Look, it’s another white crossover with a black interior and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and that ubiquitous SUV silhouette. What’s so special and luxurious about this?
Everything.
From the flick of a switch on the center stack to the way the suspension cushions a bump, the 2019 Audi Q5 positively oozes quality. The Q5 shows luxury needn’t be a dizzying array of standard features, acres of chrome and a cushy ride. Instead, it’s about how well-crafted something feels. It’s that special feeling you get when you feel an expensive leather wallet or get cosy in some sheets with a high thread count.
Buyers are clearly quite receptive to the Q5’s definition of luxury. It was the 4th best-selling luxury vehicle in the US in 2018 and Audi’s best-selling vehicle, selling almost 10k more units than the A4/A5 range. It was also the best-selling vehicle in its class, narrowly beating the Mercedes-Benz GLC by a couple hundred units. It’s a hotly competitive segment, though, and the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Lexus NX are nipping at the heels of the Q5 and GLC.
The Q5 was completely redesigned for 2017, replacing the first-generation model which bowed in 2009. The second generation moved to the new MLB Evo architecture and weighs the same as its predecessor (just over 4000 pounds), despite measuring 0.5 inches wider and around an inch longer. In some overseas variants, the Q5 has actually lost weight to the tune of 200 pounds.
The pace of Audi’s design evolution can be slow but, though the second-generation Q5 may appear similar to its predecessor at first, there are some notable differences. The trademark single-frame Audi grille is wider and more aggressive. There’s also a sharp shoulder line running down the side of the car, reminiscent of the Audi A5.
In the transition from first to second generation, the Q5’s infotainment screen has ascended from the center stack to the top of the dash and has grown to 8.3 inches. Controls are still helpfully angled towards the driver and the Q5 continues to have one of the more elegant interiors of its class.
From the moment you close the door – which closes with the classiest “thunk” I’ve ever heard – you’ll be impressed with the depth of quality in the Q5’s interior. The seats, for example, feel firm and yet they remain comfortable and supportive over long distances. The switchgear is tactile, particularly those buttons at the bottom of the center stack. The elegant aluminum accents in this Q5 keep the black interior from appearing somber. Though the plastics of the lower dash and center console aren’t as soft as those above, there’s an overwhelming feeling of quality in this interior. The Q5 is now made in Mexico but the build quality of its cabin remains stellar.
It’s a spacious cabin, too, with a comfortable second row and 26.8 cubic-feet of cargo space behind it. The second row can also slide back and forth by a few inches.
Generally speaking, the Germans seem to be well ahead of other luxury brands in the infotainment stakes. While some brands rely heavily on touchscreen inputs or persist with inferior controllers (I’m looking at you, Lexus), Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi all use lovely and tactile rotary controllers. Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) in particular has a very modern and attractive user interface. In addition to the rotary controller, there’s also a touchpad and a collection of shortcut buttons. Regular switchgear remains for climate control and drive functions.
MMI isn’t perfect, mind you. Though it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the phone-to-MMI connection was unreliable, but there was reasonable doubt as to whether it was my phone or MMI dropping the ball. Also, the proprietary navigation has vibrant and clear graphics but its search function is a bit clumsy. For example, when I searched for “gas”, it correctly put a gas station first in the results but it was one miles away in Richmond (I was in downtown Vancouver). The same search in Google would have had “gas stations near me” as the first result after typing “gas”.
While it’s tempting to just plug in your device and use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to navigate, this will prevent you from experiencing the crown jewel of Audi’s infotainment system: the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit screen in the gauge cluster. In addition to information like time, temperature and remaining range, the navigation screen is duplicated here, putting this information closer to the driver’s line of sight. While some cars merely display an arrow and the next navigation instruction, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit has the same kind of graphical representation as the main screen.
It would impress Meryl Streep’s character in It’s Complicated even more than Steve Martin’s Audi S6.
Even the standard gauge cluster is impressive.
All Q5s come well-equipped. In the US, the base Premium model – priced at $42,950 – has a power liftgate, autonomous emergency braking, leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats, a 40/20/40 split-folding and reclining rear seat, and paddle shifters. The Premium Plus adds LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The range-topping Prestige is resplendent with luxury features, from a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system to a head-up display, in-car Wi-Fi and ambient cabin lighting. Of course, being a German car, there’s a glut of available options including adaptive air suspension, dynamic steering, and ventilated seats. Features from higher grades can be added to the lesser models.
