasions: No matter whether in front of a luxury hotel or a beer garden, this vehicle fits in everywhere.

The Q5 follows its bigger brother from Kempten, the AS7, suit: the “S” in “SUV” means “particularly sporty”. A genuine ABT always has significantly more power, even more so when all four wheels are powered. The two diesel engines sparkle with energy: thanks to ABT Power, the 2.0 TDI delivers potent 190hp (140kW) instead of 170hp (125kW). The 3.0 TDI delivers the most powerful performance for the ABT Q5: with ABT Power S, it achieves 310hp or 228kW (Series: 240hp/176kW) on any terrain. Particularly impressing: its maximum torque of 610Nm. Also the 2.0 TFSI is suited perfectly for the SUV from Kempten: thanks to ABT Power, 211hp (155kW) are turned into sporty 240hp (177kW).

When a power upgrade is made, suspension and brakes, too, have to be adjusted to the increased power. That is why Abt is offering a fine tuned package for the Q5: suspension springs, lowering of the car’s center of gravity or also the well-proven ABT Level Control, an electronic lowering for the CDC air suspension (Continous Damping Control). Regarding deceleration, the ABT sports brake system provides for a maximum of safety, which meets the increased requirements: the brake disks with a diameter of 380mm are strong enough for the fast SUV - and behind the 20-inch-wheel rims type BR or AR, they also look extremely good.

The ABT Q5 is going to be available within the first quarter of 2009.

ABT Q5 - data and facts
Engine: 2.0 TFSI, 1984cc engine capacity, 4 cylinders
Performance upgrade: ABT Power
Performance: 240hp/177kW (series: 211hp/155kW)

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1968cc engine capacity, 4 cylinders
Performance upgrade: ABT Power
Performance: 190hp/140kW (series: 170hp/125kW)

Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967cc engine capacity, V6
Performance upgrade: ABT Power
Performance: 282hp/207kW (series: 240hp/177kW)

Engine: 3.0 TDI, 2967cc engine capacity, V6
Performance upgrade: ABT Power S
Performance: 310hp/228kW (series: 240hp/177kW)

It may have lagged four years behind the BMW X3, but it’s about five years better.
The sports sedans of German automakers such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW have slugged it out toe-to-toe for decades. But duking it out in the small-SUV arena is a newer phenomenon. Since the launch of the 3-series–based BMW X3 in 2004, both Audi and Mercedes have strangely declined to counterpunch, until now.

Showing up fashionably late to the so-called compact-luxury sport-utility segment means that Mercedes and Audi face already established competition from the Acura RDX, Infiniti EX35, and Land Rover LR2, not to mention BMW’s tidily sized X3. But it also means that the late-arriving Q5 is formed from Audi’s newest architecture, which also underpins the latest A4 sedan as well as the A5 and S5 coupes.

In fact, the A4 and the Q5’s relationship is close enough that they have a common wheelbase, chassis design, all-wheel-drive system, and 265-hp V-6 engine. Sharing these pieces is a very good thing because the Q5 retains much of the sports-sedan feel, solidity, and quiet refinement of the A4; it just happens to have a tall roof and a higher center of gravity.

Optional equipment includes Audi Drive Select (ADS), which gives the driver adjustable shocks and transmission settings, as well as variable-ratio steering that works transparently to give the Q5 quick steering at lower speeds and relatively lazy steering once on the highway. Ride quality even without the adjustable suspension is a superb compromise between comfort and body control. Although the option is expected to cost a whopping $3000, ADS, especially with the variable-ratio steering feature, gives the Q5 a deftness and carlike feel that is largely missing in other small SUVs.

Also missing in competing camps is the Q5’s designer sheetmetal. Sculpted in-house by Audi, the Q5 has elements of the A4 as well as the A3. The exterior design is muscular, free of froufrou, and when the vehicle is equipped with the optional 20-inch wheels, it’s remarkably sporty for something 65.1 inches tall. Inside, the Q5 again shows it is essentially an A4, as the dashboard and instruments are nearly identical. Between the front seats is Audi’s third-generation MMI multifunction controller, which works much like the current version. Navigation-equipped models no longer use DVD-based maps and directions. In the place of the DVD-based system is a 40-gigabyte hard drive that has enough space to store navigation information and more than 1000 MP3 music files.

