2017 Audi Q5 (2nd Generation)

Plug-in hybrid duel: Audi Q5 vs Volvo XC60

Audi and Volvo's latest hybrid SUVs mix plenty of space with less CO2, but how about performance? We bring the two

Both cars look and feel superb inside, too. The Volvo’s cabin feels more lounge-like and ambient than the Audi’s, but the Q5 hits back with a level of technological cool and sophistication that lends it its own appealing aesthetic identity. From a visual and tactile perspective, both are impressive.

And from an overall perspective? Although neither car is particularly memorable when it comes to out-and-out dynamism, when viewed as refined, comfortable and quick premium plug-in hybrids, both cars impress in their own ways. But it’s the Audi that feels like the more cohesive, complete car in this test. That it’s considerably cheaper than the Volvo certainly helps its cause, but it’s the final level of polish, composure and sure-footedness that secures it the nod here.


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Tested: Audi Q5 2.0 TDI is all the car you'll ever need

One of the key questions I get asked about the Q5 is why would someone spend this amount of money on a relatively compact vehicle, and my response is simple: It ticks all the right sporty and practicality boxes. Sure, there are plenty seven-seat SUV alternatives out there that are cheaper, and that could work well as a family car, but there’s this genuine feeling of premiumness in the Q5 that I did not feel when jumping into several of its competitors in the class.

For now, I’m still exploring the vehicle’s handling and braking capabilities, and in several emergency lane change tests and brake tests, it has just shone. If you’re going tyre kicking for an SUV soon, don’t write-off the Q5 as it really feels like one of the best new cars I’ve driven this year.

 
Audi confirms new coupé-style Q5 Sportback will be revealed in 2020

Audi CEO Bram Schot has confirmed the brand will launch a new coupé-style Q5 Sportback in 2020 as one of “about 20” fresh models lined up for the year.

In his statement on Audi’s annual results 2019 and outlook 2020, Schot confirmed the swoopy roofed Q5 variant – which will take on the likes of the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé – would arrive before the end of the year, along with a facelifted Q2.

 
Abt Sportsline tunes Audi Q5 55 TFSIe PHEV to 419bhp

German tuner's first stab at a quick hybrid packs more power than Audi's full-bore RS Q3

Audi tuning specialist Abt Sportsline has unveiled its 419bhp take on the marque’s new Q5 55 TFSIe plug-in hybrid SUV.

Even in its standard form, the PHEV is the most powerful version of the current Q5, its electrified powertrain’s 362bhp surpassing the 342bhp offered by the SQ5.

Abt’s new tuning package, however, pushes the Q5 55 TFSIe above even the full-bore five-cylinder RS Q3 in terms of power.

The large SUV is the first commercially available hybrid to receive the Abt treatment, chosen on the basis that its low centre of gravity - a result of the underfloor battery pack - enhances its dynamic performance.

The 14.1kWh battery pack and 139bhp electric motor go unmodified, meaning the Abt Q5 is capable of the same 26-mile electric-only range as the standard car.

The power increase comes from modifications to the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol EA888 engine, which has been taken from 249bhp to 306bhp through tweaks to the engine management software. Torque is up, too, from 236lb ft to 273lb ft.


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Refreshed Audi Q5 breaks cover with updated design, new infotainment

The facelifted Audi Q5 has been revealed, sporting a “sharpened” exterior design and a new infotainment system.

Measuring 4 680 mm from nose to tail, the redesigned Q5 is some 19 mm longer than before (chiefly thanks to its larger bumpers).

So, what exactly has the Ingolstadt-based firm changed on the outside? Well, the grille is now shallower (but “appears wider”, says Audi) than that of the pre-facelift model, while the side air intakes have grown in height and now feature trapezoidal insets.

The upper section of the LED headlamps gain new daytime running lights, while the sill inserts along the flanks have been redesigned. Round back, there’s a revised trim element between the light clusters and a new diffuser insert with a horizontal fin. Interestingly, the refreshed Q5 will be offered with optional OLED taillamps for the first time.