Regardless of trim level, all North American Q5s bar the recently-introduced SQ5 use the same powertrain: a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 2.0 produces a class-competitive 252 hp and 273 ft-lbs. Those seeking more power can pony up the extra $10k for the new turbocharged V6 SQ5 and its extra 101 horses and 96 ft-lbs of torque.
Though the SQ5’s extra power sounds tantalizing, the standard Q5 has more than enough performance to satisfy with a 0-60 time of just 6.2 seconds. The dual-clutch automatic has an unfortunate lag from a standing start but once the Q5 is moving, shifts are seamless, leaving the slick paddle shifters feeling thoroughly unnecessary. There’s a stop-start system but it’s one of the more refined applications of this technology with no uncouth jerking.
Driving the Q5 is confidence-inspiring. The suspension tuning is exquisite, being firm but absorbent. You’ll notice when you’ve driven over a bump or a pothole but the Q5 will make short work of it. The overall sensation is one of poise, control and comfort. Much like the SQ5’s turbo V6, the prospect of the optional adaptive air suspension tantalizes but, if the base set-up is this good, how much better could that be?
Audi’s Drive Select system modifies the shift patterns, throttle response, and the weight of the electric power steering. Though Normal mode is good for city driving, Dynamic dials in some more heft into the steering and is the choice for more spirited driving. After a little while, I just left it in Dynamic.
Driven aggressively, there is some body roll in the corners and you do feel the higher center of gravity vis-à-vis a sedan. Grip, however, is excellent and the Quattro system keeps the Q5 feeling poised and planted at all times. You can toss the Q5 into a corner and it’ll remain unflustered.
With the second generation of Q5, Audi switched to what they call quattro ultra, which disconnects the rear differential in most conditions and operates in front-wheel-drive to aid in fuel economy. Gas mileage is improved over its less powerful predecessor, the EPA rating the Q5 2.0 at 23/27 mpg (25 combined). That’s an improvement of 3 mpg on the combined cycle. If you want to keep the Q5 in all-wheel-drive mode, you can do so via Drive Select.
The Q5’s turbo four clearly went to finishing school, making none of the thrashy sounds some four-cylinder engines make and sounding appropriately hushed. The only issue I experienced while driving the Q5 – apart from the slight delay off the line – were some puzzling metallic creaks I heard a few times while cornering.
That was the only blemish on an otherwise thoroughly impressive package. If I’d been asked before this review to pick any new luxury car to drive, an Audi crossover wouldn’t have been high on my list. The Q5, however, proved to be a wonderful companion on my drive from Vancouver up to Whistler and Joffre Lakes. There are plenty of buyers out there who’ll purchase this predominantly because of the four rings on the grille. However, there are also buyers who’ll buy this because they appreciate the tactility of its controls, the poise of its handling, and the suppleness of its suspension. For many, this is the definition of an excellent luxury vehicle.
I absolutely understand why.
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On sale now.
Correction; on sale three years from now. For lease now. (You can buy one new if you insist, but that doesn’t seem to be the German-luxo business model).
That’s right, Stainsey, and if you call in the next five minutes we’ll even throw in a set of silver-plated steak knives with your new Audi Q5. That’s right, you heard me, an entire set!
…And we’ll DOUBLE the offer, just pay an extra fee!
If you’re going to go the TV Pitchman route, you have to speak in ALL CAPS. (RIP Billy Mays)
I have liked the looks and interior quality of Audi products. What makes me stay away from them is their reputation for expensive repairs. Japanese, American Korean cars are much cheaper to keep running.
To be fair, that’s been largely my view, too. Especially as somebody who buys used. If I was leasing a new luxury car, I would be more inclined to go German. Buying used? There’s a reason why I’m looking at a Genesis, Lexus or Infiniti for my next car.
That lower dash plastic looks straight from a Ford Fiesta.
This thing is about as appealing as a 1970’s Cadillac. Plenty of pseudo-quality, and not enough real quality.
One could purchase an equivalent vehicle from a “lesser” manufacturer for half the money, and walk away with the same features and styling. But, if you must have those four circles on the grille…
I agree with your 1st statement
I totally disagree with your 2nd
And fully agree with your 3rd
A 1970 Cadillac is far more appealing than anything on the road right now!!
