The Audi Q5 has been around since 2008 and is the second Audi model in the 'Q' family - after the full-size SUV Q7. It was also considered the smallest 'Q' model - until the younger Q3 came along.
Fast forward to 2013, the Q5 gets a mid-life cycle refresh, with a host of cosmetic and mechanical updates. Although the new bumpers and daytime running lights are welcome, it's the powertrain changes that should interest Audi buyers and fans the most.
While you may have already read about this car beginning of the year on our site, we decided to do it again but this time round with better pictures. With the Q5's impactful style changes, coupled with our talented photographer, we don't see why we shouldn't give the Q5 the justice it deserves.
Exterior
Although sporting similar sheet metal as the bigger Q7, the Audi Q5 isn't as ostentatious, thanks to its overall smaller dimensions of 4,629mm x 2,089mm x 1,653mm (L x W x H). And more importantly, the Q5 is engineered from different building blocks as compared to its bigger brethren.
Fast forward to 2013, the Q5 gets a mid-life cycle refresh, with a host of cosmetic and mechanical updates. Although the new bumpers and daytime running lights are welcome, it's the powertrain changes that should interest Audi buyers and fans the most.
While you may have already read about this car beginning of the year on our site, we decided to do it again but this time round with better pictures. With the Q5's impactful style changes, coupled with our talented photographer, we don't see why we shouldn't give the Q5 the justice it deserves.
Exterior
Although sporting similar sheet metal as the bigger Q7, the Audi Q5 isn't as ostentatious, thanks to its overall smaller dimensions of 4,629mm x 2,089mm x 1,653mm (L x W x H). And more importantly, the Q5 is engineered from different building blocks as compared to its bigger brethren.
The car is also better looking than before, with cosmetic enhancements around the front fascia. The Q5 sees a shape that's familiar to the Audi A5's single-frame radiator grille. But this time round, it has also been made bolder by flattening out the top of the grille.
The new daytime running lights now wrap around the new design of the headlight housings rather than the usual linear layout while the bumper has been restyled - making it a perfect blend of sophistication and sporty ruggedness. The rear diffuser looks the part of a tough lad, too, thanks to the revised twin tail pipes.
The new daytime running lights now wrap around the new design of the headlight housings rather than the usual linear layout while the bumper has been restyled - making it a perfect blend of sophistication and sporty ruggedness. The rear diffuser looks the part of a tough lad, too, thanks to the revised twin tail pipes.
Interior
Luxury and space are certainly apt descriptions for the Q5's cabin. Here, the Q5 shines with its room, credit going to the generous wheelbase of 2,807mm. Rear quarters will fit three adults with ease with plenty of head and legroom.
A major consideration for anyone looking to buy an SUV is the boot space and the Q5 doesn't disappoint. With rear seats up, 540 litres of space is presented the moment the electrically operated tailgate (which is height adjustable and comes standard now) opens.
This equates to more than just a couple of luggage and picnic baskets for your family road trip. Knock the rear benches down and the space increases by a couple of notches to 1,560 litres - allowing you to throw in a couple of mountain bikes for your weekend cycling.
Luxury and space are certainly apt descriptions for the Q5's cabin. Here, the Q5 shines with its room, credit going to the generous wheelbase of 2,807mm. Rear quarters will fit three adults with ease with plenty of head and legroom.
A major consideration for anyone looking to buy an SUV is the boot space and the Q5 doesn't disappoint. With rear seats up, 540 litres of space is presented the moment the electrically operated tailgate (which is height adjustable and comes standard now) opens.
This equates to more than just a couple of luggage and picnic baskets for your family road trip. Knock the rear benches down and the space increases by a couple of notches to 1,560 litres - allowing you to throw in a couple of mountain bikes for your weekend cycling.
Design and build quality is also what we've come to expect from Audi. Its smart layout and expensive to the touch materials provide an elegant look and luxurious feel.
The centre console is nicely laid out with easy access to everything important, including the navigation system that comes standard now, via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system.