Passenger space is on par with that of the A4. We wish the front seats would tilt rearward a bit more and offer more thigh support, but the driving position is still commendable. Back-seat occupants will find a split folding bench that moves forward or backward to increase legroom; there is also a reclining backrest.

But one piece has gone missing: the A4’s fuel-efficient 211-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes more torque than the V-6 does. We were able to sample a Q5 with the 2.0-liter (that engine is, of course, available in Europe), and subjectively it felt every bit as quick as the V-6—Audi claims 0-to-62-mph times of 6.7 seconds for the V-6 and 7.2 seconds for the four. The smaller engine may be offered sometime in 2010. Meanwhile, the 3.2-liter Q5 goes on sale in March at an expected starting price of about $38,000.

Few motor manufacturers have had such a long association with four-wheel drive as Audi – the quattro system has underpinned some of the most memorable sports cars in its history. But only in recent years has the brand begun to apply this knowledge to SUVs.

The newest arrival to benefit is the Q5. As with the Q7, the car is late to the prestige 4×4 party – main rival BMW’s X3 turned up five years ago. Yet it’s joining at a time when demand is at a record high. Volvo is about to launch the XC60 and Saab the 9-4X, while there’s existing competition from Land Rover’s class-leading Freelander. The Q5 should be one of the best models to drive in its sector – so has Audi got it right?

With prices from less than £30,000, the SUV sits above the A4 in the line-up, yet it shares a lot with the executive car. At the front is a big chrome-ringed grille and familiar lights (S line versions get LED daytime running lamps), while the A4 Avant-on-stilts shape mixes Q7-style tail-lights at the rear with chunky but neat proportions.

Inside, A4 owners will feel at home. The dash is good-looking and solidly made, while all the switchgear and materials look and feel classy. The MMI cabin control set-up is logical, and new features include sat-nav that replicates buildings in 3D to give a bird’s-eye view in towns.

In the rear there’s a sliding bench, while the front seat backrest folds flat to allow long items to be stowed. The Q5’s boot is more spacious than the A4 Avant’s, too, at 540 litres with the chairs in place and 1,560 litres with them folded.

Under the skin, the quattro system is biased 40:60 in favour of the rear wheels. As with other Audis, the engine is mounted longitudinally and almost entirely ahead of the front axle. But despite this, the car doesn’t feel nose-heavy and turns quickly into corners.

Body roll is well controlled and there’s plenty of grip. The front end runs wide eventually and very safely at the limit, and while the steering is devoid of much feel, the Q5 is agile and fun on a twisty road. The ride is firm, though, and is likely to be unsettled on bumpy UK tarmac.

Should you venture off-road, the Q5 has reconfigured ESP stability control, Hill Descent Control and even a roof rack sensor. This tells the ESP if a rack is mounted, and adjusts the car’s balance to take account of the shift in the centre of gravity.

Engine choices include a 208bhp 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit and a 237bhp 3.0 TDI. But most Q5s will have the 168bhp 2.0 common-rail TDI diesel. This is smooth and torquey, with 350Nm from only 1,750rpm, and blends swift and refined progress with 42mpg economy.

It comes as standard with a six-speed manual box, although Audi’s seven-speed Touchtronic twin-clutch set-up is likely to be offered as an option. Spec levels are impressive, with the SE getting 18-inch alloys, leather trim and climate control.

It comes at a price – expect to pay just under £30,000 for a 2.0 TDI SE. But with best-in-class residuals predicted and the allure of the Audi badge, the Q5 is the most desirable compact SUV bar none.

“The exceptional performance spectrum of this new platform is a tribute to the cooperation and team spirit between our two companies’ specialists,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, Harman Chief Executive Officer. “We are delighted to apply our leading-edge technology with Audi to create an exciting new experience for drivers.”

