cars news 10: 2018 Audi Q5 First Look

The Audi Q5 is the brand’s best-selling model, but it’s also its oldest. That changes in spring 2016 when the all-new 2018 Audi Q5 arrives in the U.S. Unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the second-gen Q5 is now lighter, more powerful, and finally has styling to match its new siblings, the Q3 and Q7.

In addition to the Q5, the high-performance SQ5 will return. And the good news is that Audi won’t delay launching the SQ5–it’ll launch at the same time as the Q5.

The Q5 will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 making 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque that comes mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. We’ve praised this powertrain in the 2017 Audi A4, and we expect to feel a noticeable improvement compared to the outgoing Q5 with its 2.0-liter turbo-four rated at 220 hp and 258 lb-ft. Audi estimated the 2018 Q5 will run from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds.

Audi says handling is better, too. Thanks to an updated version of the VW Group’s MLB platform, the new Q5 is reportedly up to 198.4 pounds lighter than its predecessor.

The SQ5 also gets a bump in power. Now powered by a new 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6, the 2018 Audi SQ5 is rated at 354 hp and 369 lb-ft–23 lb-ft more than the outgoing SQ5 with its supercharged V-6. Audi promises the new turbocharged mill will be just as peppy as the engine it’s replacing, thanks to a compact engine design with the turbocharger sitting in the “V” of the engine. The new SQ5 will still get an eight-speed auto and its estimated 0-62 mph time is pegged at 5.2 seconds. Despite Audi’s push to grow its RS lineup, it doesn’t appear the Q5 will join the RS party. That said, expect to look for more powertrains in the future, perhaps a hybrid and maybe even an all-electric version.

Despite the weight loss, the Audi Q5 has grown all around. Overall length is now 183.6 inches, while its wheelbase stretches to 111.6 inches, improving both passenger and cargo room. Much of the interior mimics the new Q7, and that’s a good thing. Overall design and materials are a big step up from the current model and Audi’s signature digital virtual cockpit is available as an option. Also improved is the MMI infotainment system that combines rotary and touchpad controls, just like the one that debuted in the Q7.

And as previously reported, production of the Q5 moves to Audi’s new production plant in Mexico, which is slated to go online this week.