Second-gen Audi Q5 showcased in Malaysia, expected launch in 2019

KUALA LUMPUR: The German automaker, Audi, is all set to win back its lost glory and have a piece of the booming SUV segment in the Malaysian auto-market with its latest offerings. The new Audi Q5 model is already available in Thailand with a diesel or a petrol engine option, mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Thai-spec petrol version of the Q5 model is powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI engine, producing 256 PS of max power and 370 Nm of peak torque. The diesel variant comes equipped with Q5 35 TDI Quattro and delivers a max power of 193 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm. The engine can push the car from 0-100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds. The model that was previewed in Malaysia is the Q5 2.0-litre TFSI Quattro.

Thanks to the incorporation of a new revised MLB Evo platform that underpins the vehicle, the new Q5 enjoys up to 90 kg lighter kerb weight. The wheelbase is kept longer at 2082 m on an approximate basis, which has favoured the inner cabin space positively. The dimension reads approximately around 4,660 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width and 1,660 mm in height. The vehicle is undoubtedly much bigger and lighter compared to its previous generation.

The Singapore-spec model, mimicking the Malaysian one, will feature 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit fully-digitized instrument panel, keyless entry, push-button start, powered front seats with driver’s side memory, LED headlights, 19-inch machined alloy wheels and triple-zone auto climate control. The Audi Q2 model was also previewed along with the second-gen Q5. Exact specifications of the SUVs are not confirmed yet, but they are likely to arrive on the Malaysian shore in 2019.