Audi Q5 (08 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 27 April 2009
With sharp styling, a comfortable cabin and the best handling of any off-roader, the Q5 is a superb all-round 4x4. It's considerably smaller than the Q7, making it much easier to drive and park, but still offers decent interior space and a large boot too. It doesn't have much off-road ability, but it's not designed to be taken into tricky terrain, instead it drives like a car on the road with minimal body roll and a refined ride. There's a good choice of engines, including the refined yet frugal 2.0 TDI, along with an excellent seven-speed automatic gearbox. If you're after a premium 4x4, but don't need the ruggedness of the Land Rover Freelander, the Q5 is the best model around.
4.5 out of 5

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4.5 out of 5

Summary

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£30,365 - £42,155

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£19,512 - £38,368

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Car-like handling, neatly styled, spacious and sophisticated cabin, usefully large boot

Limited off-road ability, expensive optional extras

With sharp styling, a comfortable cabin and the best handling of any off-roader, the Q5 is a superb all-round 4x4. It's considerably smaller than the Q7, making it much easier to drive and park, but still offers decent interior space and a large boot too. It doesn't have much off-road ability, but it's not designed to be taken into tricky terrain, instead it drives like a car on the road with minimal body roll and a refined ride. There's a good choice of engines, including the refined yet frugal 2.0 TDI, along with an excellent seven-speed automatic gearbox. If you're after a premium 4x4, but don't need the ruggedness of the Land Rover Freelander, the Q5 is the best model around.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "All three engines in the Q5 offer strong performance and good economy. The sole petrol is the..."

  • Handling

    4.5 out of 5

    "It may be classed as an 'off-roader' but the Q5 is definitely designed for tarmac. It does come with..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "The Q5's keen handling doesn't come at the expense of comfort. So while the ride is firm, it's also..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "With 540 litres of boot space the Q5 boasts better luggage room than the A4 Avant - it can also..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "There are three trim levels - standard, SE and S Line. All cars get 17-inch alloy wheel, climate..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4.5 out of 5

    "Interior build quality is everything we've come to expect from Audi. All the materials used, from..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "In terms of list price, the Q5 is competitive with alternatives like the BMW X3 and comes fairly..."

  • Green credentials

    4 out of 5

    "The four-wheel drive Q5 performs well on the eco-front considering the performance all three engines..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Q5 was crash tested in 2009 under Euro NCAP's more stringent criteria. This is one overall..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "Audi has a well-deserved and hard earned reputation for quality and the rest of the model range has..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

    "The cheapest model is the Q5 range is the standard 2.0 TDI, but while the engine is very good, the..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "Avoid the standard trim and aim for an S Line if you want sportier looks and the LED daytime running..."

  • Selling

    4.5 out of 5

    "With its neat styling, high build quality and upmarket image, the Q5 will always be in demand, much..."

Gallery

  • Interior Audi Q5 (08 on)
  • Exterior Audi Q5 (08 on)
  • Exterior Audi Q5 (08 on)
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Owners' reviews