The Audi Q5 stands out as a true all-rounder. Since 2008, the first two generations of the SUV have impressed numerous customers with their qualities. Now the third edition of the Audi Q5 demonstrates its variable and versatile features in southern Spain. From mountain biking to dinner in the city, Dominic Stern, Product Marketing Expert for the Audi Q5, takes us on a day trip.

We meet Dominic Stern in front of a hotel in Málaga. Working in Product Marketing, he knows all the features of the new Audi Q5; his role in the development process was to represent customer interests in the best way. “It was important to us that the third generation of our bestseller can also be clearly recognized as an Audi Q5. The model has been a major success for the brand since 2008. In addition to its sporty design with well-defined surfaces and lines, the new Audi Q5 impresses above all with its outstanding suitability for everyday use. And that’s what we want to demonstrate today.”

Comfortable, spacious, and plenty of storage

Dominic packs the car for a trip to the countryside and mounts a bike rack with a mountain bike on the swivel trailer hitch. Thanks to the adaptive damper control in the air suspension, he can lower the car slightly to make it easier to load. An especially practical feature of the Audi Q5 is the versatile adjustable rear seat. It can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted – increasing the trunk volume or comfort for rear passengers as required. With the rear seats folded down, the storage volume increases up to 1,473 liters, depending on the model variant. Dominic comments: “I’m always impressed by the adjustable rear seat bench, and here in the luggage compartment, you can see very clearly how we’ve directly implemented customer wishes. For the first time, the luggage compartment cover can be stowed away in a specially designed compartment under the trunk floor in just a few simple steps. That’s extremely practical!”

While Dominic removes the child seat from the rear bench to stow more equipment, he explains: “The Audi Q5 is also an absolute family vehicle.” He gestures to the mounting points. “A child seat can be fixed onto the two outer seats of the rear bench as well as the front passenger seat – and we even offer this as standard.” Other practical features include a larger storage compartment under the center armrest and numerous smaller storage areas for sunglasses, keys, and other everyday items. An inductive, cooled charging tray with 15 watts of power in the front center console, as well as two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear, supply power to smartphones and other devices. The ports can even optionally output up to 100 watts – enough to conveniently charge a tablet or notebook.

Over hill and dale with air suspension and adaptive damper control

Dominic pulls his sunglasses out of the storage compartment and sets off toward the mountainous hinterland of Málaga – but first the Audi Q5 drives out of the parking lot on electric power. “Audi stands for ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’. That’s why we now use the new, efficient and powerful MHEV plus in every unit of the Audi Q5. Thanks to a small component on the transmission, the so-called powertrain generator, we not only reduce consumption, but also enable partially electric driving.”

We drive through picturesque landscapes. The Audi assistant makes it easy to access information about the towns and places of interest along the route. The learning voice assistant can also be used to control numerous vehicle functions, such as the temperature. The AI-supported digital assistant is integrated into the vehicle and is represented for the first time by an avatar in the central touch display of the MMI and in the head-up display.

We make a stop off the paved road to hop on the mountain bike. On the way, Dominic adjusts the suspension to suit the characteristics of the route. He explains: “The adaptive air suspension provides a good balance between comfort and sportiness. I can easily set the appropriate modes using Audi drive select and, for example, raise the vehicle by around 30 millimeters in off-road mode, or even as much as 45 millimeters at low speeds.”

Safe and stylish nighttime driving with cutting-edge lighting technology

It is now early evening, and the sun is slowly sinking into the horizon. With the new Matrix LED headlights, the Audi Q5 makes its way safely through the onset of dusk and the impending night. We make a short stop at the hotel before heading into town for dinner. Now the interior lighting of the Audi Q5 really comes into its own. It showcases the clearly designed interior even in the dark, and the combination of contour and ambient lighting creates the right mood. The standard progressive steering helps as we maneuver through the narrow streets of Málaga.

After dinner, Dominic parks the car back at the hotel. It has been a beautiful and eventful day. He takes a last look at the Audi Q5 as it bids us farewell with the dynamic lighting display of the Coming Home function. With its 266 segments, the second-generation digital OLED rear lights generate a new image several times per second using a specially developed algorithm. Dominic concludes: “The Audi Q5 is simply fun to drive, whether as your practical everyday companion or as an all-rounder for your holiday.”

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi sets its sights on greater speed with a more efficient organization and less complexity. The prelude to this was the introduction of the matrix organization and the strengthening of the model series structure at the beginning of the year. Now, another important step is to follow: Audi will bundle its transformation functions in the new organizational unit “Transformation, Consulting, and Organization.” Yvonne Bettkober, who was most recently responsible for the global organizational development and transformation of Volkswagen AG and CARIAD, will head the unit.

The Audi Board of Management is currently implementing a series of extensive changes within the company in order to optimally confront the intensified economic conditions and heightened competitive pressure, as well as to strengthen the company’s position on the global market. The aim is clear: to structurally realign the entire organization, reduce costs, increase productivity and innovation, and thus improve and secure competitiveness.

