Audi Q5 diesel vs Volvo XC60 hybrid
Should you choose plug-in hybrid or diesel power for your plush SUV? We pit the powerful Volvo XC60 T8 against Audi’s Q5 40 TDI to find the answer...
Buying and owning
Costs, equipment, reliability, safety and security
Yes, the Volvo XC60 T8 is capable of well over 100mpg, but only in very specific circumstances with plenty of battery charge. We managed around 37mpg over 50 miles or so with a combination of petrol and electric power. Once the battery is flat, expect that to drop by 10mpg. The Audi Q5 should get into the 40s on a long run but will be thirstier than the XC60 in town.
The XC60 makes an appealing company car, because you’ll pay about £2200 per year less in benefit-in-kind tax than you will with the Q5. The tables are turned for private cash buyers, though, with the Q5 working out much cheaper to run over three years – although the exact amount depends on how often you run the XC60 on electric-only power. The Q5 is also far cheaper on a PCP finance deal.
Both are five-star cars in Euro NCAP crash testing, but the XC60 performed even better than the Q5 in the individual categories. In fact, it’s one of the safest cars the organisation has ever assessed.
Best performance cars 2023
First and foremost, great performance cars are entertaining to drive, but they also need to be suitable for everyday use. So, which are the best and worst?
Audi Q5 long-term test
This second-generation Audi Q5 has long been a favourite in the large SUV class, but has a recent facelift made it even better? We're living with one to find out
New Land Rover Discovery Sport & Mercedes GLC vs Audi Q5
The Land Rover Discovery Sport lost its seat to the Audi Q5 in the 2017 election of posh large SUVs. Can it regain its place with major changes of policy? A previous outsider with a similar plan will only make that harder...
