Audi Q5

Inside this German automaker’s crossover SUV are the familiar elegance and modern feel you’d expect from Audi. The plush upholstery matches the cabin trims and accent. The knee, shoulder, and legroom are ample enough for a comfy ride. Rear AC vents ensure cold air circulates efficiently, ambient lighting sets the mood of the drive, and while the cubbies and bottle holders are strategically placed, these could be better improved to maximize storage space. In front, the sleek dashboard is accentuated by the multi-function steering wheel which serves as the foreground to the full HD instrument cluster. On the center console are knobs and buttons arranged in a utilitarian manner to keep the streamlined feel. Audi Q5 has tons of tech conveniences but, as usual, these are all optional packages that will add up to the price of your luxury SUV. For instance, the Audi virtual cockpit—a fully digital 12.3-inch display that can show relevant driver information as well as the navigation map with various options for display, does not come standard. The center-mounted 8.3-inch infotainment system with MMI navigation plus with voice command, the head-up display, MMI touchpad, and driver seat with massage function are noteworthy optional techs that make driving this luxury crossover more immersive.

The Q5 robust exterior design begins with the familiar and imposing hexagonal front grille with chrome trim details. It is flanked by LED headlights with daytime running on the upper part and air inlets at the bottom bumper. The pair of double creases on the hood makes this Audi crossover looks more imposing. On the sides are the same aerodynamic creases, side mirrors with turn signal light, and chrome accent on the windows. At the rear are angular taillights with vertical pattern and rear spoiler. Up top is the coupe-type roofline with a glass sunroof, roof rail, and shark fin antenna. The Audi Q5 rides on a set of 17-inch cast-aluminum rims in 5-arm falx design wrapped in 8 J x 20 rubber. This luxury crossover measures 4,663 mm long, 2,140 mm wide, 1,659 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,819 mm. It comes in several metallic color options: Mythos black, Manhattan grey, Azores green, Java brown, Utopia blue, Matador red, Floret silver, and Daytona grey in pearl effect.

The Audi Q5 is a versatile, family vehicle that delivers. Its turbocharged engine provides powerful performance for the Q5 when navigating around the city or hurdling the off-road. Steering is on point which makes the vehicle very agile even when cornering while providing ample traction. And with the adaptive air suspension system with damper control and ride height being standard, the driver can now adjust the suspension damping and ride height to ideal levels depending on the driving situation. And despite the engines roaring with power, Audi has effectively soundproofed the vehicle to minimize the NVH level so you get a comfortable, quiet, and cushioned ride. 

Locally, the Audi Q5 is available in two engine options. The first is the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve inline petrol engine with direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and Audi valve lift system. This 1,984cc TFSI engine delivers 248 hp of output at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and 370 Nm of maximum torque at 1,600 – 4,500 rpm. Acceleration from standstill to 100 kmph can be attained in just 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 237 kmph. In terms of fuel consumption, combined city and hi-way driving is between 7.1 – 6.8 L/ km. The other engine option is the 2.0 liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve inline diesel engine with common rail injection system and turbocharging. The 1,968 cc TDI engine can produce 188 Hp of maximum power at 3,800 – 4,200 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm at 1,750 – 3,000 rpm. The engine can go from 0 – 100 km/ h in under 8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 218 km/ h. In terms of fuel efficiency, combined urban and hi-way driving is at the range of 5.2 – 4.9 L/100 km. Both TFSI and TDI engines are mated to a 7-speed S Tronic transmission and have Quattro permanent all-wheel drive type. Both also use the more expensive sulfur-free super RON 95 grade gasoline or diesel and are Euro 6 emission standard compliant.

Braking power for the Audi Q5 is handled by 4 wheel disc brakes and enhanced by brake assist and electronic stability control. When it comes to safety, the Q5 is equipped with the usual six airbag system, 4-wheel ABS, child safety locks, traction control, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alert. Other safety, driver-assist, and convenience packages like park assist system, 360 degrees camera, sensors, and pedestrian alert systems are optional features that you could opt to add. But even without these safety packages, Q5 is already a relatively safe car that received a perfect 5-star rating from the Euro NCAP, NHTSA, and scored a Good rating from the IIHS.

Overall, the Audi Q5 is a great choice for a 5-seater family crossover SUV. It delivers what you’d expect from a luxury SUV—riding comfort, safety, reliability, power, engine option, and decent fuel economy. And just like in other vehicles in Audi’s portfolio, customizing this vehicle comes with a price. With its already premium price tag, accessories, cosmetic upgrades, convenient tech, connectivity, and safety packages can all add up to its total price.