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26th
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MUNICH, Germany - Set to the backdrop of rolling hills, quaint villages whose names I can't pronounce and smiling faces, the 2013 Audi Q5 and I are making our way around Bavaria.
Its personality is as temperate as the gentle summer breeze that blows while I take its photo. Looking pretty from its various angles, our interaction is a brief interlude before its launch in October, nevertheless, our time together is splendid. Here's why.
Bavarian Beauty
A team of professional cosmetic surgeons (aka the designers and engineers at Audi) have put their collaborative know-how to good use. The end result is a face-lifted and refreshed version of their luxury crossover. Its front end appears to have a lower and wider look. Furthermore, LED daytime running lights are incorporated.
Around back, its perky rear end has been toned up and also includes LED taillights.
While it's not a dramatic overhaul by any means, a little nip and tuck here and there help it stay youthful and modern.
And regardless of exterior colour, the Q5 looked absolutely smashing against the backdrop of the bright blue sky dotted with clouds, a Bavarian specialty. Or so I've been told.
Three's a Family
Audi's luxury crossover offers a choice of three different engines to satiate one's driving needs. The first is the third-generation 2.0L TFSI in-line four. With an output of 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, it feels perfectly adequate for everyday romping. Power delivery is done via Audi's eight-speed automatic that has such features as Sport and Manual Modes. Paddle shifters also come standard.
If 225 German ponies aren't enough, there's also a 3.0L, supercharged V6 to get you going. With the more sizeable engine - one that is also found on the Q5's bigger brother, the Q7 - there's a generous 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Getting up to autobahn speeds (or Canadian highway speeds!) is no problem with this powerplant. This too is mated with eight-speed gearbox.
For the ‘greener' customers out there, Audi will be bringing their first hybrid variant to Canada in the form of the Q5 Hybrid.
It's powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine with an electric motor and a 1.3-kWh, lithium-ion battery. The net output is 245 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque thanks to the combination of a gasoline engine, which produces 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is then coupled with an electric motor, which kicks in an additional 54 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque.
Did you get all of that? Good. There will be a quiz.
Smooth as Silk
Highway speeds. Here in Canada, that's considered around 110km/h. In Germany, depending on the road or autobahn, the car's built-in speed regulator is the limit.
When cruising at a very swift pace, the Q5 is confident and quiet. It was hard to believe that my driving partner and I were whizzing by other commuters at speeds upwards 160 km/h. Why? Because we could. And because the Q5's suspension didn't waver when put to task. Its tight feel - not to be confused with a stiff feel - complements the rolling countryside roads. Weaving in and out of the tight, tree-lined corners was done without sweat. Adding to its capable driving dynamics, the cabin remained muted in respect to road and wind noise, further enhancing the driving experience.
Less is More?
The clean and concise nature of the interior's refreshed layout is modern, yet has a warm aura to it. Fit and finish are tight and pleasing to the eyes. Materials used are soft to the touch and look good in the various trim colours.
I also commend what Audi has done over the years to minimize buttonage in their cabins. I recall driving an S4 a few years back, where at night, it looked like I was commanding a spaceship. Not only because of its speed capabilities, but because there were little red lights strewn throughout the cabin. It was overwhelming to have that much selection.
The Q5 is nothing like that, but what it makes up for in compactness, it lacks in initial functionality. Trying to figure out how to get the temperature down and the fan speed up took a little trial and error. It also required my eyes to be off the road for longer than say, if they had their own designated buttons. But that goes back to the issue of swimming in a sea of knobs. What's better or worse?
I'm sure if I had more time to better familiarize myself with the setup, it wouldn't be as much an issue.
With competitors in the segment like the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X3, the 2013 Audi Q5 should have no problem maintaining a strong road presence, especially with its available engines, refined looks and an inviting persona.
Pricing for the 2013 Q5 will be announced at a later date.
