Audi Q5 review – a good premium all-round SUV
"The Audi Q5 does many things well in its fight against the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Jaguar F-Pace"
Pros
- Powerful and efficient engines
- Very comfortable on the road
- Spacious and practical
Cons
- Unadventurous styling
- Steering doesn't have much feel
- Infotainment screen doesn't retract
Verdict - is the Audi Q5 a good car?
Overall, the Audi Q5 is one of the best all-rounders in its class and should be on your shortlist if you're after a premium mid-size SUV. The Q5 is beautifully made, comfortable, modern and boasts a great engine range, plus it undercuts cars like the Jaguar F-Pace on price. It is getting on a bit now, though, with rival plug-in hybrid models boasting further electric range, while an all-new Q5 model is around the corner.
Audi Q5 models, specs and alternatives
This second generation of Audi Q5 has been around since 2017 and is nearing the end of its life. The midsize premium SUV market has changed dramatically since it came out and now every manufacturer offers its own high-riding model to rival it. Audi’s ethos has long been to gradually tweak its models over time, so while this second-generation car might look quite similar to when it launched, it’s much better than earlier Q5s. In 2025, however, an all-new version of the Q5 will arrive with a completely fresh design.
The Q5 finds itself up against a host of talented rivals, including the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Lexus NX, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, and Jaguar F-Pace.
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The second-generation Q5 offers a smoother ride, more comfort, increased efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to the original. Audi introduced further updates in 2020, with a facelift that introduced reworked front and rear styling. The latest diesel engine also offers improved fuel economy to help keep running costs down, and there's a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that has an electric range of almost 40 miles.
Buyers who are prepared to trade a little luggage space for more striking styling can also choose the Sportback version of the Q5, which has a sloping ‘coupe-style’ rear roofline. Rear headroom is a couple of centimetres less as a result and boot space drops by 10%. We’ve reviewed the Q5 Sportback separately which you can read here.
You can buy the standard Q5 with one of two engines. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘45 TFSI’ petrol engine which produces 261bhp or there’s a 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, badged ‘40 TDI’. Both engines come with a seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox and quattro four-wheel drive. Even the diesel manages 0-62mph in under eight seconds, while the petrol takes just over six seconds, enough to put its performance on a par with several hot hatchbacks.
For those that want an even faster version of the car, there is the range-topping Audi SQ5, which boasts a more powerful 336bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine. With a large torque figure, this model takes just over five seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill, and offers improved handling too.
The Audi Q5 TFSI e is the 295bhp plug-in hybrid version. It’s the company-car choice of the range given its low official CO2 emissions figure of 41-35g/km, which puts it into a low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax bracket. Its ability to travel up to 38 miles on electricity alone is useful but the technology has moved on since, so it’s somewhat lacklustre by 2024 standards. The result is a lofty fuel economy figure of up to 188mpg, but that’s only viable if you’re able to keep it charged up regularly.
The SUV and Sportback models come in Sport, S Line, and Black Edition grades – the TFSI e was previously offered in Competition and Competition Vorsprung grades, but this option was discontinued.
You can get standard and Sportback versions of all powertrains, including the plug-in and the SQ5, and trim levels are fairly straightforward. The SUV and Sportback models come in Sport, S Line, and Black Edition grades – the TFSI e was previously offered in Competition and Competition Vorsprung grades, but this option was discontinued.
The SQ5 also comes in Black Edition and Vorsprung trims but all Q5 variants are decently equipped, with even the basic Sport getting LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, navigation and Audi’s impressive Virtual Cockpit driver display.
The latest Q5 actually delivers a more comfortable ride than earlier versions, but those who choose smaller wheels will be rewarded with a little extra cushioning over bumps. You'll find that the Q5 feels safe and easy to handle, but enthusiastic drivers may feel the car's responses are a little too dull to encourage spirited driving. If that’s you, a BMW X3 or Alfa Romeo Stelvio are better-handling alternatives.
Buyers have come to expect high levels of quality from Audi’s interiors, and the company certainly hasn’t dropped the ball with the Q5. It combines impressive materials and in-car technology to challenge the very best in class. Its standards in this regard are on a par with the excellent Audi A4 and don't fall far short of the top model in the company's SUV line-up, the Audi Q7.
The Audi Q5 received the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crash-testing. It features some very advanced safety technology, including standard autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
