Star of high-end SUVs, the second generation of Audi Q5 appeared at the beginning of 2017. Six years later, is the German still in the game?
Yes, the Q5 is still up to date
Everything always starts with an aesthetic approach. And for that, despite its relatively advanced age, the Audi Q5 still knows how to show off.
He also took advantage of a restyling at the end of 2020 ; its imposing grille, its ribbed sides and its charisma always seduce. And some of its competitors – BMW X3 – have about as many years in the catalog.
With the same mechanical proposals, the Q5 has also been available, since 2021, in a Sportback version, with a receding profile and a more dynamic appearance.
The relative age of the Q5 does nothing to improve ergonomics. On board, everything seems obviousthe controls fall naturally to hand and the features related to driving, entertainment or well-being remain easy to understand.
Even equipment accessible only from the 10.1-inch touchscreen is intuitive. The driving position is idealthe remarkable finish and the soundproofing.
The driver can also enjoy an elegant and functional digital panel that can be configured as counters. In back, the seat slides in two partss, the space is sufficient for adults and the trunk has a capacity of 550 litres. In short, the Q5 does not make a false note.
The copy remains excellent on the driving side. Approval responds present, with a perfectly healthy temperament and considerable driving comfortespecially with the optional air-controlled suspension (€2,040).
Systematically fitted with all-wheel drive (except 35 TDI, traction), the Q5 can be enjoyed with six engines, including two rechargeable hybrids called 50 TFSI e and 55 TFSI e.
Of their petrol and electric motors, they combine 299 and 367 hp respectivelywith an electric range of around 50 kilometres.
The German can also have a 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 265 hp, in the 45 TFSI version, and two diesel engines of 163 (35 TDI) and 204 hp (40 TDI).
If some drivers consider diesels to be outdated, this type of engine retains real advantages, especially with large rollers, thanks to contained average consumption (7 l/100 km during our tests) and great autonomy.
And the offer is becoming scarce on the side of the competition. It is also in diesel that Audi has declined the SQ5 version, whose V6 TDI develops 341 hp.
No, this Audi SUV shows the weight of the years…
Invest 54 910 € minimum in a vehicle that can almost be considered at the end of its life (it should be replaced in 2024) can be surprising.
Especially since the bill systematically climbs because of a penalty for thermal versions, ranging from 1,276 to 10,011 € in diesel. It’s worse on the 45 TFSI, faced with a malus oscillating between 16,149 and 22,781 €, and whose sales are therefore becoming very rare.
Too bad also that Audi commits a few odds on the equipment side. The reversing camera, now standard on some Dacias, is displayed as an option at €530 in the Design finish, while active lane support also requires an extension (€740).
Automatic headlight/dipped beam switching remains also optional (190 €) on the access versions, just like the Isofix fixings (100 €)!
On board the Q5, we regret a small lack of storage and, at the wheel, this large SUV remains less dynamic than a BMW X3.
Finally, a detour through the competition can also invite reflection, especially at Lexus and Volvo, where the NX and XC60 have assets and a surplus of originality.
WE love
- Habitability and presentation
- Driving comfort and road services
- Wide mechanical range
We love less
- Salty price
- Detour through the options recommended
- Advanced age
RANGE (Audi Q5)
- Petrol: 265 hp, from €60,200
- Diesel: from 163 to 341 hp, from €54,910
- Plug-in hybrid: 299 to 367 hp, from €65,210
Specs (Audi Q5)
- Weight (kg): from 1,810
- Lxlxh (m) : 4,68×1,89×1,66
- Wheelbase (m): 2.82
- Tank (l): 70 (54 in PHEV)
- Chest at 5 (l): 550
AUDI Q5 : THE RIVALS
- Mercedes GLC
- Lxlxh (m) : 4,67×1,89×1,64
- Trunk (l): 550
- 197 + 23 hp (diesel), from €60,700
- BMW X3
- Lxlxh (m) : 4,71×1,89×1,68
- Trunk (l): 550
- From 184 to 510 hp, from €54,700
- Lexus NX
- Lxlxh (m) : 4,66×1,87×1,64
- Trunk (l): 545
- From 182 to 309 hp, from €57,000
Audi news, seen by auto-moto.com:
Audi Q7: surprise, a second restyling in preparation!
New Audi A3: discover all the details of its restyling exclusively
Audi Q5: the third generation already in testing
