The head of Audi’s dealer council has revealed further information about the upcoming Q5 crossover. Stating that the Q7 is a larger vehicle that competes primarily with the Lexus RX, he doesn’t fear that the Q5 will steal sales away from its larger sibling. Rather he sees the Q5’s main competition as BMW’s X3 and Acura’s RDX, although by the time the Q5 reaches the market, the Mercedes GLK and Cadillac BRX shouldn’t be far behind.
Unlike the American Q7 which is expected to be offered with a diesel engine in the near future, Audi will first be offering a hybrid powertrain in the Q5. The problem with offering a diesel engine in the Q5 first is that it would cost $2000 more than a gasoline powered version. With US market not yet to fully embrace diesel engines, launching a hybrid Q5 first makes more sense.
Audi Q5 to Offer Hybrid First -Diesel Second
Audi will first offer a hybrid powertrain in the Q5 rather than a diesel because of cost.
Audi Q5 Rendering
Comments
Bristol411S3
February 13, 2008 5:57 PM
Why would a diesel in this need an pricing uplift any greater than for the A4? Me no understand. Also, the Q7 is already available with a diesel engine.
NICKKOP
February 14, 2008 2:58 AM
forget this hybrid BS, bring on the TDI and make it not so expensive!
Aygo
February 14, 2008 7:16 PM
Isn't the U.S spec Audi Q7 already available with a 3.0 litre diesel engine?
The_woo_factor
February 16, 2008 1:20 PM
Dont make this too expensive! It needs to stay competitive.
baz
February 21, 2008 4:23 AM
The Audi marketing dept is so late to the diesel party in the US that they have squandered all their goodwill from Le Mans. The Q5 and the Q7 should be brought in ASAP with the most advanced diesels Audi can come up with. They should also come in S trim. The regular S cars are too thirsty.
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