Audi Q5 Review 2024

September 2016

2017 Audi Q5 launched

More passenger space than predecessor. Rear seat back of the new Audi Q5 is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on rear seat position, basic volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610 litres, 10 litres more than in the previous model.

1,550 litres rear seats folded. Cargo loading simplified by standard power tailgate fitted, an optional variably folding mat, optional hands-free control of the power tailgate and manual lowering of the body via optional air suspension.

4,660mm long x 1,890mm wide x 1,660mm high on a 2,820mm wheelbase. Up to 90kg lighter. Low Cd of 0.30. Low wind noise.

The 2017 Audi Q5 initially comes with an EA288 manifold in head 2.0 TDI engine producing 190PS. Fuel consumption is significantly reduced compared to its predecessor. Second engine to arrive is an EA888 2.0 TFSI with an output of 252PS, up to 41.5mpg NEDC combined and 154g/km CO2. Third engine is a significantly revised 3.0 V6 TDI 3.0 TDI with 286PS and 620Nm torque.

The drivetrain is fully redeveloped including the 6-speed manual transmission and 7-speed dual wet clutch logitudinal S tronic (DL382 up to 400Nm; DL501 up to 600Nm). The S tronic has a driver controlled fuel-saving freewheel function.

The new quattro drivetrain with ultra technology is standard equipment for the 2.0 TDI 190PS, and for the 2.0 TFSI with 252PS. The quattro with ultra technology always disengages the rear-axle drive whenever it is not needed, and if necessary it can proactively re-engage it. The new concept boosts efficiency without reducing traction or driving dynamics.

For the V6 diesel, a rear sport differential is optional, distributing torque between the wheels as necessary, thereby providiing maximum driving dynamics. Torque vectoring gives handling a refined touch. The intelligent software solution always delivers a dynamic, precise and controllable driving experience.

The 2017 Audi Q5 is sporty while being extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspensions and also the new electromechanical power steering system. Dynamic steering is available as an option; it varies its gear ratio according to the driving speed and steering angle.

Buyers can choose from two extension stages of springs and damping. The chassis with damper control offers a very wide spread between comfort and dynamics, which the driver can select via Audi drive select. In addition to adjusting damper control, the new adaptive air suspension can be used to vary the ride height of the car body over five stages.

In the standard system, Audi drive select, which accesses various technical modules, the driver can select one of as many as seven driving modes. The two new modes, lift/offroad and allroad, emphasise the offroad character of the Audi Q5 optimally.

The new Audi SUV comes as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sport equipment line also comes with 18-inch wheels, and the S line package with 19-inch wheels. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available as options.

January 2017

Prices announced for 2017 Audi Q5

Starting at £37,170 for 2.0 TDI 190PS quattro SE and rising to £41,040 OTR for 252PS 2.0 TFSI quattro S line.

2.0TDI 190 offers up to 56.5mpg and 132g/km on NEDC lab test, depending on wheel size; 2.0TFSI 252 lab tested at 40.9mpg combined and 157g/km CO2. Extensively revised 3.0 TDI with 286PS and 620Nm torque available later.

For the V6 diesel, Audi offers an optional sport differential at the rear axle with torque vectoring that distributes torque between the wheels as necessary and thereby provides a maximum of driving dynamics.

The 2017 Audi SUV comes from the factory with 18-inch alloy wheels (SE and Sport), and the S line package with 19-inch wheels. Wheels up to 20 inches in diameter are available as options.

Standard equipment now includes Audi Smartphone Interface, Audi parking system plus and powered tailgate operation from SE entry model up. Audi drive select, heated front seats, acoustic windscreen, deluxe three-zone electronic climate control and pre-sense city collision prevention assistance also standard.

February 2017

Audi SQ5 unveiled

The SQ5 returns with an OTR price of £51,200. Charged with propelling 35kg less weight thanks in part to sophisticated new body architecture, the more powerful 354PS TFSI promises 5.4-second 0-62mph pace in the quattro all-wheel-driven figurehead without ruling out real world fuel efficiency.

The new 3.0-litre TFSI is the successor to the unit first used by the S4 and S5 performance flagships, and replaces its supercharger with a new twin-scroll turbocharger located within the 90-degree V of the cylinder banks that delivers even keener and stronger response. This is evident not only in the healthy 354PS power peak but also in the 500Nm of torque which remains available from 1370rpm right through to 4500rpm.

The new six-cylinder is also able to deliver up to 34mpg according to the NEDC test, equating to CO2 output of 189g/km of CO2 with the standard 20-inch ‘5 twin-spoke star’ alloy wheels on board. The engine’s 14kg weight advantage over its predecessor also works in favour of overall efficiency.

For even greater adjustability and agility a sport differential is also available on the options list. It actively distributes torque between the rear wheels via two superposition stages, helping to literally push the car into bends and to contain understeer. Its management is integrated into the Audi drive select control system.

