During the last days, we are witnessing the launch of a veritable barrage of electrical innovations by the main world manufacturers due to the celebration of two important events in parallel: the Los Angeles Auto Show and the Guangzhou Auto Show. It was precisely the Chinese event that Audi chose to present its latest zero-emission model, the Q5 e-tron.
That its name does not lead to confusion: the newcomer has no relationship with the well-known thermal Q5, but is derived directly from the Volkswagen ID.6, with which it shares not only its MEB platform, but even its dimensions (4.88 meters long) and its family orientation (it will be offered in versions of six and seven seats).
This will be the second Audi vehicle developed by the joint venture between Volkswagen and SAIC after the A7L. Initially will only be marketed in the Chinese marketIn regions such as the United States or Europe, the firm with the four rings plans to launch a more refined model: the Q6 e-tron, which will use the advanced PPE platform, developed in collaboration with Porsche.
Aesthetically, the Q5 e-tron could be considered the missing link between the Q4 e-tron and the aforementioned ID.6: Although the silhouette and general proportions are practically identical to that of the latter, the L-shaped headlights, the gray Single Frame grille and the lights attached across the width of the tailgate are powerfully reminiscent of its younger brother.
The Audi Q5 e-tron will only be sold in China
Something similar happens in the cabin, where the family resemblance is undeniable: the large-format frame (unlike the ID.4 / ID.6 and Skoda Enyaq iV), the screen integrated into the dashboard itself, the grilles of extended ventilation or the separate air conditioning system module They remind us of other models in the e-tron range.
The vehicle will be available in three versions. The Q5 e-tron access will combine a 180 hp (132 kW) engine coupled to the rear axle with batteries of 55 kWh capacity. The intermediate will go to 204 hp (150 kW), while its pack will be of greater capacity (83.4 kWh), which will give it a greater scope (their official autonomies have not yet been made known).
The top of the range will keep the 83.4 kWh batteries, but will add a second motor on the front axle. This will allow the Q5 e-tron to enjoy a quattro all-wheel drive system and significantly more power (306 hp or 225 kW). Given the family orientation of the vehicle, sporting variants are unlikely to be added in the future SQ5 e-tron or RSQ5 e-tron.
