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The Q5 is a popular luxury compact SUV from the Audi lineup. Check out the quick overview below of how the 2023 Audi Q5 is upgraded lightly.
In terms of driving experience, the Audi Q5 may not be the most engaging SUV out there. It does offer a high-end look, a set of upscale features, and a sophisticated characteristic, though. Sitting at the top-selling spot of the manufacturer in the U.S., it also sorts of serves as the brand’s face. Read how the luxury crossover SUV 2023 Audi Q5 is adjusted for the next model year in different aspects below.
The Audi Q5 Powertrain, Fuel Economy, and EV Counterpart Potential
The Audi Q5 is a compact upscale crossover SUV series manufactured since 2008 by the German luxury vehicle automaker, Audi. Debuted under the Type 8R (model 8R) nameplate, it was the third release of the B8 line following the Audi A5 and the 4th generation A4, in which all of them shared the common platform of Audi MLB. The 2nd generation version, Type 80A, was released in 2016 and used the same platform as the Audi A4 and A5’s correlated B9 versions, the Audi MLB Evo. All Q5 units use the trademarked Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The 2023 Audi Q5 is powered by two types of powertrains. The 201 horsepower 2L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine is the standard one, capable of generating up to 263 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It receives 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway fuel economy ratings from the EPA
Meanwhile, the plug-in hybrid powertrain version brings the 261 horsepower 2L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine combined with a 12V mild-hybrid system that puts out up to 273 pound-feet of torque and is also paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This hybrid powertrain also receives a similar fuel economy rating estimation by the EPA at 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
Despite the commitment to go fully electric by the manufacturer, an EV version of the Q5 (or an e-Tron model according to Audi’s terms) is yet to be visible on the horizon for the next model year for the western market. Instead, an all-electric Q5 is more likely to arrive in the Chinese market soon. If you’re disappointed by the news then you might be interested in the 2024 Q6 e-Tron model instead that’s similar size-wise to the Q5. That being said, the upcoming all-electric Q6 will be built on the PPE platform, which it shares with the following Porsche Macan generation instead of the Q5.
For the 2023 model year, the Q5 gains a safety feature of adaptive cruise control as standard. Other active safety and driver-assist features you can expect to get from the luxury SUV are lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and front, and rear auto emergency braking.
The 2023 Audi Q5 Exterior and Interior Minor Upgrades
In terms of exterior styling, the 2023 Audi Q5 is expected to pretty much look like the previous model year version. It has been confirmed though, that the 55 variants receive trim-specific organic light-emitting diode (OLED) taillights.
Moving on to the interior, the 5-passenger upscale SUV offers plenty of room especially if occupied by up to four adults only. The interior features package it offers also seems to be luxurious even on the entry-level trim. The cabin is quite easy to get in and out of, not to mention quiet nature even at accelerated driving speed. The Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims provide ample high-end features, such as the modern-looking Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster.
Even the most affordable variant of the Q5 presents a user-friendly 10.1” infotainment system display screen. A lot of expected features come standard such as a wireless hotspot and smartphone integration system (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).
Choosing the higher trim levels of the range such as the Premium Plus or Prestige provides a customizable digital instrument cluster, as mentioned above, that includes a 12.3” display with a navigation map system, personal device controls, tachometer, and speedometer. Moreover, the fine Bang & Olufsen sound system is given in the Premium Plus trim.
Possible Release Date and Estimated Price Range
The precise release date of the 2023 Audi Q5 is yet to be revealed by the manufacturer, but it’s safe to expect the new model year to arrive at the end of the year. Depending on the selected trim level and model, the pricing range is expected to start at around $43,500 up to $68,000.