ABT unveils tuned Audi Q5 with up to 310hp at Essen
German tuner ABT has revealed its performance and styling package for the Audi Q5, offering up to 310hp and a full aerodynamics kit ahead of its Essen Motor Show debut.
ABT Sportsline has announced its new tuning package for the Audi Q5, with the official public debut set for the Essen Motor Show in late November 2008. The German tuning house has focused on both performance upgrades and a comprehensive styling kit, targeting buyers looking for more power and a more aggressive appearance from Audi's mid-size SUV.
Performance upgrades for petrol and diesel Q5s
ABT’s package covers both petrol and diesel variants. For the 2.0 TFSI petrol engine, customers can choose between two power levels: 190hp (140kW) or 240hp (177kW), up from the standard output. The 3.0 TDI diesel receives a more substantial boost, with options for 282hp (207kW) or a maximum of 310hp (228kW). These upgrades place the tuned Q5 well above the standard factory versions for outright power.
Buyers can also specify a new suspension kit, designed to work with or without Audi’s air suspension system. ABT offers a sports brake system with 380mm discs to match the increased performance. These mechanical changes are aimed at drivers seeking sharper handling and improved stopping power to complement the engine upgrades.
Aerodynamic kit and interior details
The exterior receives a full aerodynamics kit. This includes a new front skirt, front grille, rear skirt, rear wing, fender extensions and door strip attachments. The package is intended to give the Q5 a more assertive look in line with the extra performance. ABT’s styling is recognisable from its other Audi projects, and the Q5 follows in the same vein.
Inside, ABT swaps the original floor mats for a set of four velour mats with the company’s logo embroidered. Aluminium pedals and a matching foot rest complete the interior upgrades, adding a subtle motorsport-inspired touch.
Position in the performance SUV market
The ABT Audi Q5 arrives as premium SUVs gain popularity among tuners and buyers seeking more than factory performance. While Audi would later introduce its own high-performance Q5 variants, in 2008 ABT’s offering gave early adopters a route to extra power and bespoke styling. For those interested in more recent ABT Q5 projects, the company’s later SQ5 TDI upgrade pushed the envelope even further, as covered inour report on the 360hp Audi SQ5 TDI upgrade.
