Audi Q5 Hybrid quattro, 2012
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro combines the performance of a six-cylinder with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder. The highly variable interior offers plenty of room for recreation and family. The vehicle is powered by a 2.0 TFSI producing 155 kW (211 hp) and an electric motor producing 40 kW (54 hp). This combination provides for a system output of 180 kW (245 hp). The average fuel consumption measured according to the NEDC is just 6.9 liters per 100 km (34.09 US mpg). The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and an agile chassis are an unbeatable technology package.
During the development process, Audi focused on a high share of electrically powered driving. The sportiest hybrid SUV on the market covers about three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph), and can drive at up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power alone.
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is the perfect car for an active lifestyle. It is efficient, dynamic, spacious, multifunctional and comfortable. It will be appearing in the fourth quarter of 2011 at a starting price of EUR 53,700.
Proportions
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) long and 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) wide, but only 1.63 meters (5.35 ft) high, giving it the sportiest proportions in its market category. Its drag coefficient of just 0.32 also represents a top figure for its category. The design is elegant and sculptured - typical for Audi, which is the leading brand in this domain.
Exterior cues identifying the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro are hybrid badges on the sides and on the rear, the single-frame grille painted in high-gloss black, the exclusive body color Arctic Silver, 19-inch wheels in a ten-arm turbine design and chrome trims on the tailpipes.
The headlights are optionally available with xenon plus lamps and LED daytime running lights, in which case the rear lights also use LEDs.
Rising lines dominate the side view. The elegant roof contour, crowned by low-height roof rails, accentuates the slim, coupe-like appearance of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The wrap-around tailgate, like the engine hood, is made from lightweight aluminum.
The wheelbase measuring 2.81 meters (9.22 ft) provides for a generously spacious interior. The seats are ergonomically shaped and versatile in their layout. The angle of the rear seat backs can be adjusted, and they can be laid flat very easily - it suffices to operate the release catches in the cargo area so that they can be folded down onto the seat cushions. This increases the cargo volume from 460 to 1,480 liters (16.24 - 52.27 cu ft). The lithium-ion battery cells are located in a crash-proof area beneath the cargo floor, minimizing their impact on the cargo volume.
Out in front: the safety equipment
The body of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro contains a high proportion of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components. These reduce weight while simultaneously improving crash safety, rigidity and vibrational behavior. The front seat belt force limiters and airbags act together in a new, highly intelligent way.
All of the conductive components throughout the entire high-voltage system are electrically isolated, i.e. there is no electrically conductive connection with the rest of the vehicle. Consequently, there is no elevated risk of electrocution. The high-voltage system of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is deenergized automatically upon activation of the belt tensioners or the airbags.
Inside, the Q5 hybrid quattro presents a variation on Audi's clear, elegant design language. The cockpit has a bias towards the driver; its controls can be operated with intuitive ease. The new display concept with the power meter shows the driver the overall output of the system on a scale from 0 to 100 percent. At the same time, the large MMI monitor also shows the operating states.
Aluminum links: the suspension
The chassis also underscores the dynamic character of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. Ride height was lowered by 25 mm (0.98 in) to reduce driving resistances. The direct steering ratio closely connects the driver to the road. The five-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made substantially from aluminum, and the low-mounted electromechanical steering gear transmits steering wheel movements directly to the wheels. Large, 17-inch brakes provide for powerful deceleration. 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 tires are standard, with wheels measuring up to 20 inches in diameter available from Audi as options.
Audi's hybrid SUV drives with sporty precision and unwavering stability, while always providing a comfortable ride. The switch between electric and conventional drive is imperceptible. Its ESP stabilization system incorporates new functions that the competition is unable to match. For instance, the ESP has a sensor that identifies when a roof rack is mounted and then knows that the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro's center of gravity is higher. This is significant, because the roof load may be as much as 75 kilograms (165.35 lb). In this case, the ESP cuts in slightly earlier as the handling limits are approached. This allows the system to apply a very dynamic basic characteristic.
The standard hill descent assist makes driving down steep slopes safer by holding the speed below 30 km/h (18.64 mph). The ESP and ABS have special mapped characteristics for offroad driving. The ESP emphasizes maximum traction in off-road conditions. The ABS automatically identifies the surface conditions and selects the ideal control strategy for sand, gravel or scree.
