The 2021 Audi Q5 is among the smallest compact luxurious crossovers inside, however contemplating that it has been that manner for 2 generations now and continues to be Audi’s best-seller, it looks as if many consumers are keen to miss it. Nonetheless, its restricted cargo capability is one thing to concentrate on, particularly if you happen to’re planning on utilizing the Q5 as a household hauler.
On paper, the Q5 has 25.85 cubic-feet of area behind its raised again seat. That appears OK, however that is a type of situations the place a car’s dimensions lead to much less usable area than the quantity signifies. As an example, the Q5 can maintain much less baggage than a Subaru Crosstrek regardless of that apparently having 5 fewer cubic ft of quantity.
There may be extra to the story than that, nevertheless, particularly associated to the Q5’s sliding again seat. So let’s dig slightly deeper.
That is the cargo space with the again seat slid to its most rearward place and the seatback in an upright however comfy place. This specific mannequin is the plug-in hybrid, however Audi says that makes no distinction when it comes to cargo capability.
As with each baggage check, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that may should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 broad, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Here is what I am taking about with reference to dimensions: the Q5’s cargo space is not that deep, and the liftgate space is way extra raked than it seems. So, you are left with a triangular prism-shaped space on the rear behind your baggage that is not notably helpful.
Now, I often do that check with and with no cargo cowl in place. Sadly, Audi didn’t embody the cargo cowl on this press car. Nonetheless, it is fairly apparent that it would not do properly with the duvet in place.
The tallest baggage would probably not be capable of match on their sides underneath the duvet, which implies I probably would’ve been left with a meager haul like this …
Once more, I am unable to know for certain, however that is fairly pathetic. At greatest, it might maybe maintain the identical variety of baggage as its smaller Audi Q3 sibling underneath its cowl.
OK, let’s throw away the phantom cargo cowl.
With a purpose to match the biggest baggage, I wanted to face the 2 midsize baggage up, which impeded imaginative and prescient. Extra to the purpose, I often do not should in compact crossovers. The flowery bag most likely would’ve match because it did within the GLC, however it might’ve been tight and impeded imaginative and prescient much more.
So, that is the poorest exhibiting to date by a compact luxurious crossover not named Land Rover Evoque. Even the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is extra helpful.
Nonetheless, the Q5 does have that aforementioned trick up its sleeve: the sliding again seat.
You possibly can see how a lot is gained right here.
There, shifting the seats all the way in which ahead permits every thing to suit AND leaves further room for the plug-in hybrid’s big cost wire bag. Extra on that on the finish.
At this level, the Q5 has remodeled its cargo space into one of the vital voluminous within the section, bettered solely by the Acura RDX.
Ah, however there’s in fact a catch.
Goodbye legroom! Whilst you could possibly carry the baggage of 5 folks, you will not really be capable of carry them alongside. Except everybody’s actually quick. Or youngsters in forward-facing baby seats.
So, is that this good or dangerous for the Q5? Finally, this versatility is a superb factor. Not everybody routinely wants the largest car round, however with the ability to develop capability now and again is actually useful. You can additionally slide solely a part of the 40/20/40-split seat ahead to realize some further cargo area whereas nonetheless leaving room for folks within the again.
Nevertheless, the actual fact stays that area is certainly restricted relative most opponents. To me, that makes the Q5 a more sensible choice for single people or {couples} with out youngsters. As an proprietor of the equally sized Audi Allroad wagon, I do know we run out of room awfully rapidly and wish a roof provider for longer journeys with our toddler son (particularly if the canine come alongside). The identical can be the case for the Q5.
Oh, and eventually, that wire bag. It is gigantic, and like most different plug-in hybrids primarily based on common internal-combustion automobiles, there is not any good place to maintain the factor. No storage underneath the cargo flooring (that is stuffed with batteries) not to mention a frunk (that is stuffed with engine). As such, you are left carrying round this factor.
Not less than Audi thoughtfully designed it to strap into the cargo space latches utilizing carabiners. Additionally, do you actually want to hold this wire round? The reply isn’t any. This can be a plug-in hybrid, so that you by no means have to cost the factor. Ought to you end up away from dwelling, left this big bag behind and do not have entry to a devoted charger, the Q5 can function endlessly as a daily hybrid. That is actually the benefit of a plug-in hybrid versus a full electrical automobile.
