Audi’s Q SUVs brought in almost half of the company’s sales in India before a number of their bread-and-butter models had to be discontinued when the BS6 emission norms were introduced. The Q5 has been absent for more than a year, but with the launch of the new 2021 model priced starting at Rs. 58.93 lakh (ex-showroom, India), Audi seems well-positioned to improve its already burgeoning sales numbers this year.
The interest in the Q5 is palpable, with the entire year’s stock already sold out even before it was launched. And understandably so. The SUV had carved a reputation for itself as a versatile, technologically advanced, all-wheel-drive SUV with excellent road manners and presence.
Exteriors
There are no dramatic changes to the new Q5. Audi has stayed true to the tried and tested, loved silhouette while bringing elements from other Q models to the fore. The 2021 Q5 gets new LED headlamps with a distinctive light signature that flank a larger octagonal grille, like the one seen on the Q8. There are vertical chrome slats on the grille that are specific to India. Moving to the rear, you see new LED tail-lamps and a new bumper. The only other significant change on the Q5 is the new 19-inch alloys.
Interiors
Audi has stuck to the split dash design on the inside. It does get a few changes and they include a larger 10.1-inch Multi-Media Interface (MMI) touchscreen infotainment display and connected car features. Conspicuously missing is the rotary dial. The company claims that this version of the MMI gets an improvement in responsiveness compared to the previous-generation model. Other major additions include the Virtual Cockpit Plus—the latest iteration of the company’s fully digital instrument cluster—and the new 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
Engine and Transmission
Keeping with the company’s new policy to do away with diesels, the SUV will be available with only a petrol engine—a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit that also does duty on the A6. Here it produces 245hp and 370Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and comes with the Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive. Bolstering its off-road ability, a hallmark of the Q5 for a while now, is the presence of adaptive dampers.
The new Audi Q5, the company’s 9th major launch this year, is part of the company’s new product offensive in the Indian market. At Rs. 58.93 lakh for the Premium Plus variant and Rs. 63.77 lakh for the Technology variant (both prices ex-showroom, India), Audi has positioned the Q5 smack bang in the middle of some healthy competition that includes the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the BMW X3. The Audi Q5, with its outstanding ride/handling balance and an assortment of features, is sure to pose a big challenge to its German counterparts.
