Audi Q5 (Parallel Imported)

The 2018 generation Audi Q5 has been thoughtfully redesigned to address the shortcomings of its predecessor. Audi listened to feedback on the first-generation model, refining key areas like interior ergonomics, technology integration, and driving dynamics. The result is a vehicle that feels purpose-built rather than a mere badge carrier.

When comparing the Q5 to its direct rivals—the 2018 BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC—the distinction becomes clear. Unlike its competitors, where a significant portion of the price tag leans heavily on brand prestige, the Q5 delivers tangible value in terms of material quality and design sophistication.

For instance, BMW's Virtual Cockpit implementation in the X3 feels half-baked, lacking the seamless integration and polish expected at this level. Mercedes, on the other hand, omitted a full virtual cluster in the GLC altogether. Audi's Virtual Cockpit in the Q5 sets the benchmark here—fully digital, crisp, and intuitively designed, enhancing the driving experience rather than complicating it.

On the performance front, the Q5 offers an impressive powertrain lineup that, at similar price points, is hard to match among its peers. Beyond engine output, Audi has paid attention to mechanical hardware where it counts. While many rivals, including the X3 and GLC, feature single-piston brake calipers in comparable trims, the Q5 comes equipped with robust 4-piston calipers, ensuring superior braking performance and fade resistance—a detail often overlooked but crucial for driving confidence.

The body tensile strength and warp strength are also leading in it's class. Q5 is really class leading in many areas for same price point.

Recently, the EV wave has caught SG by storm. After monitoring crazy COE prices and their stabilisation and extension of the EV rebates, I'd hoped to hang on a little longer to my dear Q5 until mid-2025. Then the Q4 e-tron came by, frivolously took a test drive, and was convinced by the launch discount to make the switch. Hence, this is likely to be my final month with my 2nd Q5 in my fledgling association with Audi, as I'm going to replace my parking lot with the new Q4 e-tron 45.

If you've read my previous reviews, my first Q5 (2013 model) gave me nightmare after nightmare with it's complete lack of reliability. Thankfully, my unjustified loyalty to the Audi brand was rewarded with a very reliable second Q5 (2018 model), of which I am very happy to leave a long-term review.

Over the 5 or so years of driving it, it has always allowed drive the way I want to. Fast when I need it with the strong acceleration and fantastic braking power; Smooth when I'm in need of a slow and calm drive like after work in heavy traffic. It never disappointed in the driving aspect. Together with the PS4SUV tires, it was almost an extension of myself. As an ex-athlete, my Q5 allowed my own moves to be played out on the road perfectly every time, whether fast or slow, or weaving around slow traffic or avoiding fast traffic. It was hard to hide a smile / smirk each time it was able to satisfy me with the lateral Gs.

Perhaps my next review will be about the incoming Q4 e-tron (if all goes well with my order). I will miss quite a few bits about the outgoing Q5 (see what I like). The drive select / adaptive sports suspension always worked perfectly in Auto mode (who needs any other mode) - something the Q4 won't have, sadly, as it's on comfort suspension. The S-line trim quilted seats were really special like those adidas COPA boots (made special by Toni Kroos) - I'll miss those too. Strangely, I'll be missing the rotary dial which will be replaced by a touchscreen and gear stub. More in the next 2 boxes.

I suppose this is a little emotional goodbye to my second Q5 that served me so well for the past few years. May its next owner enjoy its remaining years with as little trouble as I've had thus far.

A big thumbs up to this big part of my family. The ever-reliable and powerful 2018 Audi Q5.

Having driven the previous Q5 for nearly 6 years, it was time to let it go for fear of further maintenance costs. Having made countless trips to the Ubi service centre, each time I left the car there for something to be fixed or replaced, I vowed not to return again to Audi. Perhaps not everyone can appreciate the reasoning, but there are always brand loyalists and good reasons for their existence.

Clearly, there are many alternatives within the SUV class and beyond. In the process, all continental SUVs were considered, as well as cars such as Skoda Superb. On the Japanese side, there was Lexus, Toyota, Honda and Mazda and their various models to choose from.

Perhaps you have to watch the video 'What does it take for a car to be an Audi" To know what I rnean. An Audi is just a bit more special than the rest in the same price range. Of all the 4WD available, quattro just seems most natural. The interior, virtual cockpit and the MMI exude class.

So why back to Audi? Perhaps it's the customer service. Perhaps the quality just stands out a bit more. Everything works well in symphony within the car. I wouldn't necessarily recommend this car to just anyone. But ultimately it was difficult to choose anything else to replace my previous Q5. And the clincher? A really good deal offered to me was too hard to resist. Cheers!