The Audi Q5 is a compact to mid-size luxury family SUV that competes with the likes of the Mercedes GLC and the BMW X3. The current automotive market is crazy for compact and mid-size SUVs which means that the Q5 is an important model to Audi and that’s why the current Q5 is a lot better than the 1st gen model.
The Q5 is available with a few different engines and all Q5 get the Quattro AWD system from the factory. You are able to choose between smaller 2.0L engines or a more performance-oriented V6 depending on your preferences. All engines are smooth, efficient, and relatively refined.
Design-wise, the Q5 is understated, but not as much if you got it for the S-Line package. Interior-wise, it looks minimalist, yet incredibly classy and sophisticated. The Q5 offers enough space even for an adult family which means that the size-to-space ratio is near on perfect for most people.
Value-wise, the Q5 is decent as it retains value better than most cars out there. It also offers enough cargo space while also being comfortable and refined on the road. It is not really an off-roader, but the Q5 can definitely hold its own off the beaten path.
Audi Q5 – The powerplant
The entry-level Q5 comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine that offers 261hp and 273lb-ft of torque. This engine can return about 25MPG combined and it is mated to an Audi industry-standard double clutch S-Tronic 7-speed automatic gearbox.
The range-topping Audi SQ5 comes with a 3.0L supercharged 6-cylinder engine which offers 350hp and 369lb-ft of torque which is indeed more than plenty for the Q5. It also comes with a fairly smooth and sophisticated automatic gearbox that fits the character of the Q5 perfectly.
The SQ5 is relatively efficient because it should return about 22MPG combined. It’s also worth mentioning that all Audi Q5 models come with Audi’s iconic Quattro AWD system from the factory which both increases performance and safety.
It’s safe to say that the engines and transmission combinations found in the Q5 are indeed worthy of its premium segment because they are more or less the same across the entire compact luxury SUV segment.
Audi Q5 – Design and chassis
The first generation of the Q5 was introduced back in 2009 and the second-gen came almost a decade later. However, the current post-facelift second generation of the Q5 looks like a 2022 SUV should because it offers fully adaptive LEDs both front and back which make the Q5 look modern and striking.
Most Audi models indeed tend to utilize a more subdued and under-the-radar design, but hardly anyone can say that the BMW X3 or the current GLC look better than the Q5. A very important factor when it comes to how the Q5 looks is the equipment level as barebone Q5s look poor while well-equipped models do look better than the X3 or the GLC.
Interior-wise, the Q5 is minimalist and highly effective because it looks both space-age and classy. Audi is known to make some high-quality and good-looking interiors and the Q5 is exactly that. Suspension and chassis-wise, the Q5 drives like a compact luxury SUV should.
This means that it is not all that dynamic or willing to go fast, it is at its best while munching through highway miles. All in all, the Q5 is quiet, refined, and comfortable.
Audi Q5 – Potential issues and reliability
The current Audi Q5 is a lot better than its previous iterations because it is not nearly as problematic. However, no car is free of potential faults and the most common ones with the Q5 are related to the electricals, the fuel system, and potentially even the engine timing tensioner.
These are also known to consume a lot of oil, especially higher-mileage models, so be sure to take that into account when it comes to maintenance.
Audi Q5 – Value and practicality
The 2022 Audi Q5 starts in the mid $40k segment which means that it competes directly with the X3 and the GLC. The good thing is that all three of these tend to hold value better than their larger mid-size SUVs, but still not all that good.
Practicality-wise, the Q5 is more than capable of transporting 5 adult individuals even for longer journeys. The boxy SUV shape ensures lots of headroom while the relatively wide body also ensures enough shoulder and foot space for three rear passengers. Finally, cargo space is almost class-leading.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Audi Q5?
You should defintely consider the Q5 if you are after a well-thought-after and relatively desirable luxury family SUV. The Q5 is not as large as the gargantuan Q7 which means that it is a lot easier to drive and live with. It offers great eco-friendly engines and it also offers lots of luxury features.
In my opinion, it bests the current BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC, but given the fact that the current C-Class absolutely dominates the compact sedan segment, it’s more than likely that the upcoming GLC is also going to that in the compact SUV segment eventually.
Is the Audi Q5 a safe car?
The Audi Q5 is a 5-star rated car which means that it offers the very highest levels of safety standards. In order for a car to be 5-star safe, it needs to excel in both software and hardware safety features, and this can only be achieved with modern-day cars.
As such, if safety is your priority, you are well looked after with either the GLC, the X3, or the Q5.
Is the Audi SQ5 a good buy?
The Audi SQ5 is a bit trickier to sell because it costs $55,600 for the Premium trim level, $59,800 for the Premium Plus, and $65,000 for the Prestige pack. All in all, don’t expect the SQ5 to be a true Audi Sports performance car as it is not on the same level as let’s say an Audi S5 or S4.
However, the SQ5 offers a nice blend between relative performance and an abundance of luxury, and if that is what you are after, the SQ5 is indeed a good buy.
