#LAAutoShow: Quick Peek At The All-New Q5 — Two Thumbs UP Or Should Audi Have Gone More BOLD?

It's safe to say that some automakers have been playing it conservatively when it comes to design. While Mercedes-Benz has been exploring an all-new look while keeping its product portfolio in line, Audi and BMW have been making small evolutionary changes.

We're not so sure how this strategy will play out but if we were betting we'd say it's a losing move.

LA Auto Show

I must admit though when I saw the all-new A4 in the flesh I was pleasantly surprised. That's because the all-new A4 was an improved design that is more mature. While the exterior received a nip/tuck that would perceived as minimal to the everyday citizen, the interior is all-new and a BIG step forwards.

It seems like Audi took the same approach with the all-new Q5.

What do YOU make of this? Does Audi get two thumbs UP for this move, or do YOU think the company should have went more BOLD in its design decision?


The LA Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.

LA Auto Show

MDarringer - 11/23/2016 9:01:17 PM

+1 Boost

Handsome but not enough forward progress stylistically.

GermanNut - 11/25/2016 9:42:59 AM

+2 Boost

I disagree. Audi's current Q5 design was good enough to make it the best-selling SUV in its class. Clearly, buyers were receptive to its design. Therefore, I don't see why Audi would make drastic changes to a formula that has proven to be a hit with buyers.

Audi did just enough with the new Q5 to keep it fresh without introducing a bold design that is a huge departure from the current model and could therefore alienate current customers. The new model is more efficient, weighs less and has a lot more technology but still looks similar to the existing model - which buyers have proven to love.

TheSteve - 11/23/2016 9:36:36 PM

+3 Boost

I'm not caring for the general styling theme Audi has adopted across the board. With this vehicle specifically, the headlights and taillight look like they're from a Volkswagen parts bin. The exterior just doesn't say "luxury" to me. I'd be applauding it if it were a VW, though.

Considering the first-gen Q5 was the best-selling vehicle in its class (luxury midsize SUV, >1.5M units sold), and considering the price of the new model is rumored to have done way up, I believe Audi won't be holding that distinction with this 2nd-Gen model.

TheSteve - 11/24/2016 11:52:00 PM

+2 Boost

Speaking of "bold", I gotta say, Porsche does not make "bold" designs. They don't change things up frequently. They stay true to styling that might be argued to be "old" by some, and is surely evolving very, very slowly.

And yet, I must also say, no matter which Porsche I look at in a dealer's showroom, I must conclude that it looks gorgeous, and I'd be a happy camper to own one.

I mention this to point out that while some folks are focused intently on new, and different, and bold, there's a lot to be said for "simply gorgeous."

MDarringer - 11/25/2016 11:31:19 AM

-2 Boost

Porsche does ridiculous caricatures of the 1963 911 which is as idiotic as VW making every product it produces look like a Type I from Hitler's era.

Of the Germans, only Mercedes "gets" that people what true style. BMW, Audi, and Porsche are mired in endless derivatives of their self-imposed design stasis.

MDarringer - 11/25/2016 6:36:15 PM

-1 Boost

@BobM, may I interest you in a Giulia or a Ghibli?

MDarringer - 11/27/2016 2:04:04 PM

+1 Boost

@BobM it's "ALFA" not "Alpha". For your education, it stands for: "Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili".

knowitall1985 - 11/25/2016 11:54:04 AM

+2 Boost

Man that grill is big.....

malba2367 - 11/25/2016 4:11:38 PM

+2 Boost

This car will sell very well. It is a very handsome design in a very conservative segment of the market. I wish they were more bold wit the a4/5, bit this is the right design for the market.

malba2367 - 11/25/2016 4:16:12 PM

+4 Boost

@mdarringer the Porsche 911 is an iconic style. Each generation of the 911 looks amazing, yet it is instantly recognizable. The styling of this particular vehicle is not derivative or stagnant...it is more difficult to maintain this type of styling that just to totally redesign the vehicle every 6 or 7 years.

CarCrazedinCali - 11/26/2016 3:52:14 PM

+1 Boost

I find it disappointing. The grill from the prologue concept never excited me and it is sad to see it here plus the protrusion of it (3d crap) is off-putting.

MDarringer - 11/27/2016 2:04:56 PM

+1 Boost

The grille of the prologue is a dumb caricature of the played-out Audi grille. It's what I'd expect from a German Oldsmobile.