If you’re in the market for an Audi Q5, but want to keep a bit more money in your wallet, you’re in luck. For 2022, the German automaker has introduced the Q5 40, a new entry-level trim in the Q5 lineup in Canada that isn’t as powerful as its siblings, but costs less and runs on regular-grade gasoline.
It lines up alongside the Q5 45, but comes only in Komfort trim, the first of the Q5’s three trim levels. In that Komfort level, the Q5 40 starts at $45,250 — while the Q5 45 Komfort begins at $48,000. All Q5 models are then subject to a delivery charge of $2,700.
It’s only available in the regular Q5 lineup, and not as the swoopier-styled Q5 Sportback, which only comes in the upper two trim levels and not the base Komfort level.
Both the 40 and 45 use a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, but the 45 includes a 12-volt mild hybrid system, and it delivers 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 40 lacks the mild hybrid, and makes 201 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque — but doesn’t require premium-grade fuel. Both use a seven-speed automatic transmission, and both include Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive.
Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes 6.1 seconds in the 45, while the 40 needs 7.3 seconds to get there. Fuel consumption is virtually the same, with the 45 racking up 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving, while the 40 is rated for 9.3 L/100 km.
Other than the engine, everything else remains the same between the two for standard equipment, which includes features such as a hands-free liftgate, 18-inch wheels, three-zone climate control, heated leather seats, and auto-dimming mirror.
Once it leaves the Komfort trim and its Q5 40 sibling behind, the Q5 45 is also available as the Progressiv at $54,700, and the Technik at $59,450. Other Q5 models include the Q5 TFSI e plug-in hybrid, and the 349-horsepower SQ5.
Keyword: Audi adds a lower-priced Q5 to its SUV lineup for 2022