PETALING JAYA: Audi launched its range of Q sports utility vehicles (SUV) on Monday.
The top-range Q8 is priced at RM728,100 (on-the-road without insurance); Q7 at RM600,100; Q5 at RM339,300; and the entry-level Q2 at RM219,900.
The coupe-like Q8 is a sportier version of the comfort-oriented Q7 and was meant to take on the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. It seats five people, while the Q7 can take in 7. Its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine punches out 340hp and 500Nm of torque and is managed by an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters and tiptronic. At nearly 5m long, it’s slightly shorter than the Q7 but both have the same wheelbase.
The bold Singleframe grille presents the new face of the Q family. Its wheelbase of nearly 3m means a roomy cabin with good headroom.
Features in the all-wheel drive Q8 include adaptive suspension, frameless windows, powered-sun shades, panoramic roof and 360-degree camera, 20-inch wheels, and touch-opening doors. Torque split is 40:60 split front to rear, but can adapt depending on conditions.
The Q7 weighs up to 325kg less than before. Its 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine produces 333hp and 440Nm of torque. While top speed is the same as the Q8 at 250kph, it’s slower than its bigger sibling with a 0-100kph sprint time of 6.3s versus 5.9s.
Standard for Malaysia is the Audi virtual cockpit, in addition to the Audi MMI monitor – the 12.3-inch diagonal TFT monitor displays elaborately computed graphics, and is operated at the multifunction steering wheel. In addition, the head-up display can be specified to project key information onto the windshield.
The Q5 has a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder mill that makes 252hp and 370Nm of torque. Coupled with a 7-speed S tronic, the SUV is able to go from standstill to 100kph in 6.3s and onwards to a top speed of 237kph.
Such performance is also due in part to the Q5 being up to 90kg lighter than before. It also stands at the top of its class in aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.30.
The new quattro drivetrain with ultra technology boosts efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics. It always disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and if necessary it can proactively re-engage it.Wheel-selective torque control is standard for the Malaysia-specific Q5. The system gives handling a refined touch and a controllable driving experience.
The front-wheel drive Q2 is the smallest of the lot and its 1.4-litre direct-injected turbocharged 4-cylinder engine produces 150hp and 250Nm of torque. It has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission but no paddle shifters. The Q2 is launched in Malaysia with a cylinder-on-demand feature. The system deactivates the second and third cylinder at loads up to 100 Nm and while coasting when engine speed is between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm.
The compact Q2’s styling is differentiated from the rest of its “Q” stablemates as it uses the rear LED clusters with dynamic turn-signals of the latest and yet-to-arrive Polo Mk6. Malaysia currently assembles and sells the Polo Mk5.
Audi says the Q2 is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, bundling a progressive design with a high level of functionality. Connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems are at level of full-size class.
The launch was followed by a media drive of the four models.
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Keyword: New Audi Q2, Q5, Q7 and Q8 roll out