“We are driving forward this realignment of Audi with the Audi Agenda, and in doing so are preparing the company for the future. In this next step, we are consolidating central functions in the new department ‘Transformation, Consulting, and Organization.’ This will help us to further accelerate implementation of the course we have set,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner.

In the Audi Agenda, the Board of Management has defined a clear vision for the company. In pursuit of that vision, the organization is focusing more intensely on products and customer needs. Over the past 18 months, Audi has already taken several measures to strengthen profitability and innovation and become faster, for example by significantly streamlining committees and by introducing the matrix organization as a company-wide model for collaboration. After starting with Technical Development and the model series, the reorganization of other areas is already underway. The overarching goal is to accelerate decision-making and strengthen the company’s innovative power with a strong focus on customer needs.

New organizational unit consolidates transformation functions

To ensure a successful, comprehensive corporate transformation, Audi is bundling all key management functions for the realignment in the new department “Transformation, Consulting, and Organization” with effect from March 1, 2025. Heading this new unit is Yvonne Bettkober, who brings with her more than 20 years of international management experience. Gernot Döllner stated: “With Yvonne Bettkober, we are gaining a manager who is as adept as she is experienced. With her background in the international technology and digital industry, she will add valuable perspectives that we need right now in the transformation of Audi.” Bettkober has worked for companies such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, among others. Most recently, she was responsible for the worldwide organizational development and transformation of Volkswagen AG and its software subsidiary CARIAD.

Yvonne Bettkober said: “The current challenges call for quick action and short lines of decision-making. I look forward to contributing my experience to help unleash the potential and power of the Audi team.”

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

1. Audi A6 Avant e-tron performance: Electric power consumption (combined): 17.0–14.8 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions (combined): 0 g/km; CO2 class: A

2. Audi A6 Sportback e-tron performance: Combined electric power consumption in kWh/100 km (62.1 mi): 15.9-14.0; combined CO2 emissions in g/km (g/mi): 0 (0) CO2-class: A

The new Audi A6 Avant is more dynamic, efficient, and digital than ever. It stands for first-class travel like no other vehicle in the premium full size class. Modern gasoline and diesel engines increase performance and reduce CO2 emissions thanks to the mild hybrid technology MHEV plus. On long journeys and in the city, the adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering ensure a high level of driving comfort and agile handling in equal measure. The outstanding drag coefficient of 0.25 – the best value of an Audi Avant with a combustion engine – means high efficiency and demonstrates the perfect interplay of form and function. The exterior reflects the vehicle’s sporty, elegant character and gives the A6 Avant a striking presence with new digital lighting technology. The model also impresses with its intuitive and systematically user-oriented operating and infotainment concept with Audi MMI panoramic display and front passenger display.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner: “We are writing the next chapter in our Avant history: The new Audi A6 unites an elegant and dynamic design with exceptional aerodynamics. Efficient yet high‑performance drive systems and cutting-edge suspension technology combine sportiness with a high level of comfort, making traveling in the A6 a first-class experience.” With this model, the company is also continuing its major product initiative that began in 2024. The modernization and rejuvenation of the product portfolio is part of the Audi Agenda, with which Audi is positioning itself for the future in the face of intensified competition. “With the A6, we are now renewing an important model series,” said Döllner.

The perfect interplay: design and aerodynamics

With its reduced design language, the A6 Avant conveys a functional and timeless character. This is reflected in both its design and the aerodynamics, which boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25 – the best value of a combustion-engine Avant at Audi.

In addition to the large air curtains and controllable cool-air intakes at the front, the striking roof spoiler and aerodynamic panels on the sides of the rear window are the main contributors to this achievement in aerodynamics. 

The sporty rear with eye-catching diffuser embodies typical Avant characteristics. Paired with the quattro blisters powerfully emerging from the shoulder area and the wide track, the rear accentuates the model’s dynamic design. At the same time, its long wheelbase and extended hood embody elegance and round off the perfect proportions of the A6 Avant.

Economical and powerful: MHEV plus technology

The MHEV plus mild hybrid technology drives play a key role in the outstanding driving experience. In addition to the 2.0 TDI four-cylinder with 150 kW (204 PS)1, the 3.0 TFSI six‑cylinder with 270 kW (367 PS)2 also features this type of partial electrification. The MHEV plus system supports the combustion engine, increases performance and driving comfort, and reduces carbon emissions. The system consists of three main components: a 48-volt battery, the belt alternator starter (BAS), and the powertrain generator (PTG) with integrated power electronics. The PTG enables fully electric parking and maneuvering. The A6 Avant also runs on electric power when driving slowly in the city, in slow-moving traffic, or outside city limits when coasting to the next village. Furthermore, the PTG produces additional torque up to 230 Newton meters and up to 18 kW (24 PS) of power when starting off or overtaking. When decelerating, the PTG can recover up to 25 kW of energy.

A synthesis of sportiness and comfort: the chassis and steering

The new A6 Avant perfects the synthesis of sportiness and comfort thanks in part to optional features such as all-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension, the latter of which regulates body height and shock absorption. Moreover, the quattro sport differential ensures even greater agility.

