View Full Version : USA Q5 FAQ's


353/s/
07-16-2008, 01:41 PM
Product: Q5 U.S. FAQ

INGOLSTADT, Germany, Jul 10, 2008 -
Goals / Positioning

The Audi Q5...
- Will expand the Audi product range by bringing a crossover into the B segment
- Will highlight the Audi brand's expertise in design and technology, thus boosting the image and overall awareness of the Brand in the USA.
- Has many product features that are superior to the competition and will thus position itself excellently in the competitive environment
- Will retain loyal customers and win over new, high-income buyers, thereby contributing to the company's growth strategy.
Unique competitive advantages (USP)

Technical Highlights

Standard

· ESP 8.1 with roof rack recognition

· quattro permanent all-wheel drive

· ESP offroad function

· Electromechanical parking brake

· Wrap-around aluminum tailgate

· LED tail lamps

· Versatile rear seat area with longitudinal adjustment, through-loading, and remote release

Optional

· Audi drive select

· Audi side assist

· Range of wheels up to 20"

· Latest-generation infotainment

· Bang & Olufsen Sound System

· Audi advanced key (keyless entry and start/stop)

· Power tailgate

· Daytime running lights with LED technology

· Climate-controlled drink holder

Design

The exterior

Description of design
Front:
- Single frame with the vertical bars from the crossover model line, high-gloss black
- V-shaped, emphasized bonnet
- Headlights: unique light design with two-piece layout for main beam and dipped headlights (turn signal and daytime running lights on the lower edge of the headlights).
- Standard front fog lamps
Side:
- Shoulder line emphasizes the front and rear wheels
- The lines of the window design and flat-look roof emphasize sportiness
- Aluminum trim around windows and on roof rails provide an element of sophistication
- 110.6" wheelbase is the longest in the segment
Rear:
- Wrap-around tailgate with integrated rear lights (reinforces the impression of width)
- Integrated rear spoiler
- Dual, flanged tailpipes
General:
- S line package available w/ 20" wheels & 255/45 summer performance tires gives the Audi Q5 an even sportier personality.
1. Where is LED technology used?
- Turn signal in mirrors (standard)
- Rear tail lamps (turn signals, brake lamps, and rear lamps) (standard)
- Daytime running lamps (optional)
2. Will there be any wheels with run-flat tires available?
For reasons relating to weight, driving comfort and driving performance, we consciously decided not to use wheels with run-flat tires. A temporary inflatable spare tire is standard, and located in the cargo area under the lower storage tray.

Panorama sunroof
3. Does the panorama sunroof create additional wind noise?
No, although the panorama sunroof is the largest glass roof compared to the competition, it does not create any additional wind noise.

4. Why are only gasoline engines available in the USA? Audi is now proving its diesel expertise in the USA.
Given the recently availability of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel in the USA, introducing alternative fuel powertrains in our product line is no longer the technical issue it once was. Provided there is satisfactory demand from the consumer, and that adequate supply and financial obligations are met on our side, you can be assured these options will be seriously reviewed.

5. Why is the Audi Q5 only available with tiptronic in the USA?
US consumers are more familiar with the feeling and sensation of a torque-converter automatic, whereas Europeans prefer the sportier and more enthusiastic shifting of the S tronic. The S tronic will be considered for future engine offerings in the Audi Q5.

Chassis
Features:
Five-link front suspension for:
- Neutral steering behavior
- Direct steering response with good surface contact
- Outstanding agility
- Low rolling noise Trapezoidal-link rear suspension for:
- High ride comfort and minimal body movement in all driving situations
- Outstanding agility due to swift cornering buildup
- High directional stability from stabilizing rear suspension (tracking)
- Large load-through width
- Low load floor
- High luggage capacity Brake system for:
- High-performance brakes
- Less brake fading and high stability
- Good response and consistently short stopping distances

Audi drive select - USP

6. What does Audi drive select offer?
The Audi drive select system is a significant highlight of the chassis technology. It influences all technical components that affect the driving experience - engine, automatic transmission, steering and damping. Audi drive select is characterized by three modes: "comfort", "auto" and "dynamic". The system embodies three cars in one. There is also the option of configuring a further mode in the MMI, according to the driver's own taste.

7. Why is Audi drive select only available with these expensive features (dynamic steering/damping control)?
The different modes, comfort, auto and dynamic, can be experienced particularly well when combined with dynamic steering or damping control. The high standards of the Audi Q5 in terms of driving safety and handling are satisfied by means of the dynamic steering and damping control associated with Audi drive select.

The customer can for the first time order dynamic steering as an optional extra, which, in combination with the advanced ESP developed especially for this, delivers an extremely high level of driving pleasure, handling and agility. The electronic damping control, available as an optional extra, offers the customer the option of individually influencing the character of the vehicle in terms of sporty and comfortable tuning.

The range of Audi drive select versions must also remain clear for our customers.