Honestly, I am having trouble distinguishing “luxury cars” from well equipped and reasonably expensive “regular cars” these days. In decades past it was easy because less expensive cars used far less expensive parts both inside and out. Perhaps I would have less trouble if I actually drove some for comparison, and I will take you at your word that this Audi performed in a way to make it worth its cost.
I keep saying that the German manufacturers are going to have to do something about a model that leases high priced cars and then sells them with a CPO warranty good for a few years until the value crashes through the floor due to actual or anticipated expensive failures. But it keeps working for them, so what do I know.
That’s my take on it as well. A “luxury” car does not differ much from a loaded
(and lesser priced) “standard” brand, other than price and perceived status. The GM way of doing this (along with Ford/Lincoln) really makes you wonder why a loaded Impala costs less than a similar XTS, when both are pretty much identical, save a few things – few mechanical – and slightly different styling. And it only gets worse in the SUV categories – an Equinox or a XT4? Why pay more to get the same car with a different badge?
At least with this model’s shared platform, the Audi is the cheapest version (Bentayga and Urus share this platform).
Setting aside the actual platform, which is probably mostly invisible to most owners, isn’t the Tiguan significantly cheaper than the Audi, let alone the Bentley or Lambo versions? Seems like pretty much the same car to me.
To me as well, but for argument’s sake I gave the Audi a break since it is technically on a different platform. In this case, the Audi is the lesser brand, so when one compares a Bentayga or Urus to this, it makes one wonder why the others are worth the premium they charge.
But really, when a standard brand has all the same features, comparable drivetrains and suspension, and interiors are of a similar fashion and standard, why other than for status would one pay more?
It’s no longer WalMart clothes versus Parisenne couture, more like buying the same Izod shirt at Macy’s versus Neiman Marcus. One costs more, but are there any differences save price?
I brought this up as the owner of two “modern” VW’s, one in the past and one now, which I think provide an excellent driving experience and excellent fit, finish and interior design. I really like the esthetics and equipment levels of most Audi’s (some of the big shiny grills aside) but I struggle with Audi’s premium pricing and positioning relative to brands like Mercedes and BMW. Especially as someone who remembers when all VW’s were inexpensive air-cooled Beetles or derivatives. Though maybe that’s a better reflection on Audi than the other two brands. I certainly find the Q5 very appealing if I ever get a crossover.
Excellent review, and it touches on some of the reasons we really like our A7! However, for the record, that is not the Audi Virtual Cockpit, which would be the total digital display, that is the base dash layout, similar to what one got in the A6/A7/A8 a few years ago. The Virtual Cockpit would replace all of that with a screen, and is very slick! (For the record, no idea why Audi changes trim levels and names between Canada and the US – our A7 is a Technik, which is equivalent to a Prestige in the US).
As always, an enjoyable read!
Thanks Benjamin, I just noticed I inserted the regular gauge cluster image there. I’ll fix this.
Glad you’re enjoying your A7. They’re very, very handsome cars.
I keep waffling on the Q5 and suppose I should go and drive one of the newest ones (“The Commenters Dilemma”: How does one comment effectively or authoritatively without actual firsthand experience of the product being commented on).
It seems like a very nice vehicle and yes the interior is in general top notch, but I still have trouble with the pricing as to me an Allroad just seems like better value overall. While the much more upright seating position in the Q5 seems good, it also feels somehow snug inside without feeling “cocooned” if that’s an apt descriptor in comparison to the Allroad. (Allroad is not huge inside but you feel enveloped instead of just close to the passenger). (this is based more on observations of the older Q5).
I think, if buying new, I probably would keep going up to the SQ5, what’s an extra $10k when you’re already in it for 50 or so.
But a very solid review, I would expect it to drive very well and securely with a more planted feel than the more value oriented choices. And yes a good door thunk is extremely satisfying.
This vehicle really underlines how out of step I am with the current tastes of the market, because the only remotely appealing aspect of the Q5 is its perceived quality, which is undercut by the awareness of how many corners VAG tends to cut elsewhere to afford these impressive showroom touchpoints.
I don’t mind the styling of Audi’s current sedans and coupes — less overwrought than some contenders — but I can’t fathom spending $42K for a dull-looking tall hatchback with what I assume will be a sob-inducing repair record.