Its personality is as temperate as the gentle summer breeze that blows while I take its photo. Looking pretty from its various angles, our interaction is a brief interlude before its launch in October, nevertheless, our time together is splendid. Here's why.
 |
Bavarian Beauty
A team of professional cosmetic surgeons (aka the designers and engineers at Audi) have put their collaborative know-how to good use. The end result is a face-lifted and refreshed version of their luxury crossover. Its front end appears to have a lower and wider look. Furthermore, LED daytime running lights are incorporated.
Around back, its perky rear end has been toned up and also includes LED taillights.
While it's not a dramatic overhaul by any means, a little nip and tuck here and there help it stay youthful and modern.
And regardless of exterior colour, the Q5 looked absolutely smashing against the backdrop of the bright blue sky dotted with clouds, a Bavarian specialty. Or so I've been told.
 |
| Its front end appears to have a lower and wider look. Furthermore, LED daytime running lights are incorporated. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Three's a Family
Audi's luxury crossover offers a choice of three different engines to satiate one's driving needs. The first is the third-generation 2.0L TFSI in-line four. With an output of 225 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, it feels perfectly adequate for everyday romping. Power delivery is done via Audi's eight-speed automatic that has such features as Sport and Manual Modes. Paddle shifters also come standard.
If 225 German ponies aren't enough, there's also a 3.0L, supercharged V6 to get you going. With the more sizeable engine - one that is also found on the Q5's bigger brother, the Q7 - there's a generous 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Getting up to autobahn speeds (or Canadian highway speeds!) is no problem with this powerplant. This too is mated with eight-speed gearbox.
For the ‘greener' customers out there, Audi will be bringing their first hybrid variant to Canada in the form of the Q5 Hybrid.
It's powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine with an electric motor and a 1.3-kWh, lithium-ion battery. The net output is 245 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque thanks to the combination of a gasoline engine, which produces 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It is then coupled with an electric motor, which kicks in an additional 54 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque.
Did you get all of that? Good. There will be a quiz.
 |
| The 3.0 L V6 supercharged gives you a generous 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.(Photo: Audi) |
Smooth as Silk
Highway speeds. Here in Canada, that's considered around 110km/h. In Germany, depending on the road or autobahn, the car's built-in speed regulator is the limit.
When cruising at a very swift pace, the Q5 is confident and quiet. It was hard to believe that my driving partner and I were whizzing by other commuters at speeds upwards 160 km/h. Why? Because we could. And because the Q5's suspension didn't waver when put to task. Its tight feel - not to be confused with a stiff feel - complements the rolling countryside roads. Weaving in and out of the tight, tree-lined corners was done without sweat. Adding to its capable driving dynamics, the cabin remained muted in respect to road and wind noise, further enhancing the driving experience.
Less is More?
The clean and concise nature of the interior's refreshed layout is modern, yet has a warm aura to it. Fit and finish are tight and pleasing to the eyes. Materials used are soft to the touch and look good in the various trim colours.
I also commend what Audi has done over the years to minimize buttonage in their cabins. I recall driving an S4 a few years back, where at night, it looked like I was commanding a spaceship. Not only because of its speed capabilities, but because there were little red lights strewn throughout the cabin. It was overwhelming to have that much selection.
 |
| The clean and concise nature of the interior's refreshed layout is modern, yet has a warm aura to it. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
The Q5 is nothing like that, but what it makes up for in compactness, it lacks in initial functionality. Trying to figure out how to get the temperature down and the fan speed up took a little trial and error. It also required my eyes to be off the road for longer than say, if they had their own designated buttons. But that goes back to the issue of swimming in a sea of knobs. What's better or worse?
I'm sure if I had more time to better familiarize myself with the setup, it wouldn't be as much an issue.
With competitors in the segment like the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X3, the 2013 Audi Q5 should have no problem maintaining a strong road presence, especially with its available engines, refined looks and an inviting persona.
Pricing for the 2013 Q5 will be announced at a later date.