AUDI

Q5 e-tron : a rival to the VW ID.6

The Volkswagen ID.6's arrival on the scene just a few months ago ushered in a new era for the Volkswagen Group in distant and exotic China. A 100% electric model developed on the MEB platform and intended exclusively for the Chinese market. Now, a short time later, your more luxurious alternative comes with the four-ring emblem. The new Audi Q5 e-tron has just debuted.

At the same event where Volkswagen's ID.6 debuted, the Audi Concept Shanghai was also presented. A conceptual model that laid the foundations for a series-production electric vehicle. This concept car has become the Audi Q5 e-tron that will soon arrive at Chinese dealerships. Audi took advantage of the 2021 Guangzhou Motor Show celebration to present its new electric SUV.

The development process was carried out by SAIC-Volkswagen. Bearing in mind that this model will not be marketed outside of China, if we compare it to the Audi line in the West, we could say that the new Q5 e-tron will flaunt the role of 'big brother' to the Audi Q4 e-tron. Both crossovers are supported by the Volkswagen Group's MEB platform. A specific architecture for all-electric vehicles.

It has the same wheelbase as the ID.6 and also share length. In its interior, up to seven adult passengers can travel in a 2 3 2 arrangement. However, and to satisfy the public looking for maximum comfort on board, Audi will offer a six-seat version with two individual seats in the second row.

The driver's seat shows the great technological endowment of the new Q5 e-tron. We have a digital instrument panel and a large touchscreen that becomes the nerve center of the cabin. Digitization is also present in the HVAC module. It is a model that can provide connectivity, comfort and security.

Audi will later reveal, near the time of its commercial launch, full details about the line-up and performance. Chinese drivers interested in purchasing Audi's new electric SUV will have different powertrains at their disposal. The access version will be a rear-wheel drive model with a 55 kWh battery and a 132 kW (180 hp) engine.

The most interesting version will undoubtedly be the engine with a battery of 83.4 kWh and rear-wheel drive with 150 kW (204 hp). The alternative with higher performance is a model with that same battery and a configuration of all-wheel drive thanks to the incorporation of an engine on the front axle. It develops a power of 225 kW (306 hp).

As we pointed out before, the new Q5 e-tron will only be sold in China. However, Audi plans to offer an alternative to this model in Europe and the United States. It will be the new Audi Q6 e-tron. It will be supported by the PPE platform and will be unveiled in the second half of next year. It is currently under development.

Autonews