I’m right there with you. “Just nice, for a price” are my vibes I get from most Audis these days. Hell, this rig versus the Mazda CX-5 my parents ended up buying two years ago is a prime example. Their every option Grand Touring, with the porcelain perforated leather, metal control units, and superior looking trim seriously challenges this easily 10k more expensive Audi in terms of material quality. The Mazda also has laminated side front windows, and is vault like quiet at 70. Are you listening, Audi?
Yes, they are nice vehicles. Vehicles that quickly price themselves out of nice territory once you start adding desirable options. Then they merely become competitive within an already overpriced class of “premium” tier SUV’s. You won’t be walking away with any Q5 with power seats and a sunroof for less than 47k. Hard Pass.
^this. And if you think it’s different here in Austria, 5 hours away from Ingolstadt where you’d expect a somewhat better pricing policy, you’d be wrong.
Same for the Mazda 3 vs Audi A3, I wouldn’t give the Audi three seconds of my time.
Gee,this looks like every other cuv on the road. at least Cadillac’s XT4 looks distinctive. i would’nt waste my money on this. Dont need an expensive vehicle that looks like an inexpensive Honda,Hyundai,Toyota…..ETC
I agree with you.
The Audi SUVs don’t excite me in the least. Mind you, I’m not much of an SUV guy anyway. I recently drove the new XT5 and came away impressed. That rig was in the same price range as the Q5 albeit in CDN dollars.The 3.6 litre V6 in the XT5 was delightful and the seats really comfortable. Plus, the styling is distinctive.
Good review in which the main showroom selling points are highlighted. I have long been an Audi fan due to interior quality and design and the relatively restrained exterior styling. I think William has done a great job explaining the factors and product appeal behind Audi’s recent success.
I just bought a mid-sized crossover and felt compelled to at least look at the Audi lineup. I really liked the interior, ride and handling of the Q5. Someone above mentioned similarities with Volkswagen products, but I disagree, as VAG has done a good job differentiating the Q5 from the Tiguan with much higher material quality at major touch points. Also, many of the higher end options noted above are not available on the equivalent VW models. On the other hand, I would argue that the Tiguan is superior in its cargo capabilities, important to me because I wanted to be able to carry 4-5 adults and a large dog simultaneously.
Impressed as I was and despite owning 7 VAG products over the years (including a first-gen Tiguan currently), I ended up taking a hard pass on the Q5 for reasons cited above: high entry cost, massive depreciation and, borne of hard personal experience, the tendency of VAG products to disintegrate after the 4-year warranty expires.
I ended up with a Honda Passport, very different in some respects to the Audi and hardly a luxury vehicle. Pricing overlaps at the top of the Passport range with bottom to middle of the Q5 lineup, but the Honda is roughly $4-5k less, similarly equipped. The projected depreciation curve is much less steep. The biggest difference might be dealer service, but I’ve bought from this Honda dealer before and had a good experience. I am confident that the Honda will last at least ten years and 150k miles with little required beyond factory-recommended maintenance, whereas the Audi will undoubtedly require hugely expensive repairs starting year five.
I don’t understand most modern gadgets, self closing tailgate? I have arms, lane warning departure ? I have eyes .
Most people aren’t used to drive anymore and are more interested in their smartphone then normal serious driving let alone behave on the road.
Most gadgets which are well intended actually lead to worse drivers, paying less attention trusting their electronic gadgets.
I mean earlier this week here a guy got very seriously injured when he crashed his Tesla full speed under a semi. And Dutch trucks have mandatory rear bumpers preventing for a car to duck under a truck.
I would not be a bit surprized if the Tesla was on autopilot and ‘overlooked’ the truck.
Spot on. Modern cars give you a false sense of security in more ways than one. People just do not expect to be hurt anymore. Yes they are safer than the old ones but physics will be physics.
My mother has one of these as her daily driver (it’s a 2013, so from the previous generation, but Audis update so incrementally it’s more-or-less the same). My take: it’s really in its element on the highway. The ride quality is excellent (firm but compliant), and it’s exceptionally quiet at speed. The engine provides more than enough power for overtaking even at near-triple-digit speeds, and it returns decent MPG as well. The interior quality is also outstanding. It’s definitely the best highway car I’ve driven, and given that much of her mileage takes place in that venue, it’s perfect for her.
