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Like the redesigned Audi A5 that was unveiled beside it at the 2016 Paris auto show, the all-new 2018 Audi Q5 is a model that looks a lot like its predecessor. In fact, many may confuse the new-generation Q5 as little more than a facelift-the new car's side profile and rear-end design, in particular, look nearly identical to the current Q5's. Fortunately, touches such as a chunky, Q7-inspired grille, LED headlights, and swollen front fenders that flow into the hood help give the 2018 Q5 a fresh-faced look when viewed head-on.
Sharing its platform with both the Audi A4 and A5, the Q5 has lost as much as 198 pounds compared with the outgoing model, according to Audi, in spite of a half-inch increase in wheelbase and 1.3 inches more overall length. Most of the additional space from the wheelbase's growth spurt is dedicated to rear-seat legroom, which is up by 0.4 inch. Audi claims that luggage space has grown as well.
Although Audi will offer the Q5 with several powertrains in other markets, our Q5 initially will be available with a single engine choice: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. Power will be channeled through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels via Audi's latest Quattro Ultra all-wheel-drive system. No longer employing a center differential, the Q5's system uses two clutches to distribute torque front-to-rear. One is located just aft of the transmission, the other within the rear axle. This setup also allows the Q5 to disengage drive to the rear wheels when it isn't needed, reducing drag and saving fuel.
Although it didn't take the stage in Paris, a higher-performing SQ5 will debut alongside the Q5 upon its market release in early 2017. Like the new S4 and S5, the SQ5 will be motivated by a 354-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine with a "hot vee" design, with one twin-scroll turbocharger residing between the cylinder banks.
Inside, the Q5 benefits from materials and build quality typical of the four-rings brand. An analog gauge cluster is standard, but consumers can opt for Audi's 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit LCD screen. Also optional is an 8.3-inch center-mounted infotainment display and MMI Touch, the latter of which can recognize handwriting and common gestures, such as pinching to zoom.
Audi has yet to release U.S. pricing for the 2018 Q5, which will be built at a new plant in San Jos? Chiapa, Mexico. The current car's base price is $41,850, and we don't expect that figure to change radically with the 2018 model-just as its design hasn't.
