Audi has released several videos featuring the second-gen Q5, including one shot at the San Jose Chiapa factory, Mexico, where the crossover is being built.
Audi will move production of the Q5 to Ingolstadt. It will also be moving production to Mexico’s brand factory in Mexico. This is the first North American plant for the company. Already, more than 3,300 jobs were created. By the end of this year, the total number of jobs will reach 4,200 to support a production capacity of San Jose Chiapa of up to 150,000 units.
The new facility for Audi in Mexico was built over three and a quarter years. It covers an area 988 acres (400 ha) and includes all the necessary: paint, press, body shops, and the assembly line. According to Rupert Stadler, Audi’s CEO, the massive investment of over EUR1 billion (about $1.1B), made it possible to reach a new milestone in its history.
The 2017Q5 was introduced in Paris earlier this month. It’s currently being built at the new factory. It will go on sale at beginning of next year. The crossover, which is slightly larger than the predecessor, weighs in at 198 pounds (90 kgs) and uses the same MLB Evo architecture that the A4/A5 models. It will also inherit the engine lineup and the gearboxes.
The optional adaptive air suspension, which was developed from the one in the second-generation Q7, is a first for Q5. Except for the 150-hp 2.0 TDI Diesel diesel, where the Quattro configuration is optional, all other engines will be connected as standard to Audi’s AWD system.
The new Audi will offer a wide range of customizations. Customers can choose from 14 exterior colors and several S Line packages. They can also select LED or matrix headlights with sweeping turn signals. A Bang & Olufsen audio system, a 12.3-inch completely digital instrument cluster, as well as a variety of other options.
The car will be available in Europe first, with Audi already announcing that the Q5 2.0 TDI 120 kW Quattro S tronic entry-level model will cost EUR45,000.