Audi's new performance SUV is generously equipped. Standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning, onboard computer with color display, MMI navigation plus with energy flow display and the Audi sound system. In combination with the Bluetooth online car phone, this version of the MMI navigation plus with hard drive and DVD drive offers the ability to use images from Google Earth for the navigation system and to use online services. A Wi-Fi hotspot is then also available for mobile devices.
Optional digital radio reception or an interface for the iPod or MP3 player with USB connection are perfectly integrated into the high-end sound system from the Danish specialist Bang & Olufsen.
Assistance systems: luxury from the full-size category
Upon request, Audi can equip the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro with high-tech systems adopted from the full-size category, making driving an even more controlled, relaxing affair. The Audi parking system advanced employs a reversing camera to aid the driver in maneuvering; Audi lane assist helps the driver to maintain the lane; and Audi side assist alerts the driver to potential hazards during a lane change.
The other equipment items likewise underscore the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro's status as a performance model. These include the convenience key for keyless access, a large panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic air conditioning, roller sun blinds for the rear side windows and the Audi adaptive light dynamic cornering light system. The high-beam assistant switches automatically between high-beam and low-beam headlights. The front seats can be adjusted, heated and cooled electrically.
Exterior design
Every Audi makes its dynamic nature visually apparent at first glance. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro also has the sportiest proportions in its vehicle segment. It measures 4.63 meters (15.19 ft) in length and 1.90 meters (6.23 ft) in width, but only 1.63 meters (5.35 ft) in height. Its body design comes across as powerful, athletic and emotionally charged. With the new Q5 hybrid quattro, the Audi brand once again underscores its leadership in automotive design.
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is distinguished by visual features on the outside. The tailgate, the fenders and the aluminum sill panel strips bear the hybrid badge. The radiator grille is painted high-gloss black, and the tailpipes feature chrome trims. The exclusive Arctic Silver, metallic paint finish is optionally available.
The 19-inch cast aluminum wheels feature a ten-arm turbine design, with their spokes resembling turbine blades. The wheels are fitted with 235/55 tires. Audi offers optional wheels with 19- and 20-inch diagonals; an S line bumper is available from quattro GmbH.
With their slightly angular cut, the headlights lend the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro's face an air of resolve. The optional xenon plus headlights are an elegant setting for the daytime running lights, comprising 12 daylight white LEDs each. The xenon plus headlights can also be combined with the adaptive light cornering light system.
Like the front end, the rear of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has a strongly expressive character; horizontal lines accentuate the impression of width. The bumper incorporates the rear fog lights, and the license plate area is recessed into the tailgate. Like the engine hood, the wraparound tailgate is made from lightweight aluminum. It is exceptionally wide, like that of its big brother, the Audi Q7.
The undivided rear lights are mounted on the large tailgate. Because they are not visible when the hatch is open, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has auxiliary lights in the bumper. The main lamps have bulbs housed in separate chambers as standard; Audi uses light-emitting diodes in the optional xenon plus headlights.
Body
Good design is always functional design - the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has a drag coefficient of just 0.32, the best in its segment. This is attributable to the intensive fine-tuning of the body and the underbody. The frontal area of the performance SUV measures 2.65 m2 (28.52 sq ft).
The body is unusually light in weight; the tailgate and the engine hood are aluminum. The rigid body shell incorporates hot-stamped steel in numerous places, combining low weight with very high strength. Despite the generous level of standard equipment, the Q5 hybrid quattro with its curb weight of 1,910 kg (4,210 lb) is the lightest hybrid SUV on the world market. All its hybrid components add less than 130 kg (287 lb) of extra weight.
Ultra-precise: welding and bonding
The way the body is put together is also a highly precise affair. The areas in which conventional resistance spot welding is used now account for only 73 percent of the total - equivalent to about 5,000 weld points. To boost strength further, Audi uses bonding in some areas as well as or instead of welding. A two-component adhesive forms the bond in 17 percent of the cases; the adhesive seams measure a total length of 83 meters (272 ft).
