The Audi Q5 line-up is simple, unlike some manufacturers today that offer endless choices for engines and trim levels. If you’re based in America, you have one engine, a 2.0-litre 268 bhp, and three trim choices.
If you’re from the distant land that enjoys Earl Grey tea and crumpets, then there are three trim levels and two engines: a petrol and a diesel, both with significantly less power than the American counterparts.
Audi Q5 What’s New?
This is the third-generation Audi Q5, and it’s quite a handsome thing, but some of its design cues can be seen in budget alternatives like the MG HS. Its large hexagonal grille, flanked by LED headlights, and chunky air intakes emit an aggressive stance.
Inside is similar to the A5 and A6, lots of screens and plastic. The central touchscreen is 14.5 inches and shares the same sheet of glass with the 11.9-inch touchscreen, giving a seamless effect. Fork out for higher trim levels, and you’ll get a heads-up display and a nifty passenger screen.
What’s The Audi Q5 Like To Drive?
My loaner was the 2.0-litre diesel, which feeds 201 bhp and 295lb ft through all four wheels via a silky seven-speed automatic transmission. 0-62 mph arrives in 7.4 seconds, and it’ll hit 140 mph if given enough room.
Drag racing aside, which isn’t the Q5’s forte, it’s most at home in the mid-range as most torque arrives at a lowly 1,750rpm, meaning overtaking is fairly effortless. Likewise, at 70 mph, the Q5 is quiet and refined with little wind and engine noise entering the cabin.
And, quattro four-wheel drive remains the bee’s knees regarding traction; the wet roads caked in slippery leaves around the backroads near my home were an easy task for the Q5.
Again, quattro also helps navigate the 2.5-tonne Audi around sharper bends; it’s not nearly as fun to drive as a BMW X3 in the twisties, but it does a fine job at making you smile. Still, I didn’t notice much difference between the various drive modes.
As you’d expect from an SUV, the Q5 offers a lofty driving position with plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment to support all shapes and sizes of drivers. There’s also heaps of room in the back for six-footers, and the boot is decent at 520 litres; however, if a large boot is vital, then perhaps consider the BMW X3, which offers 570 litres or the Mercedes-Benz GLC, offering 620 litres.
At week’s end, the Audi Q5 TDI returned a 40.5 mpg average, with most runs returning around mid to high 30s.
Audi Q5 Verdict
It’s been around for a while now, and like the Kia Sportage, the Q5 is a decent all-rounder. It combines strong performance, a good balance of ride and handling, clever tech, and decent economy.
However, it’s quite expensive, with the entry-level car costing £52,260, and I’m not so sure that the interior quality justifies the price tag. Still, the Audi Q5 is miles ahead of the latest Range Rover Velar in this field, despite it falling short in comfort.