Audi Q5 2021 review

The mid-size SUV is now the brand's most important model. 

Now the defining volume seller of our century, the ever-popular category transcends brand and market position – and Audi is no exception.

To that end, the German brand reminds us that the Q5 is its most successful SUV ever, having sold nearly 40,000 units in Australia so far. Then no pressure on this new one, which brings some much-needed upgrades to the current-gen SUV launched way back in 2017.

Has Audi done enough to keep the Q5 on par with its (also very good) archrivals from Germany and around the world for years to come? We tried the updated car at its Australian launch to find out.

Audi Q5 2021: launch of 45 Tfsi Quattro ED Mkh
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Hybrid with premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	8l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$69,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Would you believe me if I told you that the new Q5 was a bargain despite this year's price increase?

Yes, it's a luxury SUV, but with improved equipment and price tags across the range that range from marginally to significantly lower than its main competitors, the Q5 impresses from the start.

The entry-level variant is now simply called Q5 (previously called "Design"). It is available with a 2.0-litre diesel (40 TDI) or 2.0-litre petrol (45 TFSI) engine, and the equipment level has been significantly upgraded here.

Now standard are 19-inch alloy wheels (up from 18s), full paint (the brand decided to ditch the plastic protection from the previous version), LED headlights and taillights (no more xenon!), a new 10.1-liter engine. inch multimedia touchscreen with redesigned software (can't be thankful enough for that), Audi's signature "Virtual Cockpit" dashboard with additional customizable features, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android wired auto-connection, wireless charging bay, rear view mirror with auto blackout, upgraded leather seating and power tailgate.

Very pretty and almost everything you need, really. Price? $68,900 excluding tolls (MSRP) for diesel or $69,600 for gasoline. No context for this? All you need to know is that it undermines its two main rivals, the entry-level versions of the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Sports are next. Again, available with the same turbocharged 2.0-litre engines, the Sport adds some first-class touches such as 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming side mirrors, adaptive cruise control (may be an option on base vehicle). ), blacked-out headlining, sport seats, some upgraded safety features, and access to some additional option packages.

Again, the Sport undercuts its equivalent badges in the X3 and GLC ranges by offering an MSRP of $74,900 for the 40 TDI and $76,600 for the 45 TFSI petrol.

The range will be completed by the S-Line, which will be available exclusively with the 50 TDI 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine. Again, the S-Line will raise the visual bar with new performance-focused blacked-out styling, a sporty bodykit and a honeycomb grille.

It comes standard with different design 20-inch alloy wheels, an interior LED lighting package, an electrically adjustable steering column and a head-up display, but otherwise it has the same basic equipment as the Sport. The 50 TDI S-Line MSRP is $89,600. Again, this is not the most expensive option for a more performance-oriented mid-ranger from a luxury brand.

All Q5s now come standard with a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. (pictured Q5 40 TDI)

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the updated Q5 design is how closely you have to look to see what has changed. I know Audi's design language tends to move at an icy pace, but this is an unfortunate timing for the Q5, which misses out on some of the funnier and more radical design choices made with recently launched Audi SUVs like the Q3 and Q8.

Despite this, the brand revised the grille across all classes, tweaked some small details on the face to make it a bit more angular, added contrast to the alloy wheel design, and removed the cheaper plastic cladding from the base model.

These are all minor changes, but those that help the Q5 sync back up with the rest of the brand's lineup are welcome. The Q5 is a conservative choice, perhaps for those looking to get under the radar compared to the GLC's flashy chrome or the exaggerated performance of the BMW X3.

Changes to the interior design of the Q5 are small but significant. (pictured Q5 45 TFSI)

The rear of this latest Q5 update gets even slimmer, with the most notable feature being the backlight strip on the trunk lid. The taillight clusters are now LED across the range and have been slightly redesigned, while the lower splitter has a more modern design.

Simply put, if you liked the Q5 before, you'll love it even more now. I hardly think its new look is revolutionary enough to attract a new audience in the same way as its smaller Q3 sibling or even the new A1 hatch.

The changes to the interior design of the Q5 are small but significant and really help modernize the space. The standard 10.1-inch multimedia screen pairs beautifully with the virtual instrument cluster that is now standard across the range, and the dreadful software from the previous car has been replaced by the slick operating system from later Audi models.

19-inch alloy wheels are now standard (versus 18-inch). (pictured Q5 Sport 40 TDI)

With the touchscreen now easier to use, the once-busy Q5 center console has been given a makeover. The odd touchpad and dial have been removed and replaced with a simplistic design with useful little storage cutouts.

It certainly looks as high-tech as Audi's slogan "progress through technology" suggests. Other improvements include improved "leather trim" on the seats and an updated console with a slide out cordless phone charging bay, a nice touch.

