Most of its efforts are directed beneath the midsize SUV's familiar steel-and-aluminum body. There are some subtle exterior styling changes that help set the 2013-model-year Q5 apart, including a six-corner, single-frame grille with a redesigned plastic insert, edgier bumpers, altered light graphics and a revised range of wheel designs.
The changes made to the interior are even less noticeable. It has a classy new steering wheel, altered trim applications, an updated MMI (multimedia interface) system and a load of new Internet-based services, but nothing that alters its intrinsic character in any great way.
The most significant changes are under the hood, including a new supercharged 3.0-liter, 272-hp, 295-lb-ft V6, replacing the naturally aspirated 3.2-liter, 270-hp, 243-lb-ft V6. Also new is the Q5 hybrid, which combines the carryover turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
The hybrid also is capable of operating in electric mode for distances of up to two miles, with energy supplied by a 1.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery.
Also planned, but not likely to reach the U.S. market until summer 2013, is the Q5 3.0 TDI with a turbocharged 3.0-liter, 245-hp, 427-lb-ft V6 common-rail diesel engine capable of shoving the Q5 to 60 mph in less than 6.5 seconds.
Audi will introduce a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 222 hp in Europe, but in the United States, the Q5 base model continues with the same turbo 2.0-liter, 211-hp, 258-lb-ft four-cylinder. All Q5 models run a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, as opposed to the older six-speed unit of the model before the facelift. There's also an electromechanical steering system in place of the older hydraulic setup.
On first acquaintance, the Q5 3.0 TFSI running the new 3.0-liter V6 appears to be the pick of the lineup. While official pricing details are yet to be revealed, it likely will sell for close to the $43,000 of its predecessor.
The new V6 powerplant, already seen in the A4, does a commendable job of hauling the base Q5's considerable 4,079-pound curb weight. Off-the-line acceleration and in-gear performance are encouragingly strong—it's no rocket ship, but neither does it feel wanting in any way.
Dynamically, the Q5 feels more accommodating than ever. It has added directness to the steering, a more settled ride and, thanks to standard four-wheel drive, tenacious grip and impressive levels of traction whatever the weather conditions.
The facelifted Q5 is far from being transformed, but it brings a number of timely improvements over its three-year-old predecessor that help to make it a more inviting everyday proposition. Another clear positive is build quality, which continues to outshine the SUV competition on a number of fronts.
2013 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI
ON SALE: NowBASE PRICE: $37,500 (est)
DRIVETRAIN: 2.0-liter, 211-hp, 258-lb-ft turbocharged I4; AWD, eight-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4,079 lb (est)
0-60 MPH: 7.0 sec (est)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 23 mpg (est)
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