Audi says its Q5 is the world’s best-selling premium SUV, and that’s a tough class to win. For 2017, the second-generation that debuted this week in Paris will be both more powerful and lighter, as well as more refined and more spacious inside.
The new Q5 is built on the company’s MLB platform, the same as the A4, and that helps it weigh up to 90 kilograms less than the current model. The weight isn’t precise because there are new engines available, including a diesel and plug-in electric, but we’re unlikely to get the full range in Canada.
What we do get will create at least 20 horsepower more than the current generation, and the new chassis should mean better handling, too – not that the outgoing model handles poorly. Air suspension will be offered as an option, and we’re likely to get the sportier SQ5 and RSQ5 versions in due course.
The Q5 will be offered in Europe with a front-wheel-drive base option, but the standard all-wheel-drive version will uncouple the rear wheels to save fuel on a dry highway. Its navigation system will predict when to re-engage them, if there’s a more challenging stretch of road ahead.
Like Audi’s other refreshed and reintroduced models, the Q5 will be offered with the flashy Virtual Cockpit display that debuted in the new TT. It fills the speedo-and-tach space behind the steering wheel with a 12.7-inch screen that’s fully customizable to include gauges, driving information and a navigation display.
In Europe, the Q5 will be connected to the same “Here” system used by BMW and several other auto makers. The system uses sensory information from participating vehicles to tell all others in the network about local traffic congestion and available parking spaces. Don’t expect to see this Canada anytime soon, though.
Audi also debuted a new Sportback version of its A5 and S5, as well as a super-sporty RS3 version of its A3 sedan that complements its existing RS3 hatchback. None are confirmed to come to Canada, though they probably will in due course.
The Sportback is essentially a five-door version of the A5 and S5 coupes, but a little more practical thanks to its rear doors and hatchback tail. Just don’t call it a hatchback or Americans won’t look at it.
The word “sporty” was probably repeated a thousand times during Audi’s 20-minute presentation, and handling is paramount for Europe’s premium brands. It was stepped up, though, with the introduction of the RS3 as the first debut under the maker’s new Audi Sport sub-brand – an evolution from the Quattro brand. Audi Sport’s first CEO is Stephan Winkelmann, former head of Lamborghini, who moved into the job this spring.
“In the last six months, we’ve been thinking about what is important today and what will be even more important in the future,” said Winkelmann. “Do we go for evolution or revolution? But here, we have to do both. Yes, we have to continue to build cars with our perfect, high-rev engines, but we also have to think about the sportiness of tomorrow. What I can promise today is that in the next 18 months, we will have eight products that are going to hit the market.”
The RS3 is the first of those eight. It’s a niche car, for sure, with its 400-horsepower engine, but it’s also a halo vehicle – something to aspire to. And aspiration is never a bad thing.
The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.