The two cars we tested showcased a choice of trims: our diesel car had an open-pore wood look, while the gas car had a textured aluminum trim. Both felt and looked great.

The overall interior design of the Q5 is a bit dated, and the rest of the rather vertical dashboard remains the same as it was when this generation launched in 2017. Other than those nice accents, it's a bit of a one-color treatment. At least it has everything you would expect from a car in this segment. It's not even to say that Audi did a bad job with this update, on the contrary, it's more a merit of the strong design language found in the interiors of new generation cars, which the Q5 lacks this time around.

The seats are fully adjustable, as is the steering column. (pictured Q5 45 TFSI)

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

While the Q5 remains identical in size to its predecessor, the practicality of this update has improved, especially with the extra space given to front passengers. Small but useful storage compartments for wallets, phones and keys now appear at the bottom of the center console, and the storage box with variable height lid is nice and deep. The wireless phone charger is a very nice addition, and it can either cover the front two cup holders to make them flush, or slide under the console cover if you need to use them.

The bottle holders are big too, and there are even bigger ones with decent notches in the door pockets.

The three-zone climate unit is serious and practical, but minimalistic dials still appear next to the gear lever for volume control and fine tuning.

The seats are quite adjustable, as is the steering column, but at heart it's a true off-roader, so don't expect to find the sportiest seating position as it has a high base and the tall dash keeps most people from sitting lower in the seat. floor.

There was plenty of room in the back seat for my 182cm height, but I honestly expected a little more from such a large SUV. There is room for my knees and head, but I will also note that the seat trim feels softer at the base. I didn't feel as comfortable here as I did in a relatively recent test of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e, which also features softer, more luxurious Artico leather trim. Worth considering.

Rear passengers benefit from a light and airy space thanks to the panoramic sunroof on the Sport trim we were able to test, and the Q5 still offers the much-desired third climate zone with adjustable vents and controls for rear passengers. There are also two USB-A ports and a 12V outlet for a versatile array of charging options.

In terms of storage, rear passengers get large bottle holders in the doors and thin mesh on the backs of the front seats, and there's also a fold-down armrest with two smaller bottle holders.

There was plenty of room in the back seat for my 182cm height, but I honestly expected a bit more from such a large SUV. (Q5 40 TDI)

Another consideration here is the optionally available "comfort package" that puts the second row on rails and allows passengers to further adjust the angle of the seatback. This option ($1300 for 40 TDI or $1690 for 45 TFSI) also includes an electric steering column.

Cargo space for the Q5 range is 520 liters, which is on par with this luxury mid-range segment, albeit slightly less than its main competitors. For reference, it easily consumed our CarsGuide demo travel cases with plenty of room. The Q5 also features a set of stretch meshes and plenty of attachment points.

The addition of a motorized tailgate as standard is a very welcome addition, and the two Q5 Sports we tested had compact aftermarket parts with an inflation kit under the trunk floor.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

Audi has finalized the Q5 engine lineup for this facelift, adding a few more high-tech touches.

The base car and mid-range sports car have a choice of two engines: a 40-litre four-cylinder 2.0 TDI turbodiesel and a 45-litre four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI petrol turbodiesel.

Both have healthy power, slightly different from their pre-facelift equivalents: 150kW/400Nm for the 40 TDI (slightly less) and 183kW/370Nm for the 45 TFSI (slightly more).

The 40-litre four-cylinder 2.0 TDI turbodiesel delivers 150 kW/400 Nm.

They are also complemented by a new mild hybrid (MHEV) system, which consists of a separate 12-volt lithium-ion battery that helps boost starter power. This is "soft" in the truest sense of the word, but allows these engines to have smoother start/stop systems and increases the amount of time the car can coast with the engine off when decelerating. The brand claims that this system can save up to 0.3 l/100 km in the combined fuel cycle.

Those who want something more in every department will soon also be able to opt for the S-Line 50 TDI, which replaces the four-cylinder engine with a 3.0kW/6Nm 210-litre V620 diesel. This also raises the MHEV system voltage to 48 volts. I'm sure we'll be able to share more about this option when it comes out later this year.

The 45-litre four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI turbocharged petrol engine develops an output of 183 kW/370 Nm.

All Q5s carry Audi's signature all-wheel drive Quattro branding, in which case it has a newer version (launched alongside this car in 2017) called the "Ultra Quattro" which has all four wheels driven via dual clutch packs by default. on each. axis. This is different from some "on demand" systems that only activate the front axle when a loss of traction is detected. Audi says the Q5 will only revert to front-wheel drive under the most ideal circumstances, such as under minimal acceleration or when the car is moving at higher speeds. The system is also said to "reduce friction losses" to further reduce fuel consumption by about 0.3 l/100 km.

The 40 TDI and 45 TFSI engines are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the Q5 range can tow 2000kg with brakes regardless of variant.

