The curb weight of the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI developing 105 kW (143 hp) without driver is 1,680 kg (3703.77 lb) – an excellent value in this vehicle class. When it was launched on the market four years ago, the body won the European Car Body Award – the world’s most prestigious award in car design.

The Audi Q5 body consists of an intelligent mix of materials. The tailgate and engine hood are made from aluminum panels; the tailgate alone weighs 8.1 kg (17.86 lb) less than an equivalent steel part. The front cross member and its crash boxes are made of aluminum profiles; together they weigh less than 5.0 kg (11.02 lb).

The occupant cell integrates form-hardened steels in many areas; these steels attain extreme levels of tensile strength due to a drastic temperature change during forming. They are able to perform with low wall thicknesses that make them extremely lightweight. In total, they weigh 44 kg (97.00 lb), 15 kg (33.07 lb) less than conventional parts. Tailored rolled blanks – metal sheets of varying thickness – in the rear floor area reduce the weight by 1.9 kg (4.19 lb).

In the body-in-white of the Q5 – without doors, lids or sheet metal skin –, form-hardened steels make up 9.1 percent of the total weight. 3.3 percent comprises ultra-high-strength steels, 12.3 percent advanced high-strength grades, 44.5 percent high-strength steels and 30.8 percent deep-drawn steels.

Precise to tenths of a millimeter: body structure
In assembling the body, Audi ensures high precision to tenths of a millimeter. In many areas, specially engineered adhesives reinforce joints, and laser welding is used for sills and doors. High-tech brazing methods are used to join components in the visual area of the rain channel at the rear and the side panels and roof – the zero joint that reflects the brand’s quality thinking.

The body’s high level of rigidity forms the basis for a quiet atmosphere in the passenger compartment, a comfortable ride and precise sporty handling. The occupant protection system is also top notch. In the event of a front-end collision, the front cross member distributes forces to the upper and lower side members. The aluminum subframe for the front axle and engine redirects forces into the floor and tunnel structure. In the event of a rear-end crash, the side members, rear wheels and side sills absorb the impact energy along defined paths. In a side-on crash, the B-pillars, side sills and two cross members in the floor perform a majority of the deformation work.

The restraint systems of the Q5 are precisely tuned to the body’s deformation properties. In a front-end crash, they consider – based on input from sensors – the seating positions of the driver and front passenger in their triggering actions; this enables very good protection of persons of any size. In collisions involving pedestrians, the Audi Q5 fulfills all key regulations thanks to its large deformation spaces and a foamed zone behind the bumper. The aluminum crash boxes in front of the side members ensure that the body structure remains undamaged in collisions up to a speed of about 15 km/h (9.32 mph).

The Audi Q5 makes a clear statement in its drag coefficient or cD value of 0.32 or 0.33 – which is made possible by intensive design refinements to the outer skin, underbody and engine compartment. Its frontal area measures 2.65 m2 (28.52 sq ft). Elaborate aero-acoustic modifications ensure low noise levels, even at high speed. Such details as three-fold door seals, rain channels at the A pillars and the exterior mirror design have a significant effect here.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.