The news that came from Audi Sport GmbH just a few weeks ago were that they are planning to introduce eight, no more and no less, RS models to Audis’ lineup. According to motoring.com first RS model that will see the light of day will be an SUV. In an interview with Stephan Winkelmann Australian magazine also got a confirmation that this new RS SUV will have its debut at one of the upcoming motor shows. More on that later right now let’s focus on this SUV. With mixed information coming from German automaker it was hard to determine just which vehicle will be first of eight new RS’s. In the end, the general opinion of the automotive world is that it will be the 2017 Audi RS Q5.
RS Q5 Audi 2017 Design
2017 Audi RS Q5 won’t be too different from regular Q5 regarding the design. The intent that Audi has with this vehicle is not to introduce new design solutions but to reestablishes its position on performance SUV market. The only notable difference as you can see from the rendered photo is more masculine and aggressive look of the front with bigger air vents and lower bumper. Both front and rear end will be decorated with RS badge. The same policy will be applied to the interior where the biggest changes are going to happen on speedometer and seats. Both will be altered to adapt to the performance version of Q5. Rest of the infotainment system will probably be borrowed from the standard model.
Audi RS Q5 2017 Specs
The place where 2017 Audi RS Q5 is going to be way different from regular self is the engine bay. Rumored mills for future RS Q5 are SQ5’s upgraded 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine or a 2.9-liter V6 developed by Porsche. Regardless of which powerplant the company picks both will be able to produce more than 450 hp. With this kind of output Audi RS Q5 2017 will be able to go 0-60 in less than 5 seconds.
2017 Audi Q5 | |
Dimensions And Weight | |
Wheelbase | 110.5 |
Length | 182.6 |
Height | 65.2 |
Width | 74.7 |
Weight | 4200 |
Engine And Transmission | |
Engine type | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
Displacement | 2.0 L/121 |
Power/torque | 220 @ 4450/258 @ 1500 |
Transmission | 8-Speed Tiptronic Automatic -inc: sport program and manual shift mode |
Performance | |
0-60 mph | 6.0-6.4 sec |
Top speed | 130 mph |
PRICE RANGE: Price will go from $70,000 |
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Competitors: Porsche Macan Turbo S, 2017 BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG, and Range Rover Sport SVR |
New RS Q5 Audi Release date
We are sorry to have to disappoint all of you speed lovers, but new RS Q5 won’t be available for purchase until the second half of 2017. On the bright side, we have positive signs from Ingolstadt that the reveal of this vehicle is going to happen at upcoming Geneva International Motor Show. One of the biggest auto shows is being held in the Swiss city of Geneva from 9th to 19th of March.
2017 Audi RS Q5 Price
Regarding the price, RS Q5 won’t come cheap. Considering that, in Europe regular SQ5 costs around €65,790, new 2017 Audi RS Q5 will have to start at €80,000. Across the ocean in the United States customers will have to part with an amount of money close to $70,000. In the USA supercharged SQ5 for 2017 model year is priced at $53,000 for the base variant.
RS Q5 Adversaries
Audi RS Q5 will go against the names such as Porsche Macan Turbo S, 2017 BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG, and Range Rover Sport SVR.