2018 Audi Q5 Review

We had the Audi Q5 2.0 L TFSI Quattro for a road test.

The first generation Audi Q5 was very successful in Australia selling over 4,100 vehicles with almost a third of those being the SQ5 variant.

Audi launched the second generation of its very successful Q5 and SQ5 models in early 2017.

The Audi Q range in general is extremely important to Audi with one in three sales a Q model.

The Q5 range is the most successful of all the Q range.

Exterior

The second-generation Audi Q5 also boasts a muscular new design that is more taut and sculpted than ever, with a broader stance and sharply defined creases that accentuate the new car’s striking proportions.

The new model is also as much as 90kg lighter in direct comparison with its predecessor

The Audi Q5 comes standard with an electric tailgate, activated by a sensor-controlled ‘kick motion’, 20″ alloy wheels, Adaptive LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators and LED daytime running lights and taillights

Interior

Sitting inside the Audi Q5 range, the front occupants are treated to an exceptionally comfortable cabin.

There is more than enough room, even for taller drivers, and the ergonomics are first class as is the ambience.

The Audi 12.5 inch virtual cockpit is awesome as is the centre stack display.

I am just not a fan of the transmission lever and the coffee cup holders are a little small and buried deep, but otherwise the cockpit is spot on.

The rear seats, more suited for two rather than three, also treats passengers to a comfortable ride and with a normal height driver there is ample head, shoulder, knee and foot room.

The rear boot space has been improved and with the rear seats folding almost flat there is a practical and a capacious 1550 litres of luggage space available.

Features

The all-new Audi Q5 represents a huge step forward in the field of progressive technology, compared to its predecessor.

In the areas of infotainment and connectivity, the new Q5 is the benchmark in the premium segment.

MMI Navigation, with an 8.3″ high-resolution screen, 3D maps, live traffic info and natural voice recognition for handsfree control is standard, even in the entry design model.

In addition, every Q5 comes equipped with Audi Connect, which enables a high-speed 4G LTE connection via a regular data SIM card, as well as Google Earth and Google Search functionality.

Audi smartphone interface allows connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is standard on all Q5 models.

A myriad of Audi genuine accessories are also available to allow owners to integrate their active lifestyle with their Q5, like a luggage-securing kit with load rails in the boot floor, bike racks, a kayak holder, aerodynamic roof box and many others.

Drive and Engine

The 2.0 L TFSI petrol engine produces 185kW/370Nm.

This engine will sip fuel at 7.3L/100Km.

It will accelerate from 0-100kmh in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 237kmh.

The Q5 TFSi is mated to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides maximum use of available power and smooth driving.

The Q5 also boasts a game changing new quattro technology that swaps from 2WD to AWD as needed and is predictive in nature.

In other words it anticipates when you will need AWD and is ready for you.

The changes from 2WD to AWD are totally imperceptible and as it turns out the ratio of 2WD to AWD is about 70/30 for most drivers under most conditions.

This use of AWD for only about 30% of the driving time saves money for the driver.

The Q5 AWD SUV is ideally suited to those families or couples that harbour some adventurous spirit for dirt roads, ski trips on snowy or icy roads, towing the family toy.

For those adventurous Q5 owners that like to tow jet skis, camper trailers or smaller boats the tow rating for the Q5 is 2000kg, with a tow ball rating of 200kg.

The adaptive suspension has a self-levelling feature when loaded and towing, which is great.

Safety

The Audi Q5 has been awarded a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to an impressive array of standard safety features on all models. These include:

• Audi pre-sense city with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection (up to 85 km/h)
• Exit Warning system
• Cross traffic assist
• Audi side assist blind spot warning system
• Audi pre-sense basic (belt tensioning, window closing and other preventative measures if an emergency is detected)
• Audi pre-sense rear (warns following traffic if they are at risk of running into the rear of the car)
• Parking system plus with rear-view camera

In addition, the following safety features are standard equipment in the high-end sport models:

• Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
• Turn assist
• Audi pre-sense front (collision warning up to 250km/h)
• Predictive efficiency assistant
• High-beam assist

Good Bits:

• Sophisticated design
• Brilliant Quattro system
• Level of Technology

Not So Good Bits:

• Can be Pricey
• Rear seats don’t fold completely flat
• Not owning one

Summary

Audi has continued the success of the Q5 and the Sport TFSI is certainly an acceptable cross between a sophisticated urban SUV and a cross country tourer.

It has enough there for the adventurous drivers with the brilliant Quattro AWD system.

It will tow the family toys with ease, is a technological marvel, and has plenty of interior space and a greatly improved value proposition.

Definitely worth a look.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Audi Q5 2.0L TFSI Quattro

• Engine: 2.0L four cylinder petrol producing 185kW/370Nm
• Transmission: Seven-speed Dual Clutch Quattro
• Safety: Five stars
• Origin: Germany
• Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
• Price: from $81,798