Audi Q5 Expert Review

Though launched in 2018 and facelifted in 2021, the ageing Q5 still looks smart. Understated compared to newer rivals, its sharp lines and angular edges will find favour with more discreet buyers. The 19-inch alloy wheels look smart, the LED light signatures are smart and the Bold Edition features some attractive details.
 

Again, while newer rivals have grown, the Q5 does offer good rear seat space and comfort, though the seats are a touch firm. Like the exterior, the interior design is straight laced, which has its own appeal, and helpfully still features plenty of hard buttons for essential controls. Quality is excellent, as per Audi’s usual high standard.
 

The Audi Q5 is available with a single powertrain – a 2.0 TFSI turbo petrol with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and Quattro AWD. Its power and torque figures of 249hp and 370Nm are competitive for the class, and performance is sufficiently punchy. But more than that, it’s the Q5’s smoothness and refinement that are highlights, and could be best in class. 
 

The Audi Q5 official mileage is 13.47kpl, which doesn’t sound too bad for a petrol-only luxury SUV. However, in our real-world usage over time, we achieved lower figures, closer to 8kpl in the city and around 10kpl out on the highway. 
 

Thanks to the inclusion of adaptive dampers on top variants, ride quality is altered with the drive modes. Whichever mode you choose, the Q5 is a supremely comfortable SUV, and that is one of its strengths. Sharp handling is not a Q5 strength, though it remains neutral and easy to drive; it is, however, easy and manoeuvrable in the city.
 

Though among the oldest in the class, the Audi Q5 is quite well equipped. You get a 10.1-inch touchscreen, digital dials, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive dampers, 3-zone auto climate control, a wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system on top variants. On the safety front, you’ll find 360 cameras with park assist and 8 airbags. 
 

The Audi Q5 India price ranges from Rs 68 lakh to Rs 73.79 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and the SUV is available in three variants – Premium Plus, Technology and Bold Edition. Its rivals include the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Lexus NX, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Volvo XC60. The ageing Audi Q5 is due for a replacement in 2026 but the model is well priced and still has strong fundamentals of refinement, ride quality and interior comfort.