The Q5 has been Audi’s bestseller since 2008, so it makes sense that the brand is reinventing the luxury compact SUV to keep it in the game. This time, the new-generation model brings the kind of upgrade you actually spot in the design and feel in your seat.
The bodywork has improved, and so have the powertrains and electronic systems, which are strong factors that appeal to the primary audience of the nameplate. Here’s a breakdown of what the all-new Audi Q5 brings to the road.
More Horses Under the Hood
Audi equipped the new Q5 with a standard 2.0L turbocharged I-4 that kicks out 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, about 67hp more than the previous model. This makes 0-60 mph possible in 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph. Petrol and diesel-powered options are offered, and an even more powerful plug-in hybrid may join the lineup later to spice things up. For what it’s worth, a 362 hp Sportback variant is already available for drivers who want extra flair.
To Audi’s credit, the Q5 impresses with its ride quality, thanks to the AWD system, seven-speed dual clutch, and an adaptive Air Suspension that adjusts the height as needed. No complaints here, except that going full throttle makes it louder than you would expect from a luxury oil burner, at least per Audi standards. It posts an EPA-estimated 22-30/25 mpg, which is great for an MHEV powertrain, but we expect the numbers to drop a bit, depending on drive modes.
A Familiar Profile with Fresh Elements
The Audi Q5 exterior is more of a refinement than a redesign. Audi retained the same balanced dimensions to keep the SUV compact enough to sit five and back into tight spaces comfortably. However, while the design stayed the same, there’s so much that changed. The front fascia now wears a single-frame grille and a more angular mesh pattern.
Slimmer LED and full-width OLED lights adorn the front and rear, respectively, and the sleek roofline improves its SUV appeal. Add the 20-inch wheels and crisp lines running across the body, and the Q5 looks like a sportier version of itself.
Spacious Cabin and A Luxury Touch
The Audi Q5 interior makes many other SUVs in its class look outdated. It features a lovely collection of screens, including a digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a smaller passenger display, where the co-pilot can handle navigation and music duties. Adding to the plush interior are rich leather and suede materials, plus some bits of plastic in the mix. The optional sunroof and new gear selector toggle (rather than a shift lever) give the inside an airy atmosphere.
Plenty of room to stretch out in the 40/20/40 split-folding chairs, and some improvement on cargo space. Sure, we’ve seen more on the Subaru Outback (75.6 cubic ft.), for example, but the Q5’s 56.9 cubic ft is enough for camping gear, and 27.6 cubic ft behind the second row is right for a weekend getaway.
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A Tool for Everything
The infotainment system uses Android Automotive OS and connects with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so you can control your music, videos, maps, and calls with ease. Screen response is fast, and it rewards every tap with a satisfying sensation. But if you’re not a fan of screen-gazing, you can control your media from the buttons mounted on the steering wheel. Other interesting tools are the Audi AI assistant and remote mobile app.
Driver-assist features include Adaptive Cruise Assist, emergency braking, and standard lane-departure warning. On top of that, there is the Attention Assist, a smart feature you’ll hardly need, but is at hand to alert you if you ever zone out behind the wheel.
Trims and Pricing
$52,500 for the entry trim feels like a steal, compared to, say, the Range Rover Velar with a higher starting price but fewer offerings on its base trim. The Q5’s Premium trim gets you comfort and quality everyday ride, to be fair, but you will miss out on the tech upgrades that make the SUV luxurious.
For $4,000 more, however, the Premium Plus gives you a better all-around luxury package: ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, and bigger wheels to go. It also comes equipped with the Bang and Olufsen audio system, and the steering wheel is adjustable, which are impressive additions for a mid-level trim.
Considering practical city ride and advanced tech, the Premium Plus is the best buy on the lineup, but if extra features like ventilated seats and air suspension are must-haves, you will find them on the exclusive Prestige trim.
All-New Audi Q5 Vs Rivals
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW X3 outsold the Q5 last year despite their higher price tags. Audi will expect this new model to reposition the nameplate in the luxury compact SUV class with its sharp looks and improved power. Lined up with Lexus NX, for example, which has similar engine options, the Q5 still comes out on top with 268 hp.
However, offering the same petrol and diesel powertrains across all trim levels makes the price bump a bit harder to take, and might have buyers longing for the livelier V6 on the SQ5. In addition, the Q5 leads with passenger and cargo space, and there’s some more functional storage room for small items on the door and around the center console.
Final Thoughts
The German automaker brings some engineering excellence to play yet again with the all-new Q5. You will feel the luxury in the interior, no doubt, but the road attitude is rather just satisfactory on the base model. Whether that’s enough or not depends on who is asking.
For practical Audi buyers, the Q5 offers all you’d expect of a compact SUV. It’s got a functional cabin that keeps everything within the driver’s reach. All passengers have enough room to enjoy a comfy in-city ride, and there’s minimal body roll, thanks to the air suspension. All factors considered, the Q5 is now a stronger contender in its class.
