Audi prices 2010 A4, A5 and Q5

Audi has released pricing for the 2010 model-year Audi A4 sedan, Audi A5 coupe and Audi Q5 crossover vehicle.

The A5 replaces the 3.2L six-cylinder with the 2.0T TFSI four-cylinder. For $36,000, one’ll be able to have the A5 2.0T Quattro Coupe with a manual transmission in Premium trim, with the Premium Plus model commanding $39,500 and the Prestige variant priced at $44,300. Tack on an additional $1,200 onto each model's MSRP if you opt for the Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

Core updates for the 2010 Audi A5 include the above powertrain changes plus the new third-gen MMI system, new LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models, a new wheel design for the entry-level Premium trim, and a new set of optional wheels for the S5.

"Despite the economic headwinds that have affected all premium automotive brands this year, we see no signs of interest lagging in these three models," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. "We need to release these new models early because of our proactive management of unsold inventories and because Audi continues to bring new models to the freshest lineup in the luxury sector. Both trends will continue in the months ahead."

For the 2010 Audi Q5, starts at $37,350 for the base Premium model, while the Premium Plus and Prestige rises to $41,400 and $48,850, respectively. The 2010 mdoel year updates include a new Fine Grain Ash and Natural Brown interior inlay option, new 20in five-spoke S-line wheels, standard side assist on Prestige models, a new luxury package for the Prestige model that includes leather door armrests and IP, along with ventilated front seats swathed in Milano leather, the Bang & Olufsen sound system is now available as a standalone option, and a variety of minor interior and exterior appearance tweaks.

Finally, the 2010 Audi A4 gets the biggest price rise at $450 over the outgoing model, now starting at $31,450 for the Multitronic-equipped 2.0T FWD sedan. Adding quattro AWD with a manual transmission raises the price of entry to $32,350, and stepping up to the tiptronic transmission bumps that another $1,200 to $33,550. Like its siblings, the A4 is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

A new set of LED tail lights on Premium Plus and Prestige models and the third-gen MMI system are available on all new models, while the S4 gets a new 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission and a new 3.0L TFSI supercharged V6 engine rated at 333hp and 325lb-ft of torque.

Pricing for the2010 Audi S4 hasn't been released yet, however, it has released an on-sale date for its 333-hp sedan: August. Expect pricing to follow in the coming weeks.

Audi adds two new engines into Euro Q5 and A4 Allroad

Customers in Europe have a new choice for efficiency and savings now, with the announcement of a new pair of entry level engines available in the Audi Q5 and A4 Allroad.

The Audi's 143hp 2.0 TDI diesel four-cylinder and the 180hp 2.0 TFSI gasoline four, both in conjunction with the 6-speed manual transmission, are available in Audi Q5. And the 2.0 TDI is now also available in the A4 allroad.

However, Americans have less options. The A4 allroad is not yet available in North America , and the Q5 is currently only available with a 3.2-liter gas V6 in North America .

Selling prices for the Audi Q5 start at EUR 36,800 for the 2.0 TFSI and EUR 36,500 for the 2.0 TDI. The base price for the Audi A4 allroad 2.0 TDI is EUR 37,100.

Audi Q5 Hybrid coming in 2011

The competition of Hybrid-electric and other green propulsion systems becomes more and more deep. Already Lexus' new RX 450h is leading the compact crossover hybrid race and BMW is positioned to make an entry eventually with the X6 ActiveHybrid. In keeping with the times, Audi also announces its plans to bring a Q5 hybrid SUV to the U.S., most likely by 2011.

TheCarConnection is reporting that Audi will fit a new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain to the Q5 in 2011, and since the compact SUV shares much of its design with the A4 and A5 models the hybrid option may filter across to these as well. After the launch of the hybrid, Audi is then expected to introduce an efficient turbodiesel version of the Q5.

The latest news follows comments originating with Wolfgang Hatz, Audi's head of powertrain development, back at January’s Detroit Auto Show. Hatz cautioned that diesel is a more practical alternative, but there’s a catch. The cost-effectiveness of diesel technology is greater, though that calculus in the U.S. is very different from Europe, where the price of fuel is higher in general and the differential between diesel and petrol isn't as great.

Whether that calculation works out so dramatically in favor of diesel, however, acceptance of hybrid technology is clearly much greater in the U.S. That alone might be enough to justify the decision to bring in the hybrid Q5 before the diesel.

Audi Q5 gets the highest safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA

In previous post, we reported that the 2009 Volkswagen CC received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award for 2009. It seems carmakers do take the safety of cars into considerations. It's no different with the 2009 Audi Q5, which is equipped with most of the safety devices available on the market today, earning a Top Safety Pick award for 2009 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and received the highest front and side crash ratings from U.S. safety regulators.

Results from rigorous IIHS testing showed the 2009 Audi Q5 received a "good" rating in all three crash measurements: side impact, offset frontal and rear impact seat tests. The NHTSA gave the 2009 Audi Q5 five stars for both driver and passenger protection in front and side impact tests.

“Audi engineers place unwavering emphasis on the protection of motorists and their passengers,” said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. “These outstanding ratings for the Audi Q5 confirm our intent to meet the most rigorous safety standards found anywhere in the world.”

Every Audi sold in the U.S. has standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS), an electronic stability program, daytime running lights (DRL) and a standard tire pressure monitoring system. The Audi Q5 adds to these features with quattro permanent all-wheel standard on all models, providing high levels of active safety and traction in a wide variety of conditions. All of these features are designed to help reduce the chances of a collision, and they all contribute to the Q5's top safety rank.

Audi Q3 will be launched in 2011，along with the Audi A1

Recently Audi released some details about the upcoming Q3, that will join the “Q” family in 2011. The Q3 will further expand the Q family. Around the same time we should also see the small city car A1.

The Q3 will be the third model in the Q series belonging to Audi, following the Q7 - recently facelifted and presented at the Shanghai Auto Show - currently manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia, and the Q5 launched last year and produced in Ingolstadt, Germany.

Audi Q3 production site will be the SEAT site in Martorell, Spain. Manufacture will begin in 2011 with an annual production capacity of up to 80,000 units. The total investment will amount to around €300 million.

“Following in-depth consideration of all relevant factors and an extensive international comparison of various sites, we selected Martorell,” explained Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management at AUDI AG. This decision enables Audi to continue its strategy of growth and internationalization. Mr. Stadler added: “We are counting on this Spanish site’s efficiency, the excellent quality of the Production department, and its highly trained staff. We will use the Group’s synergies to sharpen our competitive edge and help protect around 1,200 jobs. The decision furthermore safeguards workplaces at other Audi locations.”

Having agreed that the Q3 will be manufactured in Spain, a decision about production in the USA has been postponed. Mr. Stadler: “We will systematically explore our options in the context of the current market crisis. Audi is in a good position. There is currently no urgent need to select additional sites.”

Q3 will be a coupé-like five-door SUV with characteristic of a typical SUV. According to Audi, the Audi Q3 will stand out thanks to a supremely sporty driving experience.