Overview
AUDI Australia has launched its third-generation Q5 and SQ5 SUV vary Down Underneath this week, the vary priced from $81,000 plus on-road prices, or $7600 greater than the entry level to the outgoing line-up.
Rivalling the likes of the BMW X3 (from $86,100), Lexus NX (from $63,400), and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (from $89,000), the Audi Q5 line-up will initially comprise a front-wheel drive Q5 TFSI and the Q5 TDI, the latter in each quattro and quattro sport trim, in addition to the V6 TFSI engine-powered efficiency variant within the SQ5, with a particular SQ5 version one accessible for a restricted time to commemorate the native launch.
Audi says the 5 variants will later be joined by the Audi Q5 and SQ5 Sportback later in 2025 – in addition to a future plug-in hybrid (PHEV) different.
For now, the Audi Q5 line-up is alleged to be probably the most superior and opulent but with progressive styling, intelligent know-how, spectacular efficiency, and unparalleled consolation.
Entry-grade choices characteristic 48-volt gentle hybrid electrical help including a further 18kW/230Nm to their respective energy models (petrol and diesel), ensuing, Audi says, in is improved effectivity, efficiency and driving refinement.
Additional enhancements to the third-generation line-up embody the usual fitment of progressive steering and superior frequency selective dampers throughout the vary.
With sportier proportions and an athletic stance, the Q5 encompasses a larger shoulder line than earlier than, a new-look Singleframe grille, bigger entrance air curtains, and customary S line exterior styling providing 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, and excessive gloss aluminium garnishing.
Inside, the Q5 is “designed to be human-centric” that includes a format acquainted to the just lately launched Q6, A5 and S5.
Audi’s MMI panoramic shows incorporate 11.9-inch digital instrumentation and 14.5-inch infotainment arrays which play host to a bevy of connectivity and leisure methods.
The inside is additional adorned with leather-appointed upholstery, powered seat adjustment, LED ambient lighting, illuminated sill covers, and matte brushed aluminium trim.
After all, the usual finish of the Q5 vary is generously outfitted with the most recent security and driver help applied sciences together with adaptive cruise management, autonomous emergency braking, 9 airbags, velocity signal recognition, and far more.
The brand new vary additionally introduces the Q5 TDI quattro sport (from $94,100), which Audi says options an array of differentiating gear from the Q5 TDI quattro, together with 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, Sport entrance seats, S line inside, leather-appointed upholstery, a flat high and backside steering wheel, black headlining, and matte brushed aluminium trim with linear embossing in anthracite.
Marking the Australian launch of the brand new Q5 vary is the restricted SQ5 version one (from $106,400) Audi says might be provided for a “brief interval”.
Constructing upon the specification of the Q5 TDI quattro spot, the version one encompasses a distinctive black styling bundle together with gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps, window trims, anthracite gray Audi rings, and darkish tailpipe trims.
Privateness glass, crimson brake callipers, and unique 20-inch black metallic Audi Sport alloy wheels are additional provided as customary.
The inside of the SQ5 version one consists of leather-appointed upholstery complemented by S embossing, chrome steel pedals, a flat high and backside multifunction steering wheel, and darkened headlining.
On the top quality is the SQ5 powered by a well-known 270kW turbocharged V6 petrol engine. Audi quotes a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds for the variant, establishing it because the quickest SQ5 to this point.
The SQ5 differentiates itself with unique 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, acoustic entrance glazing, aluminium-look trims, and “distinctive” S exterior styling with outstanding seen tailpipe trims.
Inside, highlights embody ventilated, heated, and massaging entrance seats completed in premium diamond-stitched leather-based, Dinamica upholstery components all through the cabin, superior color ambient lighting professional, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium sound system, head-up show, and USB interfaces providing “speedy charging functionality”.
The Q5 and SQ5 vary is accessible in 10 paint colors together with three new additions: Tambora Gray, Grenadine Pink, and Sakhir Gold, whereas inside, a variety of upholstery choices and inside trim packages “present further customisation to go well with particular person tastes”.
The Q5 vary is backed by a five-year guarantee which incorporates roadside help. Servicing plans can be found with full particulars accessible by way of the Audi public web site.
Driving Impressions
The Q5 – and sportier SQ5 – provide engaging styling each in and out, the cabin feeling fairly acquainted to different just lately launched Audi fashions, albeit with slightly extra headroom, and a fraction extra cargo house.
We’re evaluating the mannequin in fact with its A5 “sedan” sibling and the electrified Q6, each of which share a familial feel and look, connectivity and security know-how highlights, and within the case of the previous, engine and transmission choices. No surprises there – and nor ought to there be.
