Just as you were wondering if sport-utility vehicles (SUV) are becoming passe, one drives up, with a compelling combination of performance and understatement. The Audi Q5 appears to be more crossover than SUV even though it may look like a hulking off-roader with its huge wheels and cavernous wheel arches.
There are plenty of praises to offer this young SUV, going so far as to say that its performance rivals sport sedans. With its standard all-wheel drive, it's sure-footed in slippery conditions and downright fun to drive when the pavement is dry. It's one of the most entertaining vehicles in its segment indeed.
Thanks to its generous rear passenger space and ample cargo room, this entertainment doesn't come with the usual practicality compromises.
Exterior
Although it appears to be a giant, the Q5 is actually no higher than a Japanese SUV, with a height of 1.65metres (height of Lexus RX 270 is 1.68metres) and when compared with the bigger Q7, the Q5 looks almost compact.
Despite having a similar front-end to its stonking sibling, the Q5 has more pleasing proportions. Much sportier in appearance, this five-seater has a more subtle form of machismo.
There are plenty of praises to offer this young SUV, going so far as to say that its performance rivals sport sedans. With its standard all-wheel drive, it's sure-footed in slippery conditions and downright fun to drive when the pavement is dry. It's one of the most entertaining vehicles in its segment indeed.
Thanks to its generous rear passenger space and ample cargo room, this entertainment doesn't come with the usual practicality compromises.
Exterior
Although it appears to be a giant, the Q5 is actually no higher than a Japanese SUV, with a height of 1.65metres (height of Lexus RX 270 is 1.68metres) and when compared with the bigger Q7, the Q5 looks almost compact.
Despite having a similar front-end to its stonking sibling, the Q5 has more pleasing proportions. Much sportier in appearance, this five-seater has a more subtle form of machismo.
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From the side, it has a strong, high-waisted shoulder that tucks into a neat rear, reminiscent of the Q7, while the standard 19-inch wheels and aluminium exterior trim give the Q5 a sleek look. Steeply raked windshield pillars, pull-out door handles and lower side extensions are also noticeable from the side.
From the back, the Q5 has sporty proportions and a muscular stance due to its long wheelbase of 2.8metres and wide body and track. Additionally, the rear styling is straight to the point, with elegant red LED taillights to complement its wideness.
Generally, Q5 is one of the most beautiful cars Audi has ever created. It has the perfect combination of beefy proportions and dimensions that allow this car to look dynamic.
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Interior
Inside, the cabin is much of what we've come to expect from Audi. It is par for the course as the Q5's interior is beautifully rendered in quality plastics and supple leather - nothing like most of its competitors could or would have offered.
However, similarly to BMW's iDrive, the Q5's main controls are situated at the centre console and it can certainly take a while before getting to know how to handle them.
Nonetheless, the cabin of the Q5 is an extremely comfortable and quiet place to be. The grey leather seats throughout the cabin are supportive and sumptuous, with plenty of head and legroom - for three mid-sized adults at the back.
Stowage space is reasonably satisfactory (540 litres) when five people are on board but more than adequate otherwise. Flip the back row seats down, which are easily actuated from the cargo area, and the boot capacity increases by a few notches to 1,560 litres.
Inside, the cabin is much of what we've come to expect from Audi. It is par for the course as the Q5's interior is beautifully rendered in quality plastics and supple leather - nothing like most of its competitors could or would have offered.
However, similarly to BMW's iDrive, the Q5's main controls are situated at the centre console and it can certainly take a while before getting to know how to handle them.
Nonetheless, the cabin of the Q5 is an extremely comfortable and quiet place to be. The grey leather seats throughout the cabin are supportive and sumptuous, with plenty of head and legroom - for three mid-sized adults at the back.
Stowage space is reasonably satisfactory (540 litres) when five people are on board but more than adequate otherwise. Flip the back row seats down, which are easily actuated from the cargo area, and the boot capacity increases by a few notches to 1,560 litres.
Apart from these, the most striking on-board feature is definitely the panoramic sunroof, which comes with a manual cover to block out the midday glare and light completely. It bathes the cabin with light, and makes it a very nice and airy place to be.
However, it would have been better if the cover could be operated with a push of a button instead of causing unnecessary distractions when sliding it manually.
Still, the cabin is a real revelation. After all, this isn't a full-size SUV. But if you are expecting a 'tight' cabin, you're in for a surprise. The cabin is just as big as the one you'd find on a BMW X5- a 'full-size' SUV with head and leg room in ample supply.
However, it would have been better if the cover could be operated with a push of a button instead of causing unnecessary distractions when sliding it manually.
Still, the cabin is a real revelation. After all, this isn't a full-size SUV. But if you are expecting a 'tight' cabin, you're in for a surprise. The cabin is just as big as the one you'd find on a BMW X5- a 'full-size' SUV with head and leg room in ample supply.
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The Drive
The high point of the Q5 is its drivetrain. The spec sheet tells you there's a 2.0-litre four- cylinder inline petrol with direct fuel injection under the hood, making 211 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque, hooked up to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. But the numbers don't tell the story.
Open the throttle and the modest sized turbocharged plant responds eagerly, hitting 4,500rpm promptly, every time. Each time it sounds as potent as the stoutest four-cylinder engines you care to name. Response is immediate and it doesn't matter if you're pulling away from a light or passing at highway speeds; the power is there.
Ride and handling wise, the Q5 manages to isolate you from bumps and yet stay firmly gripped around fast corners. And being a high-riding car, the laws of physics are always going to come into play, making the car prone to slight body roll.
The high point of the Q5 is its drivetrain. The spec sheet tells you there's a 2.0-litre four- cylinder inline petrol with direct fuel injection under the hood, making 211 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque, hooked up to a seven-speed S tronic transmission. But the numbers don't tell the story.
Open the throttle and the modest sized turbocharged plant responds eagerly, hitting 4,500rpm promptly, every time. Each time it sounds as potent as the stoutest four-cylinder engines you care to name. Response is immediate and it doesn't matter if you're pulling away from a light or passing at highway speeds; the power is there.
Ride and handling wise, the Q5 manages to isolate you from bumps and yet stay firmly gripped around fast corners. And being a high-riding car, the laws of physics are always going to come into play, making the car prone to slight body roll.
Saying that, for day to day use, the Q5 feels and behaves like an oversized hatchback - driveable, responsive and manoeuvrable even in the tightest places. The Q5's handling is at the top of the heap and its ride will hardly beat you up. Its acceleration is also up there with the class leaders as its transmission always seems to be in the right gear.
With the impressive grip and nicely weighted steering, you'll have more fun driving it than you will any other cars in its class.
Conclusion
As an Audi, the Q5 has the quietly handsome styling many have come to expect of the brand with the four rings. As a performance SUV, it delivers excellent handling in a spacious and practical package.
It might not be the most affordable powerplant in its segment, but it will undeniably offer major value for every cent you spend.
And if image-conscious buyers are to agree, we just may have a new pack leader.
With the impressive grip and nicely weighted steering, you'll have more fun driving it than you will any other cars in its class.
Conclusion
As an Audi, the Q5 has the quietly handsome styling many have come to expect of the brand with the four rings. As a performance SUV, it delivers excellent handling in a spacious and practical package.
It might not be the most affordable powerplant in its segment, but it will undeniably offer major value for every cent you spend.
And if image-conscious buyers are to agree, we just may have a new pack leader.
