Audi Q5 4x4 full 9 point review
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Performance
The Q5 is available with six engines. Petrol fans can choose from a pair of turbocharged 2.0-litre units that produce 178- and 208bhp, and a 237bhp 3.2-litre V6. However, the 141- and 168bhp 2.0-litre diesels make more sense because they’re strong, flexible and significantly cheaper to run. A 3.0-litre V6 diesel completes the line-up.
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Ride & Handling
If you want an off-roader that handles like a hatchback, the Q5 is the car for you. There's immense grip, solid body control and nicely weighted steering, so you'll have more fun driving it than you will any other car in the class. However, the payoff for this ability is a ride so firm that it will jiggle all the enthusiasm out of you before you've reached your favourite back road. That's not good in something that will be used as a family car.
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Refinement
Whichever version you choose, the Q5 offers a very quiet way to travel. You hear a smattering of wind- and road noise, but not enough of either to upset you. The engines are wonderfully refined, too. The diesels are smooth and quiet, while the petrol gives off a pleasing rasp when you accelerate hard.
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Buying & Owning
It's fashionable and it's an Audi – that's why you should be prepared to part with so much money for your Q5. Don't be too worried by the high price, though – the Audi badge also means desirability, and that means resale values will be very strong indeed. Fuel economy and emissions are reasonable for the class, so running costs won't be crippling.
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Quality & Reliability
Are Audi quality standards slipping? Well, there are a few areas of the Q5's cabin where durability seems to have taken precedence over tactility, but most of the areas you come into contact with frequently are still a delight. Audi reliability has taken a few knocks recently, so we'll be looking for an improvement.
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Safety & Security
The Q5 provides all the obvious safety defences, including hill-descent control to help it crawl down off-road slopes. It also throws in a few novelties, such as the clever stability control, which has a special off-road programme. It can even detect if you have a loaded roof rack and respond sooner to prevent any risk of the car toppling over.
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Behind The Wheel
You get the commanding driving position that 4x4 buyers like, and because the dash comes from the A4, it's clear and easy to use. There's Audi's intuitive MMI central controller, too. However, the pedals are offset, and there's a footrest that impedes your use of the clutch - it'll drive you potty.
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Space & Practicality
Audi admits 'sporty' looks were a priority with the Q5, but this doesn't impinge on practicality. There's plenty of room for four adults and still room for 540 litres of luggage, which is virtually trebled with the rear seats down. The rear seats fold and recline, and there's the option of runners that gives them 100mm of fore and aft travel. A folding front passenger seat is also an option.
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Equipment
We feel a bit guilty calling SE the 'basic' trim, because it's anything but. Leather seats, single-zone climate control, 18-inch alloys, automatic lights and wipers, parking sensors and four powered windows are all standard. S Line versions come festooned with sporty aesthetic touches inside and out, and get xenon headlights.
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