There are two particularly elaborate joining technologies among the remaining 10 percent. Laser welding is the method of choice around the sills and on the doors. The components in the visible part of the tailgate's water channel, like the zero gap between the side section and roof, are joined by high-tech soldering methods. This zone is visible evidence of Audi's uncompromising quality philosophy, epitomizing the precision joints running all across the body.
The use of ultramodern materials and joining techniques is the basis of the body's rigidity. It keeps the noise level on board low and paves the way for superb drivability - it is the basis for both low tire noise and sporty, precise handling.
Uncompromising: long-term quality
Long-term quality is again a top priority in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro, in keeping with the brand with the four rings. To protect against corrosion, all body cavities are flooded with hot liquid wax. Audi is the only premium brand to implement this method.
Maximum safety: the special features of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro
Like every Audi, the Q5 hybrid quattro satisfies the stringent safety standards which the brand with the four rings requires of all its vehicles. A comprehensive safety package begins with the high-strength occupant cell and includes front, side and head airbags, the integral head restraint system in the seats, the belt tensioners and a sophisticated system of sensors that initiates the protective measures necessary for the situation at hand.
Thanks to its spacious crumple zone, the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro meets all Japanese and European requirements for collisions with pedestrians. In the type-specific crash, which involves driving into a barrier at 15 km/h (9.32 mph) and a 40 percent overlap, crash boxes made from aluminum located ahead of the longitudinal members prevent damage to the body structure. The radiator can be displaced slightly to the rear thanks to its sliding mounts. Minor bumps at up to 4 km/h (2.49 mph) when maneuvering in parking lots do not leave any dents in the aprons, and these components can be replaced individually after collisions at higher speeds.
Special attention was paid to the concept-specific requirements of a hybrid vehicle. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has special protective mechanisms that are triggered in the event of a hazard. All of the conductive components throughout the entire high-voltage system are electrically isolated, i.e. there is no electrically conductive connection with the rest of the vehicle. This isolation ensures that there is no elevated risk of electrocution. Furthermore, the high-voltage components are deenergized if the airbags or belt tensioners are triggered.
Cargo area
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is the performance SUV for a dynamic, active clientele - it displays all the talents needed in a vehicle designed for sports, family and recreational use. Its buyers are people with a high level of education who value an active lifestyle. Audi Q5 hybrid quattro customers view their car as an expression of their individuality and consequently attach great importance to attractive design, sportiness and performance.
The cargo area is one of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro's practical strengths. In its basic configuration, it already offers a substantial 460 liters (16.24 cubic ft) of cargo space, which can be used very effectively. The floor is completely flat; the loading lip is only 665 millimeters (26.18 in) high and lies almost flush with the floor. The loading width is an impressive 105 centimeters (41.34 in) even between the wheel arches, and the loading length 93 centimeters (36.61 in). Four golf bags can easily be stowed cross-wise, and the maximum payload is a hefty 580 kilograms (1,279 lb).
The extended cargo area has a capacity of 1,480 liters (52.27 cubic ft) (loaded to roof height) and a loading length of 170 centimeters (66.93 in). It can be significantly increased yet again by the convenient option of a folding front passenger's seat, with special kinematics to fold its seat back down forwards. The standard rear bench seat plus makes the cargo area even more variable. This can be slid forward by 10 centimeters (3.94 in) and also incorporates a large load-through hatch. The seat back of the slightly narrower center seat (40:20:40) is designed to fold down individually. The standard strip of stainless steel for the cargo area offers protection during loading and unloading.
The optional trailer hitch can be pivoted out, and light-emitting diodes indicate whether it is correctly locked in position. The accessories range includes various racks for transporting bikes, canoes, surf boards and skis on the roof.
Interior
Feeling immediately at ease is a typical response when climbing into a new Audi. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is no exception; its developers have created a light, luxurious and spacious interior. It is elegant in appearance, the build quality is of the customary superb standard, and the intuitive ease with which it is controlled can be further enhanced with numerous high-tech features from the full-size category.
The driver's and passenger's seats offer an ergonomically excellent seating position and support the body perfectly. The standard seats are height-adjustable, and their head restraints can be raised a large amount.
