Car Review: New Audi Q5
There is nothing more frustrating than being stuck in traffic, especially if you really didn’t expect to be. There we were, on our way back from Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, expected arrival at Cape Town International Airport to be 9:30. The universe had different plans and an accident on Sir Lowry’s Pass meant we only arrived at 13:00. The only thing that made this 5-hour detour bearable was the fact that I was sitting in the new Audi Q5 (and my driving partner happened to be one of my best friends).
I don’t say this lightly. There are very few cars I can comfortably sit in for five hours and the new Audi Q5 proved to be a real road trip reveller. There is something to be said about a car that keeps you calm under such frustration, and believe me, tensions were high! People were missing flights, missing meetings and having to rearrange their lives…this could have ended really badly, but the new Q5 kept us all calm and comfortable.
The first generation Audi Q5, launched back in 2008, has been the most successful Audi SUV ever, selling 1,6 million units worldwide and over 11 300 locally. This second generation is more refined in both design and in driving comfort. The design might not seem revolutionary, but when you place the previous generation next to this one, the changes are noticeable, especially at the front. The new Audi Q5 appears less rounded and more sculpted, leaner and muscular. It is not as heavy looking even though it is bigger and more spacious than its predecessor, but 90 kg lighter.
Inside you notice a mix of materials creating a luxurious and premium cabin. It is full of sophisticated tech which showcases the bridge between where we were and where we are headed when it comes to autonomous driving. The only teeny, tiny irritation I have with the interior (and this is really nit-picking) is with the sound of the rotary knob used to operate the infotainment system…but let’s be honest, I am a highly irritable person at best so this is not something that others would notice…until I just mentioned it that is. Overall, it is one of the most comfortable cabins I have experienced and we can thank the traffic for me experiencing this.
The engine line up comprises of the 2,0 TDI and 2,0 TFSI. The TDI produces 140 kW of power and 400 N.m of torque, and the TFSI puts out 185 kW and 370 N.m. Fuel consumption is claimed at a low 4,9l/100 km and 6,8l/100 km respectively. For those who want a bit (or a lot more) oomph, the top of the range SQ5 has a powerful 3,0 V6 TFSI engine with an output of 260 kW and 500 N.m of torque. You can sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5,4 seconds and fuel consumption is claimed at 8,3l/100km.
New trim lines provide numerous customisation opportunities for both exterior and interior. You can look forward to the Base model and also the Sport line which offers additional features.
There isn’t really anything negative I can say about this new Audi Q5. It’s comfortable, quiet, lovely to drive and practical enough. Sure it has strong competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but current Q5 owners won’t need to look elsewhere and I am certain will stick with the Audi badge. And if non-Audi drivers get behind the wheel of this new Q5, Audi will certainly see some newcomers to their brand as well.
NEW AUDI Q5 PRICING:
- Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic: R 698,000
- Q5 2.0 TDI quattro S tronic Sport: R 748,000
- Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic: R 747,500
- Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro S tronic Sport: R 797,500
- SQ5 3.0 TFSI quattro Tiptronic: R 1,044,000