Audi Q5 TDI: Diesel Retained for the SUV
Audi has chosen to maintain a high-end diesel offering for its Q5 SUV, despite increasingly stringent regulations and rising fuel costs in Europe for this type of engine.
Audi has chosen to maintain a high-end diesel offering for its Q5 SUV, despite increasingly stringent regulations and rising fuel costs in Europe for this type of engine.
A V6 TDI Still on the Agenda at Audi
Within Audi, diesel remains a preferred solution for high-mileage drivers. The Audi Q5 features a new biturbo V6 TDI engine, delivering 299 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. These figures clearly position it within the category of high-performance road SUVs.
This engine aligns with the strategy of German manufacturers, who continue to offer six-cylinder diesel engines in their family and road models, despite the growing trend towards electrification.
Mild Hybridization to Optimize Efficiency and Driving Pleasure
To meet current standards and enhance efficiency, Audi pairs this V6 with a mild hybrid system of the MHEV+ type. This system combines a starter-generator, electric transmission management, and a lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
This architecture allows for a temporary boost of electric power, up to 24 horsepower and 230 Nm, particularly during acceleration or overtaking phases. It also improves low-speed flexibility and enables electric driving over short distances, especially in urban settings.
An electric compressor complements the setup to reduce engine response time and limit turbo lag.
A Fast and Economical SUV Despite Its Size
The Audi Q5 V6 TDI quattro boasts high performance for a vehicle weighing over 2.1 tons. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is claimed to take around 5 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 250 km/h.
Despite this level of performance, fuel consumption remains modest, ranging from 5.8 to 6.5 l/100 km depending on configurations. This is a notable result for an SUV of this size, primarily designed for long distances and highway travel.
The quattro all-wheel drive ensures optimal traction in all conditions, reinforcing the model's grand touring orientation.
With this version, the Audi Q5 confirms its positioning as a road SUV aimed at users covering long distances. Comfort, endurance, and high performance remain at the core of its offering, even in an increasingly strict regulatory environment for diesel.
Pricing and Commercial Launch
Orders are now open. The starting price is set at €75,100 for the SUV version and €77,300 for the Sportback variant, placing it in the upper range of the premium segment.
Initial deliveries are expected in the coming months. Audi specifies that this engine will be delivered with a full tank of HVO 100 fuel, a biofuel made from recycled organic materials, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel and extending the environmental relevance of this engine.