Audi offers the option of sport seats with manual angle adjustment, extendable thigh rest and electric four-way lumbar support - this latter feature can also be ordered separately. Alternatively, all-electric seat adjustment is available for adjusting the fore/aft position, seat back angle and height. A memory function that remembers the preferred seat and exterior mirror positions is also available. With typical Audi thoroughness, the optional heated seats have six settings.
The climate-controlled comfort front seats offer the ultimate in luxury. Each seat back and base cushion has two small fans with six power settings. To prevent chilling of the occupant, there is a supplementary function that cuts in automatically, if need be. The climate-controlled comfort seats are upholstered in perforated leather.
An extensive range of design packages is available. These include Havana cloth upholstery or the leather grades Milano and Fine Nappa for the standard seats; these come in a range of five colors. The sport seats are upholstered in Micron cloth or the leather types leather/Alcantara, Milano and Fine Nappa. Here again, the customer has a choice of five colors.
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro's colors and equipment, too, have a sporty, elegant character. The vehicle's interior is visually harmonious in black, gray or beige. This philosophy creates a light interior impression in which the inlays provide visual highlights. The standard version is in micrometallic platinum, a metallic-effect paint finish, or optionally in aluminum or the woods walnut brown or fine grain ash almond beige. With the fine grain ash brown version, the wood's pores remain open and thus allow the natural material's structure to be explored by the fingertips.
For individualists: the S line sport package
The S line sport package creates even more sporting individuality. Besides 19-inch or 20-inch wheels and the special body colors Daytona Gray and Monza Silver, it includes a whole array of distinctive individual details inside the vehicle. The interior and headlining are in black, with a choice of black or silver seams. The upholstery of the sport seats - in cloth/leather, Alcantara/leather, Milano leather or Fine Nappa leather - features special S line embossing. The inlays are in matt aluminum (or optional piano finish). The leather sport steering wheel is emblazoned with the red and silver S line badge, and the gear knob is trimmed in perforated leather.
Feel-good factor: the perfect ergonomics
The sense of well-being that the interior of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro creates is underpinned by the perfect ergonomics for the driver. The sportily short gear knob is positioned such that the driver's hand finds it intuitively, and the distances and angles of the steering wheel and pedals are perfectly matched. The steering wheel has 60 millimeters (2.36 in) of manual reach and 44 millimeters (1.73 in) of height adjustment, with electric-motor locking.
The standard leather multifunction sport steering wheel has four spokes; a leather multifunction sport steering wheel with three spokes is available as an option. It has small drum-type and pushbutton controls for the basic functions of the navigation system, radio system, car phone and speech dialogue system. These are elegantly framed with narrow chrome surrounds.
All functions in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro are focused on the person at the steering wheel. The center console, which is subtly angled to the left, comprises a unit with the instrument cluster. It features an innovative display concept that renders the individual driving states of the hybrid drive clear-cut and tangible. The tachometer has been replaced by a "power meter," with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments, whose green and orange sections show at a glance how the Q5 hybrid quattro is currently traveling - with a greater share of electrical power or combustion engine power. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the battery.
At the same time, the color display of the driver information system and the large monitor of the standard MMI navigation plus show the operating states and power flows in the hybrid system in elegant graphics with a three-dimensional effect. The MMI monitor also displays differentiated consumption and recuperation statistics in easily understandable bar graphs.
Powerful and efficient: the automatic air conditioning
The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro comes standard with automatic air conditioning with a pollen and recirculated-air filter, plus a function that incorporates the sun's position into how it operates. A powerful blower circulates large quantities of air. Typically for Audi, the innovative system is quiet, powerful and efficient. And it is remarkably light in weight.
The climate control system of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro was also adapted to the requirements of electric driving. The air conditioning compressor has a high-voltage electric drive. Demand-controlled for high efficiency, the compressor ensures AC operation even when the combustion engine is shut down. An electric auxiliary heater supports interior heating.
The optional deluxe automatic air conditioning has even more features - it regulates the temperature, volume and flows of air in three separate zones for the driver, front passenger and rear passengers. A responsive moisture sensor minimizes the risk of window fogging, and separate outlets on the top of the dashboard provide low-draught indirect ventilation.