8. Why was a decision made not to include the adaptive damping control system Audi magnetic ride in the Audi Q5?
The adaptive damping control system Audi magnetic ride will not be available in the Audi Q5.

Due to the high damping power at low damping speeds (e.g. for roll compensation), Audi magnetic ride (AMR) is well-suited to sports and high performance sports cars. AMR is used and is being further developed in these areas of application (Audi R8, Audi TT). All the same, a damping control system will also be offered in the Audi Q5, but one which operates differently in technical terms. With this system, there is infinitely variable control of the hydraulic shock absorbers for each individual wheel.

9. Is air suspension also available for the Audi Q5?
No because damping comfort is regulated by the Audi drive select system.

ESP with roof rack recognition - USP

10. What is meant by ESP with roof rack recognition?
With roof rack recognition, the ESP in the Audi Q5 has been modified to enable the suspension to be actively tuned whilst maintaining a high level of driving comfort. Therefore, when the roof rail cross bars are not installed, the ESP program raises the intervention threshold to allow for more enthusiastic driving.

11. How does it work?
The roof rack recognition system, included as standard, comprises a sensor that is directly linked to the ESP control unit. When the carrier unit, which is also supplied as standard, is mounted, a signal is sent that adjusts driving dynamic-relevant parameters according to the different center of gravity.

12. How many pounds of roof load are permitted in the Audi Q5?
The maximum roof load is 220lbs and the vehicle thus has the largest load capacity in its class.

13. Will there be something comparable in the Audi Q7? Doesn't the Q7 need it?
ESP with roof rack recognition primarily enables the suspension to be actively tuned whilst maintaining a high level of driving comfort. Its secondary function is of course as a system that also contributes to vehicle safety. This type of ESP system is also conceivable for other models with a design-related high center of gravity.

14. Do the roof rack and glass roof replace each other - like in the A3?
No. The ESP with roof rack recognition is standard. As the panorama sunroof is available as an option for the Audi Q5, incompatibility between the two items of equipment would not make sense.

Offroad capabilities

Comparison of off-road characteristics




Audi Q5


BMW X3

Overhang angle, front


25


24

Ramp breakover angle, °


17.5


17

Fording depth, mm


500


500

Ground clearance, mm


200


200

Gradient climbing ability, °


31


27

All-wheel drive system


Permanent, quattro


Permanent, xDrive

Hill descent assist, offroad mode


Yes, with switch


Yes, with switch
The Audi Q5 is superior or equal to the BMW X3 in its fundamental offroad characteristics. The design of the Audi Q5 thus lives up to its promise: offroad suitability.

15. What characteristics does the Audi Q5 have offroad? Compared to the competition?
The Audi Q5 has excellent offroad capability but is not a classic offroader. To accommodate the sportiness, weight and consumption requirements of the Audi A5, we deliberately refrained from including certain things that characterize a full-blooded offroader (gear ratios and differentials).

In the Audi Q5, the focus is on driving performance on the road. However, it is superior to its competitors (on request: BMW X3) in terms of offroad suitability, as the ramp breakover angle, overhang angle and its climbing performance show.

16. Can you drive through streams / rivers in it? Up to what depth?
The Audi Q5 has excellent offroad capability. Although it is not a hardcore offroad vehicle, it is possible to drive through water up to a maximum depth of nearly 20 inches.

17. What is the trailer load of the Audi Q5?
Unknown at this time. European models have a limit of 2.2 tons.

18. How does the hill descent assist work and what advantages does it offer?
The standard-specification hill descent assist automatically maintains the speed set by the driver on steep descents and on any surface (up to 18.64 mph).

This means a significant increase in comfort and stability when descending hills. The hill descent assist is activated and deactivated using a separate switch.

19. What is meant by the ESP offroad mode?
The ESP has a special offroad mode that can be switched on and off by pressing the "ESP off" switch. This adapts the ESP, ASR and ABS to the relevant offroad driving conditions (e.g. sand, gravel, deep snow, mud, etc.)

20. What are the advantages of the ESP offroad module?
The modification of the ESP makes excellent use of driving performance even in challenging offroad conditions: good traction in varying conditions with excellent driving performance.

21. Will there be a front-wheel drive in the future?
There are currently no plans for an Audi Q5 model with front-wheel drive.


Everyday suitability


22. What makes the Audi Q5 suitable for everyday? What makes it so multifunctional?
Production:
- Split folding seat backs (40:60), remote release via lever in the luggage compartment side trim
- Rear seat bench plus (all the functions of the standard seat, plus adjustable seat back, longitudinal position and through-load facility)
- Storage pockets in the front and rear side doors with bottle holder (1.5-liter)
- Sliding (fore / aft) front center armrest with large storage compartment underneath 23. How big is the luggage compartment? Compared to the competition?



