Audi Q5 review

Appealing to families upgrading from smaller crossovers or family estates, the Audi Q5 is one of the German brand's more popular models - even though this one originates from a state-of-the-art factory in Mexico. It's attractive because it packs plenty of kerb appeal into a family car that’s not as intimidating as the larger Q7, yet it retains the benefits of a high quality, roomy interior, plus a broad choice of plenty of powerful and punchy engines.

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There’s a lot of strong competition out there though, and while the Q5 does look quite similar to the model it replaced, it’s one of the more subtle-looking Audis in the current range with a desirable image and many reasons to pick it over the competition.

Familiar choice of trims to pick from

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When it first arrived in 2017, the second-generation Q5 featured a familiar line-up of SE, Sport and S Line trims. Since then the range has evolved, jettisoning the base SE and introducing Black Edition and high-spec Vorsprung above the S Line. Evidently, Audi Q5 buyers like a well-specified model. At the very top of the line-up is the sports-focused SQ5 as a trim in its own right.

Most popular are S Line and Black Edition cars that have a more aggressive look, but there’s no need to feel short-changed by the Sport model. It actually has the same amount of kit as the S Line for the most part, it just doesn’t have quite as much visual appeal. You still get 18-inch alloys, LED lights, a high-quality interior, impressive infotainment system and keyless ignition.

Plenty of room in high-quality interior

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It comes as no surprise to learn that the Q5 has an exquisite interior. It’s understated and of high quality, with a nice combination of raised ride height without feeling like you’re sitting on top of the car.

The dashboard is shared with the A4 and A5 family of cars, but still features the rotary dial-controlled multimedia system that’s been replaced in the A4 in favour of MMI Touch. It’ll likely happen with a facelift for the Q5, but for now it’s a very easy system that works well in combination with the Virtual Cockpit digital dials.

The Q5 is spacious too – if not quite as roomy as a Volvo XC60, but there’s easily room for a family, space is good front and rear and the boot is well-shaped with 550 litres of space accessed via an electric tailgate.

Strong engine range – a choice of powertrains

There were as many as four different engine choices available in the Q5, however as of mid-2018 all but the 190hp 40 TDI version were taken off sale in the regular line-up. Previously, a 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel was available, as well as a less-powerful 40 TFSI petrol.

Since then, the silky smooth 45 TFSI petrol (Audi switched to a numerical engine naming structure in 2018 instead of engine sizes) has been added to the range with 245hp, while SQ5, 50 TFSI e and 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid options are also available.

All Q5 models come with Quattro all-wheel drive and an S Tronic automatic transmission. Simple.

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While the Q5 isn't designed to be a rugged, go-anywhere variety of SUV - you can't lock the Quattro system so that it's permanently switched on on the cheaper models, it nevertheless competes in a marketplace where buyers are spoilt for choice.

It's up against cars such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60, as well as alternatives ranging from the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and JLR's trio of products in the forms of the Jaguar E-Pace, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.

That sounds like a tough job - read our Audi Q5 review to find out why it's one of our favourite premium-priced SUVs.