Audi also introduces two new optional design lines (in addition to the standard version) to its Q5 range. The “advanced” line package includes chrome-effect vertical ribs in the grille, along with skid plates in silver rather than black. The “S line” kit, meanwhile, comprises a honeycomb grille and a chrome strip framing the rear diffuser. The updated Q5 will furthermore be available in two new exterior paint colours (district green and ultra blue), while the black trim package will be offered as an option.

And inside? Well, the first thing you’ll likely notice is that new freestanding 10,1-inch MMI touch display (with acoustic feedback). Yes, the rotary controller previously sited on the centre console has been ditched. For the record, the new infotainment system is based on the Volkswagen Group’s latest MIB3 arrangement.


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Facelifted Audi Q5 For SA in 2021

Audi introduced its new Q5 executive SUV in South Africa in 2017 and it has now received a mid-life update. Take a look at what the updated Q5 will have to offer when it arrives in South Africa in 2021.

The Q5 has been a huge success for Audi, so much so that it’s the Ingolstadt-based firm’s most popular SUV having sold over 16 million units since its inception in 2008. It’s also worth noting that the current Audi Q5 has been a regular finalist in the #CarsAwards powered by WesBank.

For South Africa, the current engine offerings for the Q5 will carry over which means the Q5 will be offered with a choice of a petrol and diesel engine and all Q5’s feature Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Q5 45 TFSI offers 185 kW and 370 Nm of torque.

As for the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the Q5 40TDI, outputs are 140 kW and 400 Nm and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission will be standard on all Q5 derivatives.

However, performance enthusiasts will have to wait longer for answers regarding the possibility of an RS Q5 as Audi flat-out refused to comment on it during the reveal this month.

 
Audi RS Q5 coming? Exec all but confirms fresh rival for X3 M and GLC63

An Audi executive has all but confirmed that an RS Q5 is indeed on the cards, conceived to take on the likes of the BMW X3 M Competition and the Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S.

According to motoring.com.au, Michael Crusius, the brand’s spokesperson for the Q5 line, admitted after the reveal of the facelifted SUV the topic of an RS-badged version was “exciting”.

“It remains exciting to see, but this is a topic that we cannot delve into,” Crusius said, according to the Australian publication.

Crusius added the existence of an RS Q5 was “one of the few questions we will not be able to answer today”.

 
New Audi Q5 Sportback to join facelifted SUV range

Latest spy shots confirm the rakish SUV has a sportier look than the standard Q5

Audi will complement its latest Q5 with a Sportback model that's expected to be revealed later this year - and new spy shots give us an almost unimpeded look at the rakish SUV’s design.

A thinly disguised mule has been spotted going through its paces at the Nürburgring, revealing a lower, more coupé-like roofline and sportier profile than the standard Q5, as well as a unique tailgate and rear bumper design. It follows on from last year’s launch of the Q3 Sportback as a rebodied version of the standard Q3.

Underneath, the Sportback will be mechanically the same as the recently facelifted Q5, gaining mild-hybrid tech and new infotainment.

It is likely to be launched with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel. However, two more diesel variants, including a V6, plus a pair of 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines are expected to be added later, as well as a hybrid.


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New Audi Q5 Sportback: mid-sized SUV receives coupe treatment

Revised rear-end will see Audi's family SUV rival the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe

Audi continues to grow its Sportback range of coupé-style SUVs, with the mid-sized Q5 the latest model to gain a more rakishly styled body option.

Following the recently launched Q3 Sportback and the larger, electric E-Tron Sportback, the new addition to the range has been completely redeveloped from the B-pillar backwards and features bespoke styling elements throughout which further set it apart from the recently facelifted standard car.

The front end, for example, receives a Sportback-specific grille with a new honeycomb-style design - which Audi claims brings it into line with its S performance models - and bespoke metallic inserts on the top-rung car. The Q5’s new LED headlights have been carried across, and sit above unique air intakes in the lower bumper.