Although not often found in other luxury cars, the Q5 makes it easy for the driver to find a high and comfortable seating position. Coupled with the tidy dash, even a pint size driver like this author will have no trouble having a commanding view of the road ahead.
The centre console is nicely laid out with easy access to everything important, including the navigation system that comes standard now, via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system.
Although not often found in other luxury cars, the Q5 makes it easy for the driver to find a high and comfortable seating position. Coupled with the tidy dash, even a pint size driver like this author will have no trouble having a commanding view of the road ahead.
The Drive
The high point of the Q5 remains to be its powertrain. The torque from this 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which peaks at 350Nm from just 1,500rpm, is more than sufficient to see to your daily driving.
While the previous model impressed us with its 211 horses and seven-speed automatic gearbox, this updated Q5 here outdid itself.
With 225bhp running through the slick shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the car will easily dash across the century mark in 7.2 seconds. Although this figure may not be impressive on paper, it certainly is when it comes to real life driving.
Give the throttle a generous squeeze and the Q5 changes from your daily driver to your aggressive animal as it surges forward with great alacrity. Plus, with an exhaust note that sounds rather stirring and cultured at the same time at the higher-end, the compact SUV from Audi is an invigorating car to pilot, even for the most demanding driver.
Remarkable in this car is also the insulation refinement. External noises are barely noticeable as the tyre roar from the 19-inchers is beautifully suppressed, cocooning occupants from all but some fierce wind whispers when travelling at illegal speeds.
The high point of the Q5 remains to be its powertrain. The torque from this 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which peaks at 350Nm from just 1,500rpm, is more than sufficient to see to your daily driving.
While the previous model impressed us with its 211 horses and seven-speed automatic gearbox, this updated Q5 here outdid itself.
With 225bhp running through the slick shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, the car will easily dash across the century mark in 7.2 seconds. Although this figure may not be impressive on paper, it certainly is when it comes to real life driving.
Give the throttle a generous squeeze and the Q5 changes from your daily driver to your aggressive animal as it surges forward with great alacrity. Plus, with an exhaust note that sounds rather stirring and cultured at the same time at the higher-end, the compact SUV from Audi is an invigorating car to pilot, even for the most demanding driver.
Remarkable in this car is also the insulation refinement. External noises are barely noticeable as the tyre roar from the 19-inchers is beautifully suppressed, cocooning occupants from all but some fierce wind whispers when travelling at illegal speeds.
Our test car came with the Drive Select system that allows you to select from various driving modes, including an automatic one which allows the car to decide. There isn't really a need to set the car to its sporty Dynamic mode because with that much communication between man and machine, leaving it in Comfort mode is often satisfying enough.
But when there's a need to, the Q5's steering, throttle response and willingness to hold its gearshifts comes alive. It's also in the Dynamic mode where the ride is decidedly firm but far from punishing.
Tackling bends in this mode also means body roll is better controlled, which makes tracing arcs and swift directional changes ever more enjoyable.
Conclusion
There isn't a doubt that this 2.0-litre engine is a lovely block. It delivers smooth and powerful acceleration that's helped by a refined and responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox. In short, it feels oh so alive when you pedal to the metal and door-handle the car like a maniac and relaxed whenever you need the Q5 to be.
Additionally, with its fresh styling details, more standard equipment and ample space, the Q5 has everything a family on the go would need, making it more appealing than ever.
But when there's a need to, the Q5's steering, throttle response and willingness to hold its gearshifts comes alive. It's also in the Dynamic mode where the ride is decidedly firm but far from punishing.
Tackling bends in this mode also means body roll is better controlled, which makes tracing arcs and swift directional changes ever more enjoyable.
Conclusion
There isn't a doubt that this 2.0-litre engine is a lovely block. It delivers smooth and powerful acceleration that's helped by a refined and responsive eight-speed automatic gearbox. In short, it feels oh so alive when you pedal to the metal and door-handle the car like a maniac and relaxed whenever you need the Q5 to be.
Additionally, with its fresh styling details, more standard equipment and ample space, the Q5 has everything a family on the go would need, making it more appealing than ever.
