2018 Audi Q5: A Complete Overhaul

This year, Audi made an attempt to completely redesign and overhaul its most popular models to make them more appealing. Along with the A6 and A7, the 2018 Audi Q5 has changed for the coming year. It’s lighter, stronger, and better than ever.

More Power

The Audi Q5 has made leaps and bounds this year by improving on one of its fan-favorite models. While everything about this auto has improved, the best improvement is the addition is a stronger engine in some models. The American model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4, which can produce 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That’s an improvement over last year’s Q5. That 2.0L got just 220hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

However, the European model has a 3.0-liter TDI turbodiesel that can get 282 hp and a jaw-dropping 457 lb-ft of torque. Audi claims that this beast of a crossover can reach 60 in as little as 5.9 seconds, which is 1.1 seconds faster than the previous model.

Of course, not everyone has access to the European market. Thankfully, Audi released the SQ5, a sport-specific version of the Q5, which is a lot more powerful. It has a 3.0-liter TFSI twin-scroll turbocharged V6 that boasts 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Audi states that it can go from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds and has a top track speed of 155 mph.

Larger Size

It’s impossible to notice that the new Audi Q5 hasn’t grown. The 2018 model has a full length of 183.6 inches and a wheelbase of 111.0 inches. This change may seal the deal for drivers that want more cargo space or legroom. After all, isn’t the whole point of a vehicle this size to tote things around? The added size makes the new Q5 a great family vehicle or a weekend getaway SUV.

With all that added size, you might worry about the weight. After all, a heavier car can mean worse acceleration and fuel economy. Thankfully, Audi thought about and decreased the weight of the Q5 by as much as 198.4 pounds. The Q5 also got a body redesign. Its sleeker profile means less drag. All of these changes add up to mileage of 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Better Tech

One of the most important aspects of a vehicle is the tech. At this point features like Bluetooth are so omnipresent you could almost take them for granted. Audi put particular emphasis on upgrading the technology in the Q5 this year.

The interior doesn’t look unlike the larger Q7. The new Q5 includes a handwriting recognition touchpad for the shifter. It also has a virtual cockpit, which replaces the gauge cluster with a configurable screen. This option may not be standard in all Audi Q5 trims, but it’s definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

Audi also included plenty of driver assistance features that make driving the Q5 more enjoyable than the average SUV. The new systems on offer include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, and a system that warns you when you’re opening your door to oncoming traffic.

Overall, the 2018 Audi Q5 looks amazing, and has some massive upgrades that were certainly needed. It’s been reworked, inside and out, and it’s shaping up to be one of the coolest SUVs of the coming year.

(Image via YouTube.)