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New Audi Q5

 

Audi has been working on the new Q5 for 2016, with a raft of new compact SUV rivals also on their way. At present Audi are also putting the finishing touches on their Q7 model, which is due to be unveiled at the end of this year. Many of the Q7's features will make their way on to the Q5 model and chief among them is likely to be the new more angular Q styling.

 

What will power the new Audi Q5?

 

Power for the model is to be produced by the current Q5's range of engines, featuring four and six cylinder engines. Alongside these, the company are to offer a plug in hybrid for the first time, this will be called the e-quattro and is to mix the hybrid technology with four wheel drive.

 

The Allroad Shooting Brake concept previewed the set up, using a 2.0 litre petrol turbo and electric motor to drive front wheels and a second electric motor for the rear wheels. In that car, the company claimed a fuel economy of 148.7mpg, meaning the Q5's should be similar, with an electric only range of 30 miles.

 

Big selling models of the Q5 will be powered by a development of the current 2.0 litre TDI engine, which Audi have improved to offer a combined cycle of 60mpg. A 3.0 litre V6 diesel will be available with two outputs, one for the regular Q5 and a more powerful version for the SQ5.

 

How will the new Audi Q5 look?

 

The new car is set to be based on the MLB architecture that will also underpin everything from the next generation A4 up to the Q7. It uses high strength steels and aluminium structures, which the company hopes will help reduce kerb weight by around 100kg.

 

The basic shape of the vehicle's large upright grille is to remain, but where the model's strakes run vertically, the new design will be horizontal. The headlights have been made narrower and will be offered with the same MatrixBeam LED technology as on the A8 and the new TT, these can remain on main beam while masking out small areas of light so as not to blind drivers of oncoming cars.

 

Audi's Virtual Cockpit design, which can be found in the TT, will likely make it onto the new Q5 model. This interior design limits the number of buttons and places all information on a large TFT screen in front of the driver.

 

Once the Q5 is launched, Audi plan to extend the Q family with a Q6 on the cards, this won't be a sporty version as BMW did with their X6, instead it will be a more practical version along the lines of a seven seat MPV style off-roader.

 

The Audi Q5's production is expected to begin in the middle of 2016, with sales predicted to start not long after at around £32,000.