Audi Q5




BMW X3

540L (19 cu ft)


480L (17 cu ft)
The Audi Q5 is also superior to the BMW X3 in terms of head room and shoulder room, thus allowing for more room to move and greater load capacity even when fully loaded.

Infotainment

Radio systems
- Symphony radio six CD player w/ MP3 readability (standard) Sound equipment
- Audi sound system (standard)
- Bang & Olufsen Sound System (USP) Other equipment (infotainment)
- MMI Navigation plus (3rd generation)
- Audi music interface
24. What is new in the third generation of the MMI Navigation plus?
2D/3D map display, topographical map coloring, 3D sights, 3D city models for major cities,

25. Is there the option of connecting an iPod or other media players?
It is possible to connect and play an iPod, iPod nano, iPod Touch, iPhone or other media player via the Audi music interface by using an adapter cable.

26. Will it then also be possible to have a playlist displayed?
The playlist display depends on the media player used. When connecting an iPod, iPod nano, iPhone or iPod Touch, it can be operated and displayed on the MMI.

27. Which radio is standard?
Symphony radio 6CD/MP3 and ten-speaker Audi sound system with subwoofer

28. Cell phone preparation - where is the cell phone preparation located?
Bluetooth will be the sole method of phone connectivity within the Audi Q5; therefore one will not find a base plate for cradle mounting.

29. Can an iPhone be connected?
It is possible to connect an iPhone using the cell phone preparation (Bluetooth). The iPhone can also be connected and used as a music player and mobile telephone via the Audi music interface. The audio will be interrupted when there is an incoming call.

30. How can the telephone be operated while driving?
The telephone can be operated via the multifunction steering wheel, or utilizing the MMI.

Climate-controlled drinks holder - USP
- Keeps drinks warm (max. temp. 136.4°F) or chills them (max. 37.4°F)
- Is located in the center console on the driver's side 31. Can you burn yourself on the climate-controlled drinks holder?
No, because the maximum temperature of 136.4°F is not exceeded. There is also a residual heat display, which notifies you of any raised temperature.

32. Why is only one of the two drinks holders climate-controlled?
Due to space restrictions in the center console, it was only possible to have one climate-controlled drinks holder in the design.

Competitors

Main competitors to the Audi Q5
- BMW X3
- Volvo XC60
- MB GLK
- Lexus RX
- Infiniti EX35 Price / Volume

33. How many of the new Audi Q5 are you planning to sell?
We generally do not release any details of planned volumes or sales expectations.

34. What are the main markets for the Audi Q5?
Western Europe approx. 38%, North America 28%, Germany 19%

35. Model Prices
The Audi Q5 prices are based on the competition.

Launch

36. When will it be launched?
The Audi Q5 will appear in the U.S. market in late Q1/2009.

37. When will it be launched in China?
The Audi Q5 will be launched in China in mid 2009.

General

38. How safe is the Audi Q5?
In addition to the compulsory high level of safety in every Audi in terms of body, driving characteristics and equipment, the Audi Q5 plays a key role in safety due to its combination of quattro permanent all-wheel drive, advanced ESP and innovative driver assistance systems.

39. Into which insurance categories will the Audi Q5 fall?
The classification into insurance groups is currently in progress.

40. Where will the Audi Q5 be built?
The Audi Q5 will be built at the Ingolstadt factory.

41. China is a large SUV market - are there plans to also build the Audi Q5 there?
There are no plans for that at the moment.

42. Which key modules does the Audi Q5 use from the Group modular system?
The Q5 is based on the modular light weight construction that you already know from the A4 and A5. Synergies can certainly be used due to this construction method.

43. Will there be an S model / RS model for the Audi Q5?
There are currently no plans to have an S or RS model for the Audi Q5.

Rocky-in-Connecticut
07-16-2008, 02:00 PM

Reggie
07-16-2008, 04:40 PM

tomh009
07-16-2008, 05:54 PM
"US consumers are more familiar with the feeling and sensation of a torque-converter automatic, whereas Europeans prefer the sportier and more enthusiastic shifting of the S tronic. The S tronic will be considered for future engine offerings in the Audi Q5."

MT6 didn't even merit a mention ...

JoeO
07-16-2008, 07:24 PM
Why don't they just come out and say Americans like lethargic and uninspiring shifting, because that's what they're essentially saying there.

der Scherzkeks
07-17-2008, 04:36 AM

Europa
07-17-2008, 08:15 AM

Egil A64.2s - S6
07-17-2008, 01:59 PM
Like in the last 10 years?

Mikam6769
07-18-2008, 08:17 AM
"Although global markets will receive Q5s in gas- and diesel-powered forms, the U.S. is slated only to receive a gas motor. Q5s destined for America will use a direct-injection 3.2-liter V-6, good for 270 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Also not in the cards is an S or RS sport version. "

joe@vwvortex
07-21-2008, 12:24 PM
which is why they will only offer that transmission on the TT and then only because the Tip they have for that platform is truely pathetic.