Audi Q5 review

The Audi Q5 is refined and comfortable, simply other SUV rivals offer a bit more involvement and agility

The Audi Q5 is only in its 2d generation, but it is firmly established as one of the most popular premium SUVs on the market - it's a very solid rival for the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.

The Q5 shares chassis parts with the larger Q7, too as the highly regarded Audi A4. It offers a comfy, refined driving experience, but doesn't quite match the X3 or Jaguar F-Pace for driver involvement. It compensates for this with a supremely well finished cabin, though, and numberless of safety technology and hi-tech equipment, including some of the best infotainment packages available on any car.

Nearly the Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is ane of the almost popular premium SUVs for sale today, and should be on your shortlist if you lot're looking to buy or lease a classy family 4x4. The second generation arrived in 2016, with a facelifted model in 2020 bringing further styling and tech tweaks.

The 2.0-litre diesel will be a fine choice as a rapid family SUV. The 2.0-litre petrol isn't bad, with enough of ability, but it'southward non exactly inexpensive to run and feels a bit frantic for a big SUV like this; it's worth going for 1 of the excellent plug-in hybrid models, if you can afford it.

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The standard combustion-engined Q5 and coupe-SUV styled Sportback model include Sport, S line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung trim levels, while the Q5 TFSI east plug-in hybrid adds a further Competition specification.

With prices starting from just under £44,000, the Audi Q5 is right in the mix of the premium SUV form. Its master rivals are the BMW X3, Jaguar F-Pace, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes GLC, while other cars worth because include the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Lexus NX and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Where the Audi Q5 impresses is with its interior quality. Like all Audis, there's a solidity and premium feel that puts it above its chief rivals. And with all cars getting sabbatum-nav, LED interior lighting, leather seats (heated up front), three-zone climate command and Audi's MMI infotainment organization, you're not short of kit. However, college-spec cars add even more than equipment, and there'due south still an extensive options list that tin bump up prices further.

The standard car is offered with either a 261bhp ii.0-litre petrol engine, badged 45 TFSI quattro, or a 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel unit labelled 40 TDI quattro. Those with deeper pockets tin can opt for the Q5 TFSI eastward plug-in hybrid version which brings power outputs of 295bhp (50 TFSI e) or 362bhp (55 TFSI e). All cars utilise a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

The performance-orientated SQ5 uses a 3.0-litre diesel engine to produce 336bhp, with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

Overall, the Audi Q5 feels like a premium product, but despite the tweaks to this facelifted second-generation automobile, information technology doesn't actually stand out in any particular area to put it at the front of the hugely competitive premium SUV pack.

About the Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is ane of the most popular premium SUVs for sale today, and should be on your shortlist if you're looking to buy or charter a classy family 4x4. The second generation arrived in 2016, with a facelifted model in 2020 bringing further styling and tech tweaks.

The ii.0-litre diesel will be a fine pick every bit a rapid family SUV. The 2.0-litre petrol isn't bad, with plenty of power, but it'southward not exactly cheap to run and feels a bit frantic for a big SUV similar this; it'south worth going for 1 of the splendid plug-in hybrid models, if you can afford it.

The standard combustion-engined Q5 and coupe-SUV styled Sportback model include Sport, Southward line, Edition 1 and Vorsprung trim levels, while the Q5 TFSI eastward plug-in hybrid adds a further Contest specification.

With prices starting from just under £44,000, the Audi Q5 is correct in the mix of the premium SUV course. Its primary rivals are the BMW X3, Jaguar F-Step, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes GLC, while other cars worth considering include the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Lexus NX and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Where the Audi Q5 impresses is with its interior quality. Like all Audis, there's a solidity and premium feel that puts information technology above its main rivals. And with all cars getting sat-nav, LED interior lighting, leather seats (heated up forepart), three-zone climate control and Audi'south MMI infotainment organisation, you're not brusque of kit. However, college-spec cars add fifty-fifty more equipment, and at that place's all the same an extensive options list that tin bump up prices further.

The standard car is offered with either a 261bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, badged 45 TFSI quattro, or a 201bhp ii.0-litre diesel unit labelled xl TDI quattro. Those with deeper pockets can opt for the Q5 TFSI e plug-in hybrid version which brings ability outputs of 295bhp (50 TFSI east) or 362bhp (55 TFSI e). All cars apply a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox.

The performance-orientated SQ5 uses a iii.0-litre diesel engine to produce 336bhp, with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

Overall, the Audi Q5 feels like a premium production, simply despite the tweaks to this facelifted 2d-generation car, it doesn't actually stand out in whatsoever particular surface area to put it at the front of the hugely competitive premium SUV pack.

Used and nearly new

The first-generation Audi Q5 fabricated its debut in 2008 and was the showtime mid-size SUV from the German brand, following in the wake of the larger, seven-seat Q7. Using the aforementioned underpinnings that would eventually exist the basis for the Porsche Macan, the Q5 was automobile-like to drive with impressive refinement, condolement and practicality.

The original lasted nearly a decade in production, with simply a minor facelift 2012. Information technology was finally replaced by the Mk2 in 2016, which was slightly bigger merely essentially followed the aforementioned winning formula.

For the latest Audi Q5 prices check out our sister site buyacar.co.u.k.

Audi Q5 history

Audi Q5 Mk2: 2016 to nowadays

The latest Q5 is larger and more luxurious than its predecessor, but information technology retains the original's family-friendly approach and standard fit iv-wheel drive. There'south an even wider range of engines on over, including a petrol-powered SQ5 and even a plug-in hybrid. It can't quite match the class leaders for entertaining driving dynamics, but it's more comfortable than before and boasts enhanced refinement.

Audi Q5 Mk1: 2008 to 2016

The original Q5 proved an instant striking for Audi by distilling all the desirability of its larger Q7 model into a smaller and more affordable package. Quattro four-wheel drive was standard beyond the range, while the interior mixed elevation-notch quality and enough of practicality. At that place are a wide range of petrol and diesel engines to choose from, likewise equally a high-performance SQ5. This featured 3.0-litre V6 TDI and was the first Audi S model to characteristic a diesel engine. You lot can read our full Audi Q5 used buyer'due south guide here.

If you're thinking of ownership an Audi Q5, why not visit our sister site buyacar.co.uk for the latest deals...

Next Steps

Which Is Best

Cheapest

Proper name

40 TDI Quattro Sport 5dr S Tronic
Gearbox type

Semi-automobile
Toll

£44,175

Most Economic

Name

40 TDI Quattro Sport 5dr Due south Tronic
Gearbox type

Semi-auto
Toll

£44,175

Fastest

Name

SQ5 TDI Quattro 5dr Tiptronic
Gearbox type

Semi-motorcar
Toll

£56,860

In this review

ane
Verdict - currently reading The Audi Q5 is refined and comfortable, but other SUV rivals offer a bit more than involvement and agility
ii
Engines, functioning and drive Fantabulous cruising refinement, but despite a composed chassis and comfortable suspension, it's not the most involving drive
3
MPG, CO2 and Running Costs Lighter construction, 'on-demand' quattro four-wheel drive and revised engines should evangelize skillful efficiency
4
Interior, design and applied science The facelifted Q5 cabin remains smart, functional and beautifully finished, with improved levels of standard equipment
five
Practicality, condolement and boot infinite Comfort and visibility are first-rate, although the Q5'southward boot space is only average for the premium SUV grade
6
Reliability and Safety Audi has equipped the Q5 with enough of safety kit, while a potent NCAP rating provides peace of mind
7
Long term review Final report: plug-in hybrid Audi Q5 rocked our man's world for five months

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