The Harman/Audi platform sets new benchmarks for automotive navigation, communication and wide-screen entertainment. A high-performance NVIDIA® graphics processor ensures that navigation map images transition smoothly, even when the vehicle quickly changes direction. Driver orientation is enhanced by a three-dimensional landscape view that reproduces true-to-scale terrain. Photorealistic depiction of points of interest allows visual matching of key landmarks to the in-car display, and identification of commercial points of interest is enhanced with well-known brand logos. The display offers a bird’s-eye view of more-distant destinations and features automatic close-up zoom at intersections.

Available map media cover 43 European countries, the United States and Canada. Precise audio route instructions and voice commands for audio, telephone, address book and navigation functions are supported in eight languages. The system supports connection of external devices such as USB storage media or an Apple iPod; a jukebox function allows for creation of personal music playlists. The digital radio accepts both European Digital Audio Broadcast signals and U.S. satellite services. An integral four-band GSM cell phone supports Bluetooth® connection and accepts a SIM card from a driver’s personal phone.

One of the most important worldwide premieres that took place at this weekend’s Beijing Auto Show is without doubt, the 2009 Audi Q5 (details and high-res images here). As it would do at any other major car show around the globe, Audi staged a “theatrical” debut for its compact-sized SUV in China. The German carmaker’s presentation included female and male models, dancers, bikers and a bit of sweet-talk from one of its execs.

This is what happens when you put an Audi Q7 on a hot wash! The German brand is upping the ante in the compact SUV sector with its all-new Q5. And these first official pictures will have Land Rover and BMW executives in a sweat.

The newcomer is aimed squarely at the Freelander 2 and X3, combining smart styling with Audi’s famous quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Measuring 4.63 metres, the Q5 is longer than its closest rivals, but bosses claim it will be the sportiest compact SUV around when it hits UK showrooms in September. From the outside there’s no mistaking its distinctive Audi grille, while its optional LED daytime running lights borrow heavily from the new A4.

The rear tailgate is aluminium to reduce weight – just like the bon-
net. LED light clusters provide a striking look at the back. A pair of alloy roof rails boosts practicality, while an extra-large panoramic sunroof features on the options list.

Buyers will get the choice of three exterior packages. Standard Q5s feature black body trim, but customers will also be able to select a full body-colour option or even pick a contrasting shade. Alternatively, sporty S Line versions provide a more aggressive look, and an optional off-road package includes beefy underbody protection and bigger alloy wheels.

Audi is famed for its quality interiors and the Q5 won’t disappoint, with wood, aluminium, chrome, leather and Alcantara all featuring inside.

A gearshift indicator in the instrument panel helps you select the most economical ratio, and the brand’s clever MMI interface controls major functions via an integrated screen on the centre console. There’s also a space-saving electronic parking brake.

The Q5 scores for practicality, too, as the rear seat backs tilt, and an optional sliding bench is available to boost loadspace or rear legroom. The 540-litre boot can’t match the Free­lander 2 (755 litres), but it trumps the 480 litres available in the BMW X3 and extends to 1,560 litres if you fold the rear seats.

Extras include an A6 Avant-style load-securing system, which uses floor-mounted rails to stop small items from sliding around. The extensive options list includes everything from a folding front passenger seat to a climate-controlled cup-holder and powered tailgate.

To ensure that the Q5 is better to drive than its rivals, Audi Drive Select allows owners to tune the suspension settings. Meanwhile, the firm’s Dynamic Steering system varies the gearing of the rack, depending on road speed, and can even apply corrective inputs to improve on-the-limit safety.

A trio of engines is available, comprising one petrol and a pair of oil-burners. The revamped 2.0-litre T FSI unit delivers 208bhp and 350Nm of torque, taking the Q5 from 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and giving 27.6mpg. The 168bhp 2.0 TDI returns 35.1mpg, while the flagship 236bhp 3.0 TDI does 30.5mpg – and can race from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds.

Gearbox options include a conventional six-speed manual, although a seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic will be available on the 2.0T FSI and 3.0 TDI models.

Quattro all-wheel drive ensures excellent traction on and off-road, and hill descent control is fitted as standard. Prices are yet to be con-firmed, but entry-level models will start from less than £30,000