This is no simple makeover, folks. When it comes to the new Audi Q5 SUV and Sportback range, new really does mean new. New styling – albeit an evolution of what you got before – new interior, new infotainment, new platform. Okay, those last two are shared with the latest Audi A5, but that’s not been out long. Only the engines are like the outgoing Q5’s.
From the outset your choice of powertrain is a 2.0 TFSI or 2.0 TDI (both with 204hp), or a 367hp 3.0 TFSI V6 in the bells-and-whistles SQ5. The 2.0 TFSI petrol is available with front-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive, while the 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI are Quattro-only.
Design and interior
The new Q5 is only slightly bigger externally than the previous model, which you’ll appreciate if you live in a congested city, and the wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels) is almost 10mm longer. As with the outgoing model, there’s loads of front space and plenty of storage options up front, but the added wheelbase increases the rear legroom – it’s now on par with the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, so there’s enough for six-footers. Rear headroom is great in the SUV, too, although tighter in the sleeker Sportback. The middle rear seat is the short straw, mind. It’s narrower and higher, so getting three burly adults in the back will be a squeeze.
Thanks to that new platform the boot’s bigger by 20 litres. It’s now 520 litres for the SUV and 515 litres for the Sportback, which is a chunk more space than the XC60 offers. And because the rear seats recline and slide (by 100mm) you can boost the boot space when required. Add in 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats and that’s a full house when it comes to flexibility. You even get a decent amount of underfloor boot storage, including a space for the parcel shelf when it’s not in use.
The driving position is great, with a comfortable seat that supports you through corners and over long distances. Our only gripe is the lack of physical buttons to operate key functions, along with the layered complexity of the Audi’s new MMI interface. It’s made up of an 11.9in driver’s display, which lacks some of the configurability of Audi’s previous-gen digital displays, and a 14.5in infotainment touchscreen. On the plus side, the infotainment screen is curved towards the driver, both screens are crystal clear, and the software is snappy. An AI digital voice assistant is standard, and a passenger screen is optional.
Whatever criticisms we have over the usability, the interior quality is generally up to snuff. The materials feel more consistently plusher than the latest X3’s and, in the main, it’s well screwed together. The dashboard finishes include wood, aluminium, or, for the SQ5, carbon fibre.
Performance and drive
Having tried all three engines, the 2.0 TDI is hands down the best. It’s ridiculously smooth for a diesel, even when you gun it, and delivers effortless performance when you don’t. That’s thanks to plenty of low-end grunt and good integration with the slick seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox. The 2.0 TFSI petrol offers similar straight-line pace (both hit 0-62mph in a little over seven seconds) but it’s more lacklustre low-down in the rev range. The SQ5 is the quickest by a stretch, going from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, but the power delivery is quite boost-y and it lacks the outright pace of the quickest performance SUV rivals.
A neat trick is the Q5’s mild hybrid assistance. The electric motor is powerful enough to move the car on its own when parking. Of course, it helps lower emissions and fuel consumption, too, with the 2.0 TDI officially averaging 47.1mpg and emitting 158g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TFSI averages up to 40.4mpg and emits 159g/km, and that’s competitive against its main rivals. A PHEV with a range of around 50 miles is coming, which will be the best company car option. Or, to really suppress the dreaded BIK, there’s always the all-electric Q6 E-Tron.
The MHEV system also helps make the Q5 more agile. It does that by overspeeding the rear wheels on Quattro models, helping the Q5 turn into corners more eagerly. Combined with the well-weighted, progressive steering and good body control, the Q5 feels surefooted but not engaging to drive compared with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. However, with air suspension fitted (optional on the 2.0-litre cars; standard on the SQ5) the Q5’s ride is sublime. It smothers everything from speed bumps to potholes superbly, and with little wind or road noise at speed, it’s a heck of an accomplished mile muncher.
Positive: Interior space, refined ride, plug-in hybrid range, smooth diesel.
Negative: Lack of physical buttons to operate key functions, MMI interface complexity, SQ5 lacks outright pace of rivals.
Standard equipment: 19in wheels, 11.9in driver display, 14.5in infotainment screen, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, leather seats, four-way front-seat lumbar adjustment, heated front seats, LED headlights, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, keyless start, front and rear parking sensors, power-folding door mirrors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, powered tailgate, 10 speakers, subwoofer, wireless phone charger, traffic sign recognition, lane assist.
Engines: Petrol mild hybrid: 204hp 2.0, 367hp 3.0; Diesel mild hybrid: 204hp 2.0
Equipment grades: Sport, S Line, Edition 1
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
| Model | Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport S Tronic |
| P11D | £53,495 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | TBC |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 47.1mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 158g/km (36%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £321/£642 |
| Luggage capacity | 520 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,998cc/204hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
