Audi Q5 Review

Performance4/5

Whichever engine you decide on you will not be disappointed as the selection that Audi offers with the Q5 all provide good power and efficiency. The 2.0 diesels are probably the pick of the field, they are the cheapest to buy, the cheapest to run and still provide plenty of pulling power, the larger of the two provides 168bhp, can hit 126mph and do 0 – 62mph in less than 10 seconds. If you are for some reason against buying diesels then the equivalent petrol engines are equally well built though they will cost you more to run. If this doesn't seem like enough power for you then Audi do offer some really rather punchy larger engines. The most powerful is the 3.0 TDI which can go from 0 – 62mph in 6.5 seconds - pretty quick by anyone's standards - and has plenty of pulling power and while the 3.2 FSI petrol engine might not have the diesels pull it certainly is no slouch.

Handling4/5

Do not be fooled by how this car looks, because while this car may be styled like a substantial off-roader it has definitely been built with tarmac in mind. This has obvious benefits, its stiff suspension means it handles beautifully around town, with very little body roll for a big car. The steering is also accurate and precise meaning you always feel in control. However, take this car near a rough road surface and you begin to feel the downside of these urban improvements; you will feel every lump and bump you drive over, so while Audi does fit the Q5 with an off road setting for the traction control it really should be kept on the road.

Exterior4/5

The Q5 has all of Audi's normal subtle stylings, but with enough unique features to stop this car getting lost in the crowd. The grille is the feature you'll notice first on account of the fact it's massive, and there is a classy rear spoiler at the back. As well as this there is the Q5's distinctive crease that runs the length of the car. There are a couple of neat LED touches, daytime running lights and rear lights.

Interior5/5

Audi are renowned for building exceptional interiors and the Q5 is no different. Everything inside the car is well built and clearly positioned. With the brushed aluminium and leather finish giving the Q5 a distinctly classy feel. The driving position, as you would expect in a car of this nature is nice and high. The boot is a large 540 litres which with the back seats down can be extended to 1560 litres, which should handle all but the largest of loads.

Equipment4/5

There are 3 packs available with the Q5, standard, SE, and S Line. If you plump for the most basic model you won't find yourself lacking in equipment, you get 17-inch alloys, CD stereo, climate control, electric windows, electric parking break, electronically adjustable and heated door mirrors and split folding rear seats, (yes that's the most basic pack.) Above that is the SE which is the most popular of the trims, with that your alloys grow an inch and you get body coloured bumpers, light sensors, rain sensitive wipers, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery and a multifunction steering wheel. If all of that isn't enough you can go for the top of the range S Line, your alloys grow another inch to a full 19inchs as well as including sports seats and body styling, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights. If you what anything on top of these packs it could prove costly, but with the Q5 being so well equipped you should be fine.

Safety4.5/5

The Q5 was awarded 5 stars for its Euro NCAP crash test, and scored particularly well for protecting child occupants. The strength of the build means the Q5 really is a safe place to be. To help you feel even more protected Audi have added a couple of nice safety features; hill decent assist should make coming down any steep off-road inclines a lot easier, and Audi's excellent electronic stability control comes as standard. You also get Isofix child seat mounting points.

Buying & Owning4/5

The Audi Q5 isn't a cheap car to buy, but it's not outrageously priced compared to other cars in its class. For such a large car, it is surprisingly economical, with 2.0 litre TDI managing 45.6mpg. Being an Audi you also get the benefits that come with the badge, one is their lasting desirability with Q5's holding their price pretty well. Another benefit of owning an Audi is there exceptional reliability record, with all the engines coming from pre-existing models you really should have very few problems.

Reviewed by cars2buy