2022 Audi Q5 pricing and specs detailed: New diesel engine arrives to undercut BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC

Audi Australia has a new entry point to its popular Q5 luxury SUV range, with the 35 TDI Special Edition arriving to undercut the competition.

One of three new Special Edition variants to land, the 35 TDI uses a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, outputting 120kW/370Nm to the front wheels.

Priced at $68,350 before on-road costs, the Special Edition is $4350 more affordable than the previous base Q5 – the $72,700 40 TDI quattro.

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Price rise alert! Audi just made ALL its cars more expensive in Australia for 2022 Diesel decline! Get in quick if you want a diesel SUV or passenger car because there aren't many left Audi Australia draws level with Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Volvo, Jaguar Land Rover and Genesis with new five-year warranty for A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8 and e-tron

The 35 TDI will also be a permanent fixture to the Audi Q5 line-up going forward, though the non-Special Edition pricing is yet to be revealed.

Of note, the 35 TDI Special Edition is, what Audi is claiming, the most fuel-efficient diesel SUV in Australia thanks to a 12-volt mild-hybrid system and start-stop technology, and with a 70-litre tank, “allows a theoretical driving range of over 1400km”.

Standard equipment in the Q5 35 TDI Special Edition includes 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, electronic tailgate, leather-appointed interior, electronically controlled front seats, tri-zone climate control and ambient lighting.

Handling multimedia duties is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, and an eight-speaker sound system.

On the safety front, the new Q5 is equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, exit warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitor and eight airbags.

Special Edition versions are also available to the 40 TDI Sport and 45 TFSI Sport, which score unique 20-inch wheels, but lose out on a panoramic sunroof and phone box light “due to current restricted availability,” according to Audi.

As such, the Special Editions are positioned below the Sport grades, priced at $77,600 (-$1100) and $79,400 (-$1400) respectively.

For reference, the 40 TDI makes use of a 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, while the 45 TFSI is powered by a 183kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, however Audi is quoting a 140kW and 185kW output for the Special Editions.

2022 Audi Q5 Special Edition pricing before on-road costs