Audi Q5

Q5 Overview

Audi is working on a mid-life facelift of its popular crossover, Q5 that is expected to come out either by the end of this year or early next year. As seen in the 2020 Audi Q5 images, the test mule retains most of the styling, save for revised head-lamps, grille, tail-lamps and bumper at both ends. The visual changes will be made in line with Audi’s other Q range models including Q3, Q7 and Q8. While the interior will mirror updated A4’s styling featuring a large dash-mounted touchscreen infotainment unit. Mechanically, the new Audi Q5 is likely to feature a wide range of 48V mild-hybrid augmented units and plug-in hybrid variants. Expected to get these changes, the 2020 Audi Q5 price in Australia is likely to change upwardly.

Audi Q5 Interior & Features

The personalisation options are also available for the interior be it inlays or upholstery packages. Standard interior kit includes a plethora of features such as a 3-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, a ventilated glove compartment, rear digital display, ambient lighting packing, frameless auto-dimming interior mirror, folding rear seat backrest with 40:20:40 split and centre armrest, etc. 

Also, front gets a centre armrest with storage compartment and it also benefits from the storage package for including a lockable glovebox, cup holders in the rear centre armrest, luggage compartment net and tension straps, etc. Another prominent bit inside is the leather-covered power adjusting steering wheel with memory and automatic entry/exit functions. 

The talking point inside is Audi’s virtual cockpit with fully digitalized instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch high-resolution colour display. Also, the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi connect with in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, Audi music interface, USB outlets for charging, audio system with 10-speakers, Bluetooth interface, etc. come as standard save for a few features that are offered exclusively with the higher trims. 

Q5 Exterior

The standard exterior kit lacks Matrix LED headlamps which can be optioned with the custom pack. While the base trims come with Xenon lights, LED headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights are specific to the higher variants. 

Besides, Q5 also features distinctive light signature, dynamic front and rear indicators, all-weather lights, turning lights, motorway light function and LED rear lights including headlight washer system, as part of the standard pack. Also, the sunroof with electric tilting and opening, convenience key, full keyless entry start, electric rear tailgate with gesture control for hands-free opening can be availed with Q5 based on the variant. 

The electric rear tailgate with gesture control for hands-free opening, front grille sporting titanium black finish and chrome blades along with roof rails are standard. 

The lower variants come with power adjusting wing mirrors with integrated LED indicators, though additional functions such as heated mirrors with power folding, auto-dimming and memory function are reserved for the higher trims and can be optioned with base grades with the comfort pack. 

At the flanks, the base trims get 19-inch alloys, while the larger 20-inch units can be had with the higher variants. Audi’s drive select and spare wheel collapsible space saver, both are standard on the line-up. Coming to paint schemes, there is a variety of options save for Brilliant black and Ibis white which comes at no cost option. 

Audi offers a wide range of personalization on Audi Q5 through five additional packs that customers can choose by paying an extra premium based on their preference. The additional packages include a comfort pack, seat comfort pack, parking assistance pack, Technik pack and S line style pack. 

Audi Q5 Ride & Handling

It has refined ride quality and handling. The engine line-up is robust and offers punchy performance. Also, the steering is light and the adaptive air suspension is superb. 

Q5 Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Audi Q5 specifications comprises of three engines and two transmission configuration including a 1,968cc turbocharged diesel engine with 140kW and 400 Nm torque. Next is the 1,984cc petrol engine that can make 185kW along with 370Nm torque and lastly the top-spec 2,967cc unit good for 210kW and 620Nm torque. All these engines get Audi’s Quattro drivetrain as standard and a seven-speed S tronic gearbox across variants save for the top-spec Q5 50 TDI Quattro sport which is linked to an 8-speed tiptronic transmission. The acceleration time (0 to 100 km/h) varies for these engines with the 1,968cc diesel unit taking 7.9 seconds, 1,984cc petrol 6.3 seconds and the 3.0-litre diesel unit 5.8 seconds. 

Audi Q5 Braking & Safety

The safety kit on the Audi Q5 includes a long list of active features such as 8 airbags, attention assist, Audi pre-sense city with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection and Audi pre-sense rear. It also packs electromechanical parking brake, electronic stabilization control, brake assist, first aid kit, hold assist, seat belt reminders for all passengers, seat belts at front with pre-tensioners and tyre pressure loss indicators. 

Q5 Verdict

The Audi Q5 crossover is one of the best choices in the segment with a copious standard kit on the top-spec version. Customers also get a wide choice for personalisation which allows getting a custom look both inside/out.