We absolutely love the sporty vibe of Audi’s second-generation Q5, which we recently tested out on the streets of Mumbai. This spirited sedan has the makings of an Audi masterpiece, and lends itself perfectly to city conditions, as we discovered. There are certain design cues that set apart the Q5, such as the single-frame grille and its unmistakable large air intakes, with a distinct sporty characteristic. Performance-wise, the Q5 packs in a lot of punch, as you would expect of a car in its segment, as its engine pumps out a power output of 190hp and a torque of 400 Nm. While we weren’t able to push it to its maximum speed on the streets of Mumbai, it does promise an impressive top speed of 218 kmph, clocking an acceleration of 0 to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds — the car features a seven-speed transmission. Interesting to note that the second generation Q5 promises up to 13hp more power than the previous model, with reduced fuel consumption.

In addition, to enhance the driving experience, the car features the Audi Drive Select dynamic handling system, including an additional off-road mode. Other perks of the drive experience that we tested are the hill descent assist, cruise control and the electro-mechanical parking brake.

From the inside, the car is nothing short of luxurious with all the bells and whistles of a top-end sedan. It was a treat to fiddle around with the 31.24-cm display of the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which you can navigate with the innovative touchpad. The information and entertainment systems are operated also through the same touchpad as well as an interactive 21.08-cm screen. The system has Audi’s easy-to-use smartphone interact, an interactive sound system, a 10GB jukebox and a comprehensive navigation system, which also offers route assistance. One of our favourite features in this set-up is the little mobile phone compartment with a wireless charging panel, in addition to a USB port for charging.

In terms of interior design, Audi’s slick, understated aesthetic is visible in the elegant trims, colours and sophisticated material. The plush leather seats are electrically adjustable and can be configured in different formats. The boot space is generous and features a highly-practical electrically closing and opening luggage compartment.

Safety and security remain a top priority for the German carmaker and features like anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution and eight airbags, make this a particularly safe ride. audi.in