Audi brings Q5 to SUV market after 2019 sales slide

Audi Korea is launching the Q5 45 TFSI Quattro premium large-size SUV in Korea. [AUDI KOREA]

Audi is bringing its best-selling premium SUV in Korea to gain an edge in the increasingly competitive segment.

The Korean unit of the German auto brand announced Wednesday that it is commencing the sales of two versions of the Q5 large-size SUV — the new Q5 45 TFSI Quattro and the Q5 45 TFSI Quattro Premium — next week. The two Q5 models will be available at local Audi showrooms starting next Wednesday.

The SUV comes at 4.865 meters (16 feet) in length, 1.9 meters in width and 1.67 meters in height. Audi Korea said the Q5 is equipped with advanced LED lamps that can provide better visibility for drivers while adding a sporty look.

The premium model equipped with 19-inch wheels is priced at 62.92 million won ($51,400), while the other with 18-inch wheels starts at 59.92 million won. For both versions, the Q5 will be equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.

The large SUV is rated at 252 horsepower and 37.7 kilogram-meters (273 pound-feet) in torque. The all-wheel drive car with fuel economy of 10.3 kilometers per liter (24.2 miles per gallon) is equipped with a system that can enhance fuel efficiency depending on driving conditions.

As a premium SUV, the Q5 has ventilated front seats, a leather-covered steering wheel and heated backseats. The car also comes with a six-channel 10-speaker sound system.

The Q5 SUV is equipped with collision avoidance warning and assist systems for all sides in addition to adaptive cruise control and parking assist features. The premium SUV supports a surround view display and comes with a 360-degree camera.

Audi Korea hopes the introduction helps drive a turnaround this year. According to data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association, the German car brand sold a total of 11,930 vehicles in Korea last year, down 4.2 percent from 12,450 units posted a year earlier.

BY KO JUN-TAE [ko.juntae@joongang.co.kr]