We review the Audi Q5 from price to economy and all its features
JAMES BOND’s gadgets expert Q kept him ahead of his enemies – and Audi’s Q team will give their rivals plenty to think about too.
Like 007’s gadget guru, Audi’s Q team aim to deliver vehicles, such as the new Q5, that are ahead of the game and with the very latest technology (but with no ejector seat).
Aud-acious ... drivers will clamour for the Q5
You get plenty of clever things, though, like an intelligent ESP stability system, advanced hill descent, a seven-speed gearbox with a dual clutch, drive select that allows the driver to change the car’s set-up on the move and even thermal cup holders for hot or cold drinks.
The Q5 is the newest model to wear the Q badge, used exclusively for the firm’s SUVs, with the emphasis on a sporting 4x4 package.
Unlike its gigantic seven-seat big brother Q7, the compact Q5 is much more in tune with the clamour for environmentally friendly 4x4s. With prices starting at £29,950 for the 2litre diesel, it’s nearly £10,000 cheaper than the Q7.
It’s not exactly small but is similar to rivals like the BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander.
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With its low height and curving coupe roof line, it has an altogether more athletic profile than the Q7, while the XL-sized deep corporate grille and staring LED headlights leave you in no doubt it’s an Audi. The firm’s great strength has been in developing an instantly recognisable and contemporary elegant style.
They’ve also become very good at delivering efficient engines. The Q5 gets the latest 2litre turbo diesel and petrol engines – that may seem small for an SUV but they are actually spot-on. Just about everyone now drives watching the fuel gauge but it’s less painful in the Q5 as even the 2litre petrol averages 33.2mpg, while the 2litre diesel returns more than 42 and the smooth 3litre diesel gets nearly 40.
Audi have succeeded in making the Q5 very car-like to drive – it doesn’t feel like an SUV apart from the high seating position.
All three engines have a useful pace, particularly the 3litre diesel, and it rides as quietly and comfortably as an executive car. Audi are keen to push the Q5’s sporty nature but if you want a really sporty Audi I suggest an A5 coupe or a TT.
Thanks to the latest version of Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel drive system, the Q5 can safely get its wheels dirty.
It’s got useful ground clearance and can wade in half a metre. On the inside, it’s as stylishly laid out and beautifully finished as any Audi, with the option of either aluminium or wood trim, while space is good for four tall adults.
Audi say five but the middle rear-seat passenger would have to sit with legs either side of the central transmission. Luggage space is a useful 540litres, increasing to 1,560 with the rear seats folded.
In many ways the Q5 symbolises how good Audi have become at delivering the same stylish package across a range of vehicles. With pricing experts predicting best-in-class resale values after three years, it appears they have another winner on their hands.
The prices – £29,950 to £35,390 – are at the top end of the class but Audi are on such a roll that the Q5 should find no shortage of buyers.
What to look out for when buying a used Audi Q5 (2008-)
Audi has a pretty solid reputation for reliability but the Q5 received below average scores in the 2012 What Car?/JD Power customer satisfaction survey.
Owners have reported problems with brakes, the sunroof, excessive oil consumption and glitches with the seven-speed transmission, as well as failing turbochargers and intercoolers. Some have even been disappointed with the quality of the interior trim and plastics.
The Q5 has only been recalled once, to address interior trim on the A-pillar which may loosen and detach if the airbags are deployed.