Audi Q5
Model scores on its premium looks, quality and desirability
German giant Audi continues to top the desirability charts. Its range is full of fashionable products, and the Q5 is a case in point. With its oversized grille and the trademark LED daytime running lamps of our S line model, you’re left in no doubt about which brand the compact SUV is from.
From the front, it’s an imposing design, with muscular wings and sharp headlights that mimic the rest of the Audi line-up. If only it was as attractive at the back – although the chunky C-pillars, oversized lights and bulbous tailgate set it apart from other four rings models.
The layout and material quality inside the Q5 really impress. From the sweeping driver-oriented centre console to the clear and concise instruments, the cabin is a masterclass in slick design.
The MMI control system is intuitive, too, although some of the operations would be quicker to operate from a single button rather than scrolling through various sub-menus. There’s a wide range of adjustment on the supportive seats, and the Audi boasts the lowest and most car-like driving position of the group. Our only gripe is that it can feel a bit snug inside.
The same criticism can be levelled at the rear of the cabin. Although there is plenty of legroom, the shallow side windows and black headlining give a claustrophobic feel. The Audi’s 540-litre boot trails the BMW’s by 10 litres, and although a single lever folds the seats quickly, they don’t lie fully flat.
With only 168bhp, the Q5 is the least powerful car here, and it shows. Although the weather meant we couldn’t test the car’s acceleration off the line, the in-gear figures were disappointing.
Its 2.0-litre engine didn’t have the zest of the BMW’s unit, and felt sluggish when mated to the normally effective S tronic gearbox. Use the paddleshifters on the back of the steering wheel to change ratios, and matters improve, but the Audi still doesn’t have the relaxed surge of the Freelander or the flexibility of the X3.
Our S line car’s sports suspension is another weakness. The normal set-up is available as a no-cost option, and we think it’s worth specifying. While the lowered springs fitted to our test model did an excellent job of controlling body roll, they hamper the ride. And with its large alloy wheels, the Q5 crashes into potholes with a loud thump.
A fuel return of 30mpg in our hands put the Audi ahead of the Volvo and Land Rover. Emissions of 184g/km are cleaner than those cars’, too. But as it does without stop-start, it still trailed the BMW.
So while it’s a strong choice, the Q5 isn’t as capable off-road as the Land Rover, as efficient as the BMW or as well priced as the Volvo. It faces a real challenge here.
Details
Chart position: 3
WHY: High-class cabin, understated style and car-like dynamics mark out the Q5.
