You’ll be hard-pressed to pick the updated 2013 Audi Q5 from the outside, but the slick mid-size SUV – a Car Showroom Favourite – boasts plenty of extras and an unchanged entry price of $62,200. In fact Audi says more than $6,500 worth of extra kit has been included.
Headlining the technology changes is a new engine for the range-topping petrol model. The 3.2 FSI is gone, replaced by a new 3.0-litre twin-charged (supercharged and turbocharged) 3.0-litre V6. Audi says the new Q5 3/0 TFSI delivers 200kW/400Nm, accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.5l/100kms.
The four-cylinder petrol Audi Q5, the 2.0 TFSI is good for 165kW/350Nm and fuel consumption is improved by eight per-cent to 7.9l/100kms.
Petrol versions are boosted by the standard fitment of Audi’s outstanding eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
Audi Q5’s diesel hero, the 3.0 TDI delivers 180kW/580Nm but fuel consumption is cut by 15 per-cent to 6.4l/100kms. The 130kW/380Nm 2.0 TDI provides fuel consumption of 6.1l/100kms.
Part of that improved fuel consumption story is a switch to electromechanical power steering.
Underneath, Audi has focused on improved ride quality – softer springs, firmer dampers and new anti-roll bars. As well 2.0 models swap to 18-inch alloy wheels.
On the equipment front, 2.0 models gain Drive Select, electronic adjustment for the front seats and extra safety in the form of fatigue detection, hill-hold assist and tyre pressure montoring.
But styling changes are minimal – a freshened grille to bring the Q5 into line with the German giant’s current look and slightly changed headlights. Inside are new-design steering wheels, some changes to the instruments, new trim colours and high-grade material choices.
The new lineup looks like this:
2.0 TDI $62,200
2.0 TFSI $62,900
3.0 TFSI $74,100
3.0 TDI $75,500
