quattro All-wheel Drive with Ultra-Technology
The Q5 50 TFSI e marks the first time that Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive with ultratechnology is used in combination with an electric motor. The all-wheel drive intelligent control system works predictively, always looking ahead by means of sensors and the continuous analysis of the data collected during driving. The quattro all-wheel drive system is thus always ready when needed. At low loads and a sufficient coefficient of friction between the wheels and the road surface, the transmission of power to the rear wheels is deactivated. The drivetrain then functions with high efficiency as a front-wheel drive system. All-wheel drive is deactivated whenever it is not needed, but it always remains available. Fast, automatic activation of the all-wheel drive system follows a three-stage strategy: proactive, predictive, and reactive. By networking quattro drive with Audi drive select, drivers can adjust not just the character of the engine, but also the all-wheel-drive properties to suit their individual preferences.
Driver modes and the updated predictive efficiency assistant
Particularly quiet and with zero local emissions when in full electric mode, high range on longdistance trips with the combined power of the combustion engine and the electric motor, the Audi Q5 50 TFSI e quattro intelligently manages several versatile drive modes. The concept is designed so that customers can do the lion’s share of their daily driving electrically.
The predictive efficiency assistant (PEA) adjusts coasting recuperation behaviour to the situation at hand. It uses the predictive route data from the navigation database and monitors the distance to the vehicle ahead using signals from the camera and radar. Depending on the situation, the system chooses predictively between freewheeling with the engine switched off and coasting recuperation, i.e. the recovery of kinetic energy and its conversion into electrical energy. When the adaptive cruise control (ACC) is active, the PEA supports the driver by automatically braking and accelerating with the aim of enhancing efficiency and comfort. If the driver is driving without ACC, however, a haptic signal from the active accelerator pedal and a visual signal in the cockpit and head-up display indicate the proper time to let off the accelerator to use as much kinetic energy as possible. At the same time, symbols in the cockpit indicate the reason for the reduction in speed. There are indicators for: speed limits, town signs, curves and downhill slopes, traffic circles, intersections, highway exits and traffic ahead.