By Shereen Shabnam
The sporty and dynamic SUV with the four rings recently came into our hands in the form of the new Q5 and SQ5 – both models that combine the sportiness of an Audi sedan with a multifaceted character of an SUV and a highly flexible interior.
We tested the new SUV on normal roads and the mountains of Salalah in Oman.
The new Q5 also stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics. The four-cylinder versions attain a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimized roof. Wind noises are exceptionally low, and vibration comfort is high – the new SUV from Audi indulges the driver and passengers with the best interior acoustics in its class.
It comes in 12 different exterior colours (plus Audi Exclusive) and three newly configured equipment lines are available – base, sport and design. It also features a sculpturally flared Singleframe grille while a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end.
The interior offers significant space for five persons, and it surpasses the previous model and its competitors in key dimensions. Its horizontally oriented lines underscore the impression of width and comfort, and a three-dimensional trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel. The new equipment lines concept offers customers a broad selection of colours and materials.
Operation of the new Audi SUV is intuitive and is marked by three great new features. The Audi virtual cockpit presents brilliant graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. The MMI terminal in the centre console acts as the main control element and its logic is based on the flat hierarchies used in today’s smartphones.
For music lovers, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound introduces the spatial dimension of height while the Audi smartphone interface also brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the new Q5 model range.
With its driver assistance systems, the new Audi Q5 and SQ5 also tops its segment with a range of high-tech options offered in one package – “City assist with Parking assist”
Cross traffic assist rear, the exit warning system, collision avoidance assist and turn assist are other new features that perform excellently in pursuit of safety. Park assist and hill descent assist complete the new features offered.
In summary, the drive with the Audi SQ5 on different terrains proved how versatile and sporty the new SUV is. Plus it is elegant, comes with numerous personalization options, offers generous space and with technology that it is best in its class.
