New Lexus NX vs Audi Q5: verdict
We know Lexus’s new NX is a big improvement on its predecessor, but can it beat one of the best plug-in hybrid SUVs around: the Audi Q5 50 TFSIe?...
Our verdict
Great reliability has always been a compelling reason to choose a Lexus, but its models have long fallen short in too many other areas compared with the best alternatives from Europe. The NX changes that, thanks to huge improvements to the way it drives and its infotainment system, plus it’s the more practical of our contenders and stacks up better on costs for company car driver and cash buyers.
True, the Q5 isn’t best represented by this TFSIe version. It doesn’t ride as smoothly as some other versions and can’t go far enough on electricity to qualify for attractive BIK tax rates. But that shouldn’t take anything away from Lexus’s best car in decades and the deserving winner here.
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1st – Lexus NX
For Longer electric range; more rear space; better equipped; cheaper company car tax bills
Against Unsettled high-speed ride; higher monthly payments if buying on PCP nance
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full Lexus NX review >>
Find Lexus NX deals >>
2nd – Audi Q5
For High-quality interior; more agile; slightly quieter at a cruise
Against Not as comfy as other Q5s; adaptive cruise costs extra; relatively thirsty when battery is at
Recommended options Metallic paint (£675)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full Audi Q5 review >>
Find Audi Q5 deals >>
Specifications: Lexus NX
Engine 4cyl, 2487cc, turbo, petrol, plus two electric motors
Peak power 305bhp (combined)
Peak torque 167Ib ft (petrol), 199lb ft (front motor), 89lb ft (rear motor)
Gearbox CVT automatic
0-60mph 6.3sec
30-70mph 5.4sec
Top speed 124mph
30-0mph 10.9m
70-0mph 60.7m
Noise at 30mph 58.4db
Noise at 70mph 63.3db
Kerb weight NA
Tyre size (std) 235/50 R20
Fuel tank 55 litres
CO2 emissions 25g/km
Battery capacity 18.1kWh
Peak charging rate 6.6kW
Charging time 2hr 30min (0-100%)
Specifications: Audi Q5
Engine 4cyl, 1984cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 295bhp at 5250-6500rpm (combined)
Peak torque 368Ib ft at 1600-4500rpm (combined)
Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
0-60mph 5.9sec
30-70mph 5.5sec
Top speed 148mph
30-0mph 10.6m
70-0mph 57.9m
Noise at 30mph 58.2db
Noise at 70mph 62.7db
Kerb weight 2075kg
Tyre size (std) 235/55 R19
Fuel tank 54 litres
CO2 emissions 39g/km
Battery capacity 17.9kWh
Peak charging rate 7.4kW
Charging time 2hr 30min (0-100%)
Test weather conditions Damp
Cars pictured
Audi Q5 50 TFSIe S line with Navarra Blue metallic paint (£675)
Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport in European specification with F Sport White metallic paint (£670)
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