What does come as a shock – and a pleasing one at that – is simply how nicely the Q5 stacks up in opposition to its nearest rivals.
Being of a more recent design, and with a substantial deal with up-to-the-minute connectivity and security package, it’s apparent Audi has closed the hole on the most recent BMW X3 – and left the Mercedes-Benz GLC (launched in 2022) feeling considerably of a distinct period.
Whereas cabin and cargo house doesn’t shift dramatically from the place it was, it arguably didn’t have to.
The Q5 is sensibly packaged and offers stable amenity ranges in each the rear seat and up entrance. Storage cubbies, charging shops, and drink holders are plentiful, as is the screen-centric HMI which dominates the dashboard.
The sheer share of screen-estate is probably not to each purchaser’s style, however it’s fairly user-friendly when you get the cling of it. Many of the extra often accessed controls are only one or two ‘faucets’ deep, with exhausting buttons remaining for ancillary objects you’re more likely to want right away.
Away from the appear and feel of the cabin it’s the standard of the supplies and the quietness inside that impresses most. The ergonomics and seating are very exhausting to fault, and the ADAS know-how – for probably the most half – good (extra on that in a second).
You actually really feel that you just’ve obtained what you’ve paid for aboard the Q5, the atmosphere as serene in a jaunt down the road as it’s cruising the open street. Multiple reviewer on the Q5’s native launch stated, “this can be a automotive I may drive from Brisbane to Sydney with little or no hassle”; and we should say we concur.
After all, that’s to not say the Q5 doesn’t deal with confidently. Disguised considerably by barely numb steering, the chassis is deceptively car-like and really nicely poised, providing a refined drive expertise that offers with a lot of the floor imperfections encountered on our temporary launch drive.
We likewise discovered the motion of the brake-by-wire association to be constant, with acceptable pedal development and wonderful stopping efficiency.
Although barely much less communicative than a vacuum hydraulic association, the set-up stays as predictable in fast-paced bends because it does on suburban streets – let’s hope the braking motion of the incoming PHEV mannequin provides extra of the identical.
Elsewhere, it’s the sleek and environment friendly drivelines of the Q5 and sportier SQ5 that present there’s loads of life in inner combustion know-how but.
The entry 2.0-litre petrol may want just a few extra revs on board to maintain with the movement of site visitors, however is nonetheless prepared, and impressively environment friendly. It’s bettered by the torque-rich 2.0-litre diesel that feels easy in hauling via hills and operating on the motorway, whereas additionally being an oily rag miser on the pump.
Each Q5 engine decisions returned a gasoline consumption worth near the producer’s declare, the TFSI 150kW (petrol) displaying 6.1 litres per 100km on the finish of our stint on the ‘wheel (versus a declare of 5.7L/100km), and the TDI quattro 150kW (diesel) a low 5.7L/100km (in opposition to a claimed 5.4L/100km).
After all, probably the most highly effective and fastest-ever SQ5 is a drive to be reckoned with, and a transparent favorite amongst these current for the automobile’s Australian launch.
Rocketing from standstill to 100km/h in simply 4.5 seconds, the turbocharged V6 is unflinching in its response to throttle inputs, piling on velocity with little regard for the sign-posted restrict.
Maybe counterintuitively, the SQ5 additionally managed to return an honest gasoline consumption determine throughout our demanding run via the hills, displaying a mean determine of 8.9L/100km (over a declare of seven.6L/100km) on the finish of the drive.
If there’s one standout niggle that detracted from an in any other case hard-to-fault Q5 expertise it’s that the lane preserve help and velocity recognition applied sciences are removed from infallible. On winding and poorly marked roads the lane preserve help is borderline harmful, typically inserting the automobile too intently to the centre of the street for consolation.
We additionally discovered the velocity signal recognition to be considerably off the mark, selecting up short-term velocity zones and – in uncommon situations – different roadside numbers it displayed because the posted velocity restrict on the instrument panel. A diligent driver will be aware the distinction, however many will take what the automotive says as gospel, hindering site visitors movement – or scoring themselves a rushing infringement.
It’s a small blot of the Q5’s report card, and a disgrace contemplating how nicely the adaptive cruise management, driver monitoring system, and different security applied sciences operate. Whereas the Audi methods are far higher than many we’ve sampled elsewhere, it exhibits that work can nonetheless be executed in getting automobiles proper for difficult Australian situations.
In any other case, we predict the Audi Q5 is a handsomely styled and tech-rich providing that shifts the mid-sized premium SUV benchmark for the higher. With some rivals being over-complicated and fussy – and others merely not well worth the asking value – it’s good to search out an alternate that splits the distinction with aplomb.
