This all wheel drive Q5 SUV is not for the ordinary Malaysian.
There is a new Q5 premium SUV in all Malaysian Audi showrooms right now and it is fully imported. This is why its asking price is much higher than its immediate rivals from Germany.
Let is explain. The Mercedes GLC 300 4-Matic sells for RM349,888 and the BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport is priced at RM358,800. Both are local assembled and come with almost equal power delivery as this imported (CBU) Audi Q5 S line.
Interestingly, the fully imported (CBU) all new Lexus NX is RM370,888 for the NX 250 Luxury and more powerful NX 350 F-Sport is RM389,888.
Meanwhile, this Audi SUV combines the sportiness of an Audi saloon with a multifaceted character and a spacious interior. Whether in its connectivity, efficiency or driver assistance systems, this Audi Q5 once again sets standards in its segment and Malaysians will have to pay a premium to own one.
Under the front bonnet of this Audi Q5 is a further developed 2.0 TFSI which has a power output of 249PS, yet it only consumes 8.0 liters of petrol per 100 km.
Sizing up this Mercedes-Benz GLC, Lexus NX and BMW X3 as its immediate rival, this Q5 is 4.66 meters (15.3 ft) long, 1.89 meters (6.2 ft) wide and 1.66 meters (5.4 ft) tall with a 2.82 meter (9.3 ft) wheelbase, which when compared to the previous model, the new Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions.
The new Q5 also stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics. This Q5 has a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimized roof. Wind noises are exceptionally low, and vibration comfort is good with this Audi as it provides the driver and passengers with the best interior acoustics in its class.
This new Audi Q5 enables handling that combines very different strengths, where it is sporty while being extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspensions and also the new electromechanical power steering system.
Customers can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. The chassis with damper control offers a very wide spread between comfort and dynamics, which the driver can select via Audi drive select.
Driving impressions
The Q5 handles well due to its combination of lightweight chassis and well-engineered engine. It’s a nimble vehicle giving drivers an almost car like drive experience. Audi’s ‘quattro’ four-wheel drive system offers a 40:60 front-rear torque split.
The clever Audi ‘drive select’, allows the driver to choose how they want their Q5 to respond to their handling needs in different driving conditions. This can be comfortable, dynamic, sporty or automatic, which means the driver leaves the vehicle to undertake the actions by itself using a ‘smart’ computerized chassis and dynamic control system.
Take the handling and add to the wonderful TFSI engine, which is the Volkswagen/Audi Group’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch auto that sends power to all four wheels. It produces 249PS but, more importantly, 370Nm of torque from just 1,600rpm, which gives it the low down ‘grunt’ of sports sedan.
Top speed is 237km/h and zero to 100km/h takes 6.3 seconds. Impressed? Well you can visit one of the showrooms and take a test drive to better understand this fully imported SUV.
However, the entertaining Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé which was initially fully imported (CBU) carried a hefty price tag of RM612,888 [2019 pricing]. Thanks to local-assembly, this AMG tuned SUV is now priced at just RM498,722.77. Its got 390hp and 520Nm of torque and will accelerate to 100km/h from rest in just 4.9 seconds. Just something to think about.
Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Specifications
Engine: inline four, turbocharged
Capacity: 1,984 cc
Power: 249PS @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Torque: 370 Nm @ 1,600 – 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic
0-100 km/h: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 237 km/h
Price: RM486,223.00
