Mumbai: German luxury-car maker Audi, has unveiled the new  Audi Q5 luxury sport-utility vehicle at  Auto China 2008 in Beijing. The Q5, a compact crossover SUV, combines the dynamism of a sports sedan with highly variable interior and versatile options for ultimate driving experience, the company stated.

The Q5 is powered by a strong and efficient engines, quattro permanent all-wheel drive and agile running gear, all put together to create a superior technology package for both on-  and off-road driving.

Features such as the innovative seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the Audi drive select control system strongly reflects Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik (German for advancement through technology).

The SUV measures 4.63 metres (15.19 feet) long, 1.88 metres (6.17 feet) wide, and is 1.65 metres (5.41 feet) high – making it sportier than any of its competitors. 

At 2.81 metres (9.22 feet), the wheelbase is the longest in its segment – creating  roomy interiors on board the Audi Q5. The vehicle comfortably accommodates five persons in ergonomically designed seats that can be flexibly arranged. The backrests for the rear seats are angle-adjustable and especially easy to fold down by activating the remote release lever in the luggage compartment.

Audi is offering the Q5 in three engine variants – one gasoline engine and two TDI units. The engines are direct-injection models with a turbocharger, characterised by outstanding performance, strong propulsive power and cultivated running while at the same time offering impressive fuel efficiency.

The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel engine delivers a gratifying 176 kW (240 hp), with 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. With outstanding power flow and cultivated sound,  the Audi Q5 reaches 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.5 seconds, accelerating to a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). On average, the three-liter engine consumes 7.7 litres of fuel per 100 km (30.55 mpg).

With four cylinders and two litres of displacement, the 2.0 TDI is superbly refined, thanks to a new common-rail fuel injection system; which is reflected in the gasoline engine, that has two balancing shafts. With 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) (between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm), this diesel engine delivers strong propulsive power.

Average consumption of just 6.7 litres per 100 km (35.11 mpg) is proof of Audi's successful efficiency strategy. The two-litre TDI catapults the Audi Q5 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds, peaking at a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph).

The high torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) is available at 1,500 rpm and remains constant up to 4,200 rpm, with performance peaking at 155 kW (211 hp). The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 222 km/h (137.94 mph). On average, the vehicle consumes just 8.5 litres of fuel per 100 km (27.67 mpg).

The 2.0 TDI transfers its power to a six-speed manual transmission. Audi has built innovative technology into both the 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI – the S tronic, a new twin-clutch transmission with seven speeds. This high-tech component can execute gearshifts in just a fraction of a second while offering exceptional comfort and high efficiency. Drivers can let the seven-speed S tronic shift automatically or select gears manually, when desired with rocker switches on the steering wheel.

Audi offers three different options for the external trim of the Q5 - black (standard), contrasting colour or a full body-coloured paint finish. The SUV also comes with two body packages - the S line exterior package imparts a decidedly sporty look to the performance SUV, while the alternative off-road style package with underbody protection in the front and back and 19-inch wheels gives this SUV a robust character.

The sporty elegance and artfully sculpted forms, the design of the Q5 is perfectly in tune with the character of Audi as a brand. The front end is dominated by expressive headlights on both sides of the large single-frame grille; on request, they can be outfitted with bi-xenon lamps and LED daytime running lights.

Interestingly, the Q5 combines standard interior design elements of the Audi brand along with its own unique variations such as the driver-oriented cockpit, which is set higher, for keeping with the upright sitting position. The  interior looks even more elegant with fine materials such as aluminum, exclusive woods, chrome, leather and Alcantara as well as a large selection of optional design packages.
 
Standard features of the Q5 includes an electromechanical parking brake, an intelligent chip key, a climate control system and a display screen in the instrument cluster depicting, among other things, the recommended ideal gear for efficient driving in the given situation.

A large, central monitor is part of the standard equipment as well. With an on board navigation system, part of the controls are shifted to the MMI panel on the center console, which can be individually programmed. This is the next generation of the best operating system on the market – with even more intuitive graphics and control via the large rotary pushbutton.

A large package of high-end technologies makes the Audi Q5 driving experience even more fascinating. The optional control system Audi drive select guides the operation of various technology components and is available in several upgrade variants. At the touch of a button, the driver determines whether the system should work in a comfortable, an especially well balanced or a sporty mode.

On request, the Audi Q5 comes with a spectrum of high-tech, on board systems taken directly from the premium class to make driving an even more superlative and relaxed experience. These include the Audi parking system advanced with rear view camera, Audi lane assist (the lane departure warning system) and Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes. Adaptive cruise control maintains a constant distance between the performance SUV and the vehicle in front.

A highly contemporary modular system of components is available for multimedia options – the highest upgrade level features a Bluetooth telephone, a DVD drive, a TV tuner, an intelligent speech control system, an iPod interface and a top-of-the-line sound system from the Danish specialists Bang & Olufsen. The excellent navigation system boasts a high-resolution monitor for new, three-dimensional representation of maps. The hard disk from which the system reads can also save music files in MP3 format.

Audi has always emphasised on top-of-the-line safety equipment for its cars, which reflects on the Q5. On the front seats, the belt force limiters and airbags work together in a new and especially intelligent manner. Much of the body of the Audi Q5 is made of high- and ultra-high-strength steel components assembled with maximum precision. They reduce weight while at the same time improving crash safety as well as rigidity and vibration patterns.
 
The Q5 is a multi-talent for sport, leisure-time and family activities. As an option, Audi offers the ''rear bench seat plus'', which slides 100 millimeters (3.94 inches) lengthwise to provide a load-through facility. The front passenger's seat can be outfitted with a folding backrest for transportation of long objects such as surfboards. Numerous practical storage compartments, drink holders, bottle holders and onboard power outlets are supplied ex works.

On request, Audi even offers a climate-controlled drink holder to keep drinks hot or cold. The optional storage package features another clever detail as well – an attachment point in the passenger-side footwell to which various storage fixtures can be attached.

Audi, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, leads the luxury car segment in China in terms of sales, where the segment is growing nearly 30 per cent year on year.The company also introduced the A5 sedan to the Chinese market.

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