The long haul

Audi Australia has expanded its iconic Q5 SUV range with the addition of three new limited editions models, including a new entry point in the Audi Q5 35 TDI. Priced from $68,350* the Q5 35 TDI not only represents a keenly priced new entry model to the brand’s most successful SUV line, but is also the most fuel efficient diesel SUV available on the Australian market.

The Audi 35 TDI Limited Edition is joined by two other new models in the Q5 40 TDI Sport Limited Edition from $77,600* and the Q5 45 TFSI Sport Limited Edition from $79,400* – all sporting impressive levels of equipment, appointment and performance. 

The introduction of these new models is testament to the popularity of the Q5 range which shot to prominence globally in 2009 when it effectively created the luxury, mid-sized SUV category. Since then, each new iteration of the model has been met with equally enthusiastic popular and critical acclaim, particularly in Australia where the blend of performance, luxury and practicality has always struck a chord with customers.

“With the introduction of this model and the curation of our two Sport Limited Edition models, we are ensuring that we are bringing the most attractive vehicles possible to the premium market at this time,” says Nick Reid, General Manager Marketing at Audi Australia. 

“Beyond the current Limited Edition offer, we expect that the 35 TDI model will occupy a permanent position in the Q5 range.”

Compared to their Sport siblings, the Sport Limited Edition models on which they are based enjoy a significant price advantage. While some equipment items such as panoramic sunroof and phone box light are not included due to current restricted availability, these vehicle net nevertheless gain the same 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in 10-Y-spoke design that are fitted to the 35 TDI, while privacy glass and the colour ambient lighting package are also included. 

Yet despite this increase in equipment, the Sport Limited Edition models ask for as much as $1,400 less (TFSI) than their equivalent Sport siblings.

Putting power down to the road through its front wheels, the 35 TDI Limited Edition represents a first for the Q5 range in Australia. It’s 2.0-litre turbo diesel powerplant develops 120kW of power and 370Nm of torque from right down in the rev range at 1500rpm to 3000rpm, mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Despite its representing the entry to the Q5 range though, equipment in the 35 TDI Limited Edition is impressive across the board, from its luxurious interior, to infotainment and safety. 

From LED headlights and taillights (with cornering lights) to 20-inch Audi sport alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors and even a heated windscreen that includes heated windscreen washer jets, the 35 TDI remains true to the Q5 luxury ethos.

An electric tailgate with gesture control goes without saying and the roof rails in aluminium also feature ESC detection, automatically changing the on-board computer calibration for the vehicle’s centre of gravity should it detect a heavy load being carried on the roof racks.

Likewise inside the new addition to the range is a study in understated luxury, starting with its leather upholstery throughout and electric front seats with heating and four-way electric lumbar support for both the driver and front passenger.

The multifunction steering wheel too is upholstered in leather and features both shift paddles and hands-on detection, while colour ambient lighting and three-zone climate control with rear digital display are all part of the standard equipment.

The infotainment offering is equally extensive, with twin touchscreens (driver’s 7.0-inch and 10.1-inch MMI navigation plus) allowing easy control of all vehicle and entertainment systems. Audi connect plus connects the vehicle with the outside world opening up an enormous range of services and functions, while Audi smartphone interface (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) includes wireless Apple CarPlay.

With digital radio DAB+ and an eight-speaker, 100W sound system, on-board entertainment is well catered for and with dual USB outlets up front and another two in the rear, auxiliary devices can be added to satisfy all occupants.

It goes without saying that the new Q5 offering also boasts the highest standards in safety and driver assistance systems. With a total of eight airbags and a comprehensive array of leading safety systems including Audi pre sense rear and pre sense basic, lane change warning (blind-spot warning), rear cross traffic assist and Audi pre sense city with Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, the safety component is extremely impressive.

But it is the extraordinary fuel efficiency that really sets the 35 TDI Limited Edition apart, returning figures of just 4.8 litres per 100km on the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle, it consumes less diesel than any other SUV on the Australian market. With its fuel tank of 70 litres, this gives the entry model Q5 a theoretical range of over 1400km – enough to drive from Sydney to Adelaide on a single tank. Twin-dosing and a 12V mild-hybrid system, including advanced start-stop technology, all contribute to these impressive fuel figures, as well as ensuring that the engine meets the latest Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emissions standards. 

As has always been the case with the Q5 range, these new additions to the model line-up represent a brilliant blend of luxury, technology and performance in a vehicle that is the perfect size for the modern active lifestyle. The Audi 35 TDI Limited Edition and its Sport Limited Edition siblings are welcome additions to what has long been considered the benchmark in the mid-sized luxury SUV market.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)