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What is it like to drive? 7/10

Have you ever ridden a Q5? For those who have, there will be no big changes here. For everyone else, it's a big, heavy SUV with a 2.0-liter engine. The Q5 has always been a harmless but perhaps not exciting driving experience when it comes to its less powerful variants.

We weren't able to test the fast 50 TDI S-Line as part of this launch review, but I can report that both updated turbocharged 2.0-litre variants have been well refined to make this big SUV a comfortable and competent family. tourist.

Even though Audi goes to great lengths to point out aggressive 0-100 mph times for both options, I just couldn't connect with them in such a sporty way. I'm sure they're fast in a straight line, but when you need to get torque at freeway speed or you're really trying to make the most of a twisty road, it's hard to get over the mass of this SUV.

Have you ever ridden a Q5? For those who have, there will be no big changes here. (pictured Q5 45 TFSI)

However, both engines are quiet, and even the inactive suspension setup does a wonderful job of providing comfort and handling.

The diesel engine is prone to lag, and while attempts have been made to reduce the impact of the stop-start system, it can sometimes leave you without precious torque when pulling away at traffic lights, roundabouts, and T-junctions. The petrol alternative is much better in this regard, and proved to be smooth and responsive on our test run.

Once launched, the dual clutch was hard to catch with super-fast shifts and gear ratios chosen at just the right time.

The diesel engine is subject to braking attacks. (pictured Q5 40 TDI)

The steering is very well suited to the character of this car. It's fairly computer-driven, but in default mode it's pleasantly light, while sport mode tightens the ratio to provide just enough speed and responsiveness to keep the driver engaged enough.

The sports mode deserves special mention, it is unusually good. Strengthened steering is joined by a more aggressive accelerator response and, with a superior adaptive suspension package, a smoother ride.

Speaking of adaptive suspension, we had the opportunity to test it on a 40 TDI, and while it's an expensive option ($3385, oops!) the cabin is even more so.

The sum of these details makes the updated Q5 perhaps what it should be - a comfortable premium family touring car with a hint of something more (pictured Q5 45 TFSI).

Even the standard suspension pairs beautifully with this car's all-wheel drive system, which certainly contributes to good road feel and confident traction.

The sum of these details makes the updated Q5 perhaps what it should be - a comfortable premium family touring car with a hint of something more. The BMW X3 offers a slightly more sporty perspective.

How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

The Q5 is big and heavy, but these new, more efficient engines have helped cut fuel consumption across the board.

The 40 TDI diesel variant has an impressively low official combined fuel consumption of just 5.4 l/100 km, while the 45 TFSI has a less impressive (but still good all things considered) official figure/combined consumption of 8.0 l/100 km.

We won't be giving verified numbers for our run cycles as they won't be a fair representation of a week of combined driving, so we'll save full judgment for later option reviews.

You will need to fill 45 TFSI with 95 octane mid-grade unleaded gasoline. The petrol engine has a large 73 liter fuel tank, while either of the diesel engines has a 70 liter tank.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

Just like in the cabin, Audi has made most of the safety features standard across the Q5 lineup.

In terms of active safety, even the base Q5 gets automatic emergency braking that works at speeds up to 85 km/h and detects cyclists and pedestrians, lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert rear, driver attention warning, automatic high security. -beams and exit warning system.

Adaptive cruise control, a suite of 360-degree cameras, a more advanced collision avoidance system, and an auto-parking kit are all part of the Q5-based "assistance package" ($1769 for 40TDI, $2300 for 45 TFSI), but become standard on the mid-range Sport.

In terms of more expected safety features, the Q5 gets a standard suite of electronic traction and braking assists, with eight airbags (dual front, four-way, and dual curtain) and an active pedestrian hood.

The updated Q5 will retain its then-excellent maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from 2017.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Audi is pushing for a three-year/unlimited kilometer warranty, which is well behind the pace, given that its main rival Mercedes-Benz is now offering five years, new competitor Genesis is also offering five years, and Japanese alternative Lexus is offering four years. However, many of its other competitors, including BMW and Range Rover, are pushing for three-year promises, so the brand is not alone.

Audi scores a few points for more affordable prepaid packages. At the time of writing, the five-year upgrade package for the 40 TDI is $3160 or $632/year, while the 45 TFSI pack is $2720 or $544/year. Super affordable for a premium brand.

Audi scores a few points for more affordable prepaid packages. (pictured Q5 45 TFSI)

Verdict

Audi has pretty much worked behind the scenes to tweak and change just a few small details of its facelifted Q5. Ultimately, it all adds up to create a significantly more attractive mid-size luxury SUV, even in the face of fierce competition in the segment.

The brand has managed to add some vital tech upgrades, add value and breathe life into its key family touring car that previously looked a little risky to be left behind.

We choose the Sport model for the most impressive equipment at a very reasonable price.