The standard progressive steering of the new A6 Avant now responds even more directly. Compared to its predecessor, the entire path from the steering wheel to the wheels is designed to be stiffer. This includes the torsion bar, the rigidly bolted steering rack, and the stiffer control arm bushings. Camber on the front axle has also been slightly increased. All in all, these measures result in a noticeably improved steering response and more feedback from the road, which, in combination with the high-performance drive, leads to precise and light-footed handling.

All-wheel steering is available as an option in conjunction with quattro all-wheel drive. It works with a dynamic function whose reaction speed has been improved even further. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. The car is thus more agile in city traffic and in tight curves, and the turning circle is reduced by up to one meter. At medium and higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction, enabling stable and even more precise handling.

Superior comfort with digital functions: the interior

The interior also ensures first-class travel with its generous space and state-of-the-art technology. The operating concept puts the driver first and, thanks to the panoramic and passenger displays, takes the digital experience to a new level. Personalization plays a major role here – including in the lighting. The driver can choose from seven digital light signatures at the front and rear. Active segments that intelligently brighten and dim visibly showcase the innovative technology, especially in combination with the second-generation digital OLED rear lights. They create a strong recognition value while also increasing road safety. Digital lighting technology – an essential part of Audi DNA – thus contributes to a comfortable and safe driving experience.

The feel-good factor is further enhanced by numerous first-rate features, including the adjustable panoramic glass roof. It amplifies the generous sense of space and allows the driver to switch between a light-flooded interior and effective shading. The premium sound system with 3D sound from Bang & Olufsen guarantees an outstanding sound experience, with speakers in the front headrests providing customized listening enjoyment. The basis for this is the sophisticated aeroacoustics and overall vehicle acoustics, which are at the highest level thanks to improved sound insulation, among other factors. Additionally, the optional four-zone automatic climate control package enables a particularly high level of climate comfort for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers. The optional air quality package includes an ionizer and fine dust sensor, which improve air quality in the interior.

Starting at 58,000 euros: launch and pricing

Orders for the new Audi A6 Avant can be placed as of March 2025. The entry-level engine TFSI 150 kW will start at 58,000 euros. The 2.0 TDI with MHEV plus technology will start at 61,700 euros. The first vehicles will be delivered to customers at the end of May 2025.

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com

Audi Tradition is presenting a special chapter in Audi history with a new exhibition at the Audi Forum Neckarsulm: the company’s rise to the upper mid-size range with the Audi 100. Running until April 30, a total of 17 exhibits from eight generations of the C model series, starting with the Audi 100 from 1968, await visitors on the second floor of the Audi Forum.

Over the course of its four model generations, the Audi 100 won the Golden Steering Wheel five times, the title “Car of the Year” twice, and was named “World Car of the Year” by automotive journalists once. The model series’ success is underscored by the 3.2 million Audi 100s that were sold in total. The premiere of the first Audi 100 in 1968 was preceded by an exciting story, as its development began in secret. Volkswagenwerk AG took over Auto Union GmbH in the mid-1960s and prohibited the Ingolstadt-based company from developing new models. Ludwig Kraus, Technical Director of Auto Union at the time, ignored the order to only work on existing models. He wanted to add a mid-range model to the Audi brand, which had only been reintroduced in 1965 with the first Audi produced after the Second World War. At a time when VW Beetles were rolling off the production line at the Ingolstadt plant, Kraus saw this as the only chance of survival for an independent Auto Union. His courage was rewarded, and he received the green light from Wolfsburg for his Audi 100 study. Production started in 1968, and capacity limits were very quickly reached in Ingolstadt. The Audi 100 production therefore moved to the Neckarsulm plant in 1970. The company sold 800,000 cars with the very first series. Three further generations followed and proved Audi’s claim of Vorsprung durch Technik with numerous innovations such as the fully galvanized body, optimized aerodynamics, and highly efficient engines.

Since 1994, the Audi A6 has continued the success story of the Audi 100. Nine variants of the Audi 100 and eight of the Audi A6 are on display in Neckarsulm, with the exhibition rounded off by an Audi RS 6 Avant GT1) from 2024. According to curator Stefan Felber, each of the 17 vehicles is distinguished by a special characteristic. In addition to the “first one,” which founded the ancestry line, visitors will also get to know a “globetrotter,” “a feat of spaciousness,” a “long one,” a “sloping one,” a “connected one,” and the “supreme one” – the latter is the Audi RS 6 Avant GT, which concludes the almost 60-year model series history on display. But, as we know, the model series’ success story will soon be continued with its ninth generation – the new Audi A6 Avant will be revealed to the world on March 4 at 2 p.m.

Audi Forum Neckarsulm
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission; guided tours of the exhibition available. The Audi Forum Neckarsulm is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. For further information, please see Guest Services | Audi Forum Neckarsulm.

1. Audi RS 6 Avant GT:Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (62.1 mi): 12.7-12.2 (18.5-19.3 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 289-277 (465.1–445.8 g/mi

Article source: www.audi-mediacenter.com