The extra mile

Earlier this year, Audi Australia announced the introduction of the Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition to the ever-popular Audi Q5 range. With its sharp pricing of $68,350* and a super-efficient 2.0-litre TDI powerplant, the new Q5 model not only represents the new entry point to the brand’s most popular and successful luxury SUV range, but also the most efficient Q5 on the market. Indeed, with its 12V mild-hybrid system, stop-start system and fuel figures of 4.8L/100km, theoretically its 70-litre tank would be enough to take you 1400 kilometres. And even if traffic and prevailing conditions conspired to make you fall short of that mark, the new Q5 is nevertheless the most efficient diesel car on the Australian market – full stop.

This all comes on top of the usual high level of specification, performance and luxury finish that has endeared the Q5 to customers since it first appeared on the world scene in 2009. That and the perfect size for everyday practicality, offering superb accommodation for up to five adults and of course the requisite gear for the modern active lifestyle. The Q5 has long been considered the ‘sweet spot’ by customers in the luxury SUV ranks, and sales both in Australia and around the globe have reflected that through its various iterations. 

This new model serves up all of that and more, starting with the latest Q5 body styling which received a complete refresh just last year.

This features the new, wider, lower Audi Singleframe grille design which accentuates the vehicle’s width, along with new LED headlights with LED daytime driving lights. Down the rear too are LED tail lights along with new diffuser treatment and styling elements that span the width of the tailgate to again, accentuate the vehicle’s width and sense of solidity. Also adding to that sense of width and presence are the big 20-inch rims with a sporty 10-Y-spoke design that perfectly fit the vehicle's personality.

Then there’s that distinctive ‘tornado line’ along the profile of the Q5 that really accentuates the large wheel arches and gives the whole vehicle a muscular, athletic look that’s been present since the first model but is further accentuated in this current iteration. That’s further reinforced by the rake of the windscreen and on into the roof line with the short, equally raked C-pillar.

The integrated aluminium roof rails act as a further accent to the roofline, while of course serving a practical purpose should you have a need to add a luggage pod or to carry large object on the roof. To that end, every Q5 comes with cross bars supplied which are specifically designed for use with the roof rails. Once fitted, sensors activate to change the vehicle’s centre of gravity in the ESG system, registering that a large heavy item is being carried aloft and altering the vehicle’s handling characteristics to compensate accordingly.

From behind the leather multi-function wheel is familiar territory, despite the presence of front-wheel drive rather than quattro.

The Q5 35 TDI feels just as solid and planted as its stablemates, and repeated attempts to induce torque-steer proved fruitless thanks to the wheel selective torque control on the front wheels. Even under hard acceleration, this system selectively brakes the front wheels to negate torque-steer and does it well, giving the vehicle a sorted, unflappable feel even on tight, twisty climbs and across broken B-roads.

This new Q5 model is, like its siblings, as comfortable on long hauls as it is performing the daily commute, the 2.0-TDI developing 120kW of power and 370Nm of torque that is on tap from 1500rpm through to 3000rpm, allowing for easy acceleration on the freeway or darting in and out of traffic as the case may be. With a 0 to 100km/h time of nine seconds, it’s not a high-performance model, but with its lightening quick seven-speed S tronic transmission and that torque sweet spot, at no stage is it ever lacking in urge.

Likewise, ride and handling has always been a highlight with Q5 and this new model is no different with its electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance and five-link suspension front and rear. Inclusions such as the hill descent control give an added dimension for those wanting to take their vehicle off the blacktop, and with its superior ride height it is untroubled on broken dirt roads.

Of course the interior accommodation is another highlight of the Q5 – a luxury SUV that is able to serve numerous roles with equal efficiency. From luxury conveyance throughout the business week, to getaway vehicle on the weekends – the Q5 has always taken every role in stride and the 35 TDI Limited Edition is no exception.

Inside the beautifully finished interior is clean and functional, with its perfect marriage of technology and luxury appointment. The leather upholstery and electric front seats with four-way electric lumbar support for both the driver and passenger, deliver comfort and support on even the longest of road trips. Likewise, the back seats are beautifully finished in leather and include the 40:20:40 split folding capability that allows for numerous configurations to carry everything from skies to bulky items in the back.

Colour ambient interior lighting – a personal favourite – allows you to change the very feel and mood of the cabin, while three-zone climate control which includes a rear digital display allows minute adjustment of the interior temperature for the maximum comfort of all passengers.

The latest in on-board tech has been integrated into the very design of the interior, with a large 10.1-inch touchscreen dominating the dash arrangement to allow control of the MMI navigation and of course the Audi connect plus system which digitally connects you to the outside world, from infotainment to security and assistance systems.

There is of course the Audi smartphone interface  (Apple Carplay and Android Auto) which includes wireless Apple Carplay, as well as Digital radio DAB+ and two USB outlets in the front and another two in the rear to ensure everyone can be ‘hooked up’ while on board.

It goes without saying that safety is an Audi priority and the 35 TDI features everything from pre sense with Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, to rear cross traffic assist and exist warning. These items remain invisible until they’re needed, while the likes of cruise control with speed limiter, high bean assist and Audi parking system plus with a rear camera are more ‘hands on’ on a day to day basis. Likewise the Audi drive select allows you to tailor the Q5’s driving characteristics to best suit the conditions and your mood, selecting the comfort mode in city traffic or out on the open road, or a more engaging dynamic mode when the right road presents itself.

And it is this very adaptability that hit the spot with the Q5 from the beginning and continues to appeal to customers wanting a luxury vehicle that is comfortable in the many faceted modern lifestyle. The Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition adds that extra choice, with its tremendous range from a single tank of fuel and a new price point giving customers even greater choice. 

It’s a vehicle you become very comfortable with very quickly, and one that takes in stride whatever you ask of it. From the auto opening rear tailgate to the heated wing mirrors that make early starts on frosty mornings so much more civilised. 

The luxury all-rounder that created the mid-sized luxury SUV market in 2009, continues to hit the spot and the 35 TDI takes it further than ever before – literally.

For more information on the Q5 35 TDI Limited edition or any of the Audi Q5 range, visit audi.com.au

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)