2018 Audi Q5 has improved mileage, a new generation of quattro

(March 30, 2017) HERNDON, Va. — With a competitive segment-leading, EPA-estimated 25-mpg combined fuel economy rating, the 2018 Audi Q5 offers exceptional driving dynamics, performance and efficiency, and is arriving in dealer showrooms this month.

Featuring a new generation of quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology, that helps to optimize performance and efficiency, the Q5 achieves EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 23 mpg city and 25 mpg combined, a +3 mpg improvement over its predecessor model. No other luxury SUV in its competitive segment offers higher EPA-estimated city or combined mileage.


The new quattro all-wheel drive system with ultra technology is the most radical evolution of quattro since its introduction in the early 1980’s on the Audi Quattro Coupe. Created by Audi engineers, quattro with ultra technology utilizes an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch along with a decoupling rear axle differential to achieve fully variable torque distribution. This allows for intelligent, proactive control
of the all-wheel drive system to help predictively modify the torque application as the driver demands or the road conditions require.

Unlike other on-demand all-wheel drive systems that can take up to two seconds to fully engage, quattro with ultra technology works electromechanically, and can be fully engaged in under 250 milliseconds. A series of pins, levers and springs engage and disengage a unique front-multi plate clutch, to divide torque between the front and rear as needed, while a rear dog leg clutch connects and disconnects the prop shaft and rear differential for maximum efficiency.

In addition, sensors monitor situations all over the car, such as wheel slip, cornering speed and engine torque. All of this data is processed by a computer that is running simulations every 10 milliseconds, estimating what traction will be like 500 milliseconds into the future. When the system expects that torque will exceed available traction, the system engages quattro in half the time before it is even needed, with no perceptible difference from a traditional all-wheel-drive system.

First introduced on the 2017 A4 allroad, quattro with ultra technology is now available on the 2017 A4 with manual transmission, the 2018 A5 Coupe with manual transmission and the 2018 Q5 2.0T.

Featuring a new 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine, coupled with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, to produce 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the Q5 can sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, 1.1 seconds faster than its predecessor.

With a number of standard driver assistance systems, including Audi pre sense basic and city, and infotainment features including the available Audi virtual cockpit, the Q5 is not only efficient, but is also designed to help drivers navigate the road and traffic while making their driving experience more enjoyable.

From its improved efficiency, to its exceptional driving dynamics and advanced technologies, the 2018 Q5 further enriches the highly versatile segment leading Audi nameplate.