From the side, the Sportback is most obviously marked out by its sloping roofline and tapered rear window, while the lower body line has been pulled up to make the car appear visually longer. A new set of 21in Sportback-specific alloy wheels have been added as an option.


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New swoopily styled Audi Q5 Sportback arrives to take on BMW X4

Audi has unwrapped the new Q5 Sportback, handing its conventional crossover an in-vogue coupé-like roofline.

In July 2019, the Ingolstadt-based firm gave its Q3 model the Sportback treatment and now it’s done the same with the larger Q5. The newcomer will take on the likes of the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé.

Audi says its new Q5 Sportback will appeal to customers who appreciate “family-friendly utility” but also “admire the expressive and distinctive design of more purebred sportscars”.

Measuring around 4 690 mm from nose to tail, the Q5 Sportback is some 7 mm longer than the conventional (recently facelifted) body style. Audi says its height and width are identical to that of the Q5, but points out its coefficient of drag is lower at 0,30.

 
Fresh rival for X3 M and GLC63? Audi still coy on rumoured RS Q5

An Audi executive says the firm has yet to fully commit to the idea of an RS Q5, saying the company will “see what comes”.

Michaela Benz, who is the product manager for the Q5 line, told Autocar that the Ingolstadt-based firm would hang fire on introducing a full-fat RS version of the SUV until it confirmed there was sufficient demand.

“We’re happy that our RS models are receiving such a good reception but we will start with the normal SQ5 TDI and TFSI in their respective markets and see what comes,” she said.

Rumours of an RS-badged version of the Q5 stretch back to mid-2017, when reports suggested Audi planned to fill the gap between the RS Q3 and RS Q8. The firm’s turbocharged 2,9-litre V6 seems a likely candidate to provide power.

 
Audi Q5 40 TDI Sport 2021 UK review

Should I buy one?

If you’re looking for a comfortable SUV and frequently drive long distances, the Q5 is still worth your consideration. It’s well equipped, rides well and delivers decent economy. Sport trim looks like particularly good value, too: you get lots of goodies without needing to step up to a pricier S line model.

The biggest question is whether a plug-in hybrid would better suit your driving style. The mild-hybrid powertrain at least promises to reduce your environmental impact over a traditional diesel model, but the TFSIe isn’t significantly more expensive and should provide even lower running costs for shorter commutes.


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Audi Q5 Sportback 40 TDI 2021 review

Should I buy one?

The Q5 Sportback is a nicely rounded package, then. One that comes with an impressive array of standard driver assistance systems, no less. Even so, the regular Q5 is nearly as good to drive but provides more space at a likely lower price.

If it’s a style statement that you’re seeking from your premium SUV, the Q5 Sportback will make obvious sense. However, its more upright sibling is, when all things are considered, likely the better buy.


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Audi Q5 (2021) Specs & Pricing

The updated Audi Q5 is on its way to South Africa and pricing has been loaded into Audi SA's website. Here we list some of the changes, the model line-up and how much you can expect to pay for the 2021 Audi Q5.

How much does the facelifted Audi Q5 cost in South Africa?

Every Audi sold is available with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan, with the option to extend maintenance up to 10-years/300 000km.

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro R829 500

Audi Q5 40 TDI Sport quattro R879 500

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro R883 500

Audi Q5 45 TFSI Sport quattro R933 500

Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro R1 169 500

 
Audi Q5 (2021) Specs & Pricing

The updated Audi Q5 is on its way to South Africa and pricing has been loaded into Audi SA's website. Here we list some of the changes, the model line-up and how much you can expect to pay for the 2021 Audi Q5.

How much does the facelifted Audi Q5 cost in South Africa?

Every Audi sold is available with a 5-year/100 000 km Audi Freeway Plan, with the option to extend maintenance up to 10-years/300 000km.

Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro R829 500

Audi Q5 40 TDI Sport quattro R879 500

Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro R883 500

Audi Q5 45 TFSI Sport quattro R933 500

Audi SQ5 TFSI quattro R1 169 500


Article has been removed - I think these are current prices for the pre facelift.
 
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