The interior of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro is like a perfectly tailored suit - it is airy but cut to fit perfectly. The statistics prove how spacious it is: elbow room is 1,527 millimeters (60.12 in) up front and 1,494 millimeters (58.82 in) in the rear. The Audi Q5 hybrid quattro also has an exceptional amount of front headroom - 1,043 millimeters (41.06 in).
Even tall passengers will find the rear compartment amply spacious. The seats provide a sporty standard of comfort at head, elbow and knee level; there is space for the feet under the front seats. The seat back angle of the standard seats can be adjusted between 24 and 30 degrees. The long door cutouts, the wide opening angle of the doors and the low sills maximize ease of access to the rear of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The holders in the doors can even accommodate large 1.5-liter (50.72 fl oz) bottles. A fold-out center armrest provides comfortable arm support, and optional nets are available for the backs of the front seats.
Versatile: the rear bench seat plus
A versatile feature is the standard rear bench seat plus; the sections of the 40:60 split bench can be slid forward or back independently by 100 millimeters (3.94 in). Its center armrest incorporates two pull-out cup holders. Other extras are manual blinds for the side windows - a feature that will be particularly appreciated by children when out and about in the summer.
There are numerous convenient features up front, too. The spacious door pockets have brackets that are also suitable for large bottles. Then there are two more cup holders on the center tunnel. One of them is optionally available as a thermal cup holder. An electronically controlled peltier element - an electrothermal converter similar to the principle found in a cooler bag - operates in tandem with a fan. At the push of a button, it cools or heats the inside of the thermal cup holder across a range from 3 to 58° Celsius (37.4 to 136.4° F). A small display serves as a visual reminder for the user when the cup holder is hot.
The front center armrest is a particularly comfortable option - it can be adjusted lengthwise by 6.5 centimeters (2.56 in) and to four different heights. The unit has a soft foam exterior and is particularly large thanks to the absence of a handbrake, instead of which there is the electromechanical parking brake.
Engines and transmissions
The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro has a displacement of 1984 cc. Its output is 155 kW (211 hp), with the maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) permanently available at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. The 4-cylinder engine combines direct injection with turbocharging - typical for the Audi philosophy of downsizing, which replaces displacement by forced induction. The Audi valvelift system (AVS) further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and rpm.
The 2.0 TFSI has been overhauled in some respects for use in the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The drive of the ancillary units has been dropped, and the crankshaft bearing and fine tuning of the turbocharger have been adapted to the specific demands.
A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast. Integrated in the engine control unit, the hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes, and was fully developed by Audi alone.
The optimal interplay between the combustion engine and the electric motor briefly results in a peak system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a maximum system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb ft).
Drivetrain
A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor, combined with the multi-plate clutch operating in an oil bath - it couples and decouples the electric motor and the TFSI. The innovative decoupler operates with high precision, smoothly and quickly in any situation.
The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid gear unit contributes significantly to the efficiency of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro - its eight gears are widely spaced. When the 2.0 TFSI is turned off, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.
The power electronics and the electric motor
The power electronics, connected to the battery and the electric motor by high-voltage cabling, is located in the plenum chamber of the engine compartment. In the form of a pulse-controlled inverter, the power electronics serves as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor, which operates on alternating current.
Innovative technologies keep the volume and weight of the power electronics low, with cooling provided by a separate low-temperature water-filled circuit. The component includes a DC/DC converter that couples the electric consumers in the 12 V electrical system with the high-voltage network.
A permanent magnet synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and - during deceleration - as a generator. It delivers up to 40 kW (54 hp) of power and 210 Nm (154.89 lb ft) of torque. The electric motor is integrated in the engine's cooling circuit.
The battery
A lithium-ion battery system, weighing a mere 36.7 kg (80.91 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro. The compact unit with its 26 liter (6.87 US gallon) capacity is positioned in a crash-safe area under the cargo floor, with hardly any intrusion on the cargo area. The battery consists of 72 cells. At 266 volts, its nominal energy is 1.3 kWh and its output 39 kW.
The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the main climate control system of the vehicle and uses a separate evaporator.
This heavy-duty active cooling system distinguishes the Audi Q5 hybrid quattro from many other hybrid vehicles, and makes a key contribution to the high electrical availability of the hybrid system.