Contrasting stitching on the leather steering wheel and sport seats create a dynamic and elegant ambiance. The S sport seats are upholstered in fine Nappa leather with diamond stitching and are electrically adjustable. Matt brushed aluminium inlays are standard and an exclusive carbon inlay is optionally available. Aluminium-look shift paddles enable the driver to quickly shift the tiptronic’s gears. The pedals and footrest are finished in stainless steel.

As standard, the SQ5 TFSI is fitted with the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus infotainment system with MMI all-in-touch and an 8.3-inch display. The system recognises handwritten input as well as touch gestures familiar from consumer electronics, such as zoom.

February 2019

Audi announces new Black Edition and Vorsprung models

Black Edition specification brings larger 19-inch or 20-inch (depending on model) alloy wheels in gloss black, a black styling pack adding a Matt Titanium Black or Gloss Titanium Black finish to components such as the Single Frame grille surround, air inlets, rear diffuser and door mirror housings, plus darkened rear privacy glass. Inside, decorative inlays receive the same darkening treatment and the addition of a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel emphasises the more sporting slant.

Expanding on the Black Edition specification, highlights of the Vorsprung models include an upgrade to 20-inch, 21-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels in either matt grey or matt titanium (depending on model), and to advanced Matrix LED headlights which can divert their beams around oncoming and leading traffic.

Prices for the Audi Q5 Black Edition and Vorsprung models are yet to be announced.

February 2019

SQ5 TDI version of Q5 announced

with 48v lithium-ion battery, electric compressor and mild hybrid drive. 3.0 V6TDI with 347HP and 700Nm torque. 8-speed torque converter auto and quattro 4WD. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. WLTP CO2 172g/km. 32.5 - 34.4mpg WLTP.

If the driver lifts off the accelerator at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph the new Audi SQ5 TDI can, depending on Audi drive select setting and driving situation, either recuperate, run at idle with the clutch disengaged or coast with the engine off for up to 40 seconds. Has 20-inch wheels with 255/45 tyres. Optional air suspension. 'Vorsprung' performance version.

May 2019

Audi Q5 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid announced

Uses EA888 2.0 litre petrol engine, plus electric motor. Develops 367PS and 500Nm of torque from just 1,250rpm. Capable of driving under electric power at up to 84mph for more than 26 miles. 0-60 in 5 seconds; top speed 148mph, 56g/km CO2 and 117.7mpg WLTP. Orders opened in June 2019, with prices starting at £54,900.

June 2020

Revealed: Facelifted Audi Q5 gains hybrid tech

A turbocharged 204PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel mild-hybrid engine is the only powertrain available from launch. The 40 TDI is equipped with a belt-integrated starter-generator for 12V mild-hybrid functionality. Audi claims 43.6-44.4mpg on the WLTP cycle.

Two additional variants of the 2.0-litre diesel with different power outputs will be added later in the year, alongside a diesel V6 and a two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. The TFSIe petrol-electric plug-in hybrid will also return to the range.

The official fuel economy improves upon the 37.2- 39.8mpg of the previous-generation Q5, meaning CO2 emissions have also lowered (to 139-143g/km). The engine is equipped with twin-dosing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for reduced NOx emissions, too.

Performance figures are slightly improved, with the Q5 capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 7.6sec and has a claimed top speed of 138mph, up from 135mph.

The updated model gets a reshaped front grille, reshaped bumper and redesigned LED lights that feature a new daytime-running light signature. The new bumper designs make it 19mm longer, at 4680mm. Inside, the Q5 features a new free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen with Audi’s MMI infotainment software. It ditches the rotary controller in favour of the touchscreen.

New OLED rear light tech allows owners to choose from a range of personalised lighting patterns. Three different signatures can be specified and the Q5’s rear lights are now also equipped with a proximity sensor as well - meaning they fully illuminate if another vehicle comes within two metres of the car’s rear bumper when it’s sat stationary.

UK pricing for the updated Q5 has yet to be confirmed, but the €48,700 price tage in Germany would suggest an equivalent of around £44,200 in the UK - an increase of approx £1000. Order books are likely to open in July 2020 with deliveries expected in autumn.

November 2020

Audi SQ5 updated

The SQ5's 3.0-litre V6 TDI delivers 341PS and 700Nm of torque, the latter across a wider engine speed range between 1750 rpm and 3250 rpm. Peak power is also produced earlier than before, helping to propel the mid-size performance SUV from rest to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. An actuator in the exhaust system gives the V6 a particularly sonorous sound.

Inside, there's a new 10.1-inch MMI touch display. As an alternative to fingertip entry via the touchscreen, the system an also accept commands made via the multifunction steering wheel and using the spoken word thanks to advanced natural language voice control. If several drivers use the car, they can store their personal settings in up to six individual profiles.

As with the standard car, subtle exterior updates include a reshaped front grille, reshaped bumper and redesigned LED lights that feature a new daytime-running light signature.

Prices start from £56,600 for the standard SQ5 and rise to £71,750 for the Vorsprung edition.