But around town, it’s…not as good. My main issue with the Q5 is the absolutely infuriating transmission. Now, I’m not a fan of most conventional automatic transmissions (I much prefer either a manual or a single-speed transmission à la electric cars) because they’re usually a half-step behind whatever I want to do. But the Q5’s ZF unit drives me nuts. It’s fine under normal, smooth acceleration; shifts are quick and mostly seamless. But the second you want to change speeds quickly (either from a stop or while you’re moving at slow speed), all hell breaks loose. If I’m, say, trying to turn right onto a busy street in LA traffic, there’s not much time for me to turn and get up to speed. In most cars, this isn’t a problem. But in the Q5, I’ll put my foot down and the car will just…sit there. So I’ll press down harder, and then (what seems like) a full second later, the car will suddenly decide that it wants to start moving, and rockets out into traffic at a speed much faster than I originally wanted to go. It’s the same when you try to accelerate quickly at speed. It’s possible this could be mediated by shifting the transmission myself, but it doesn’t have paddle shifters and I don’t really want to tick through eight gears with the fiddly transmission lever.
It’s also around town that I conspicuously realize just how large the car really is. Granted, I spend most of my time driving smaller vehicles, but the combination of an elevated driving position and the car’s 75-inch (189 cm) width makes the Q5 feel a bit ponderous and bus-like to me. The nonexistent steering feel from the electrically-assisted rack doesn’t help either.
So, it’s an excellent car for the right person and purpose (someone who drives mostly highway miles and/or is used to driving larger cars), but for me it simply wouldn’t work as a daily driver.
You are EXACTLY right, same experience on my 2015. Audi seems to have trouble making an automatic transmission that can find second gear when you want it. I have driven several others Audis, from my generation and the current one, and they all have had this problem. However, I did get to drive a 2019 SQ5 recently, which is the hot rod Q5, and it did not seem to have the same problem…maybe it’s more pronounced with the four cylinder than with the six. But I would not be surprised if a longer drive revealed it.
Excellent and very accurate review Will! My experience with Audi’s been that it’s a brand that’s good in many areas – one that can wear many hats with confidence and success.
And that is the beauty of Audi: it’s a brand that’s not in your face about anything, but one that invites you to step in and experience its well-rounded strength in luxury, performance, comfort, technology, style, efficiency, refinement, and more.
Nah, don’t need it. I’ll stick with Mazda.
Ain’t that so! Mazda sells big in Australia, and having been in a few recently, the perceived quality and driving disparity between this and, say, a CX-5, is undetectable (to me).
But the 30% less price and 100% greater confidence in longer reliability couldn’t remain undetected by Inspector Clouseau himself.
Just no, I’ll stick with used European cars from PSA for the driveability and reliability, so far so good
I have herd immunity.
Too much new, too dodgy used.
These authoritative pronouncements from my inherent Oralceness are, naturally, made without experience of driving the subject vehicle, as is entirely proper and consistent with Internet opinions, and ofcourse preclude the possibility that experience of the real thing may just overwhelm my resistance to the second and third of my enwisdomings (the first being naturally immovable by virtue of my superior position).
That all said, the review is of the typical William S. standard, being first rate.
Mr. Stopford, what does the comment “The Q5 is now made in Mexico but the build quality of its cabin remains stellar” imply? Is it that products assembled or made in Mexico are assumed to be inferior to those made elsewhere? I bought a new 1988 Mercury Tracer (nee Mazda 323) that was assembled in Hermosillo Mexico and the assembly quality was remarkable not only for a car in that price range but for any automobile at that time.
The same assumption used to be made about cars made in the United States versus those made in Germany or Japan. As we learned, it wasn’t so much the will or skill of the factory worker but the thought put into the design and assembly process that made the difference. IIRC the press was very impressed (ha ha – press was impressed) with the build quality of Hondas made in Marysville, Ohio back in the 1980s. They were assembled, of course, by workers from the same country as Chevrolet Citations and Ford Escorts.
Mexico, though it has its problems (don’t we all), is far from a third-world country. There is no reason it cannot have a skilled labor force like the United States, Canada, or any other nation. Cheap products will, in most cases, always look and feel cheap. Quality, well designed products, assembled by well instructed individuals can be very nice no matter where they are made.
By that, I mean there’s been no change in build quality despite no longer being made in Germany.
I’m well aware plenty of cars have been assembled in Mexico to a high standard. Nevertheless, there’s been some criticism in the past specifically of VW Group cars assembled in Mexico.
A close friend of mine bought one of the previous generation new in 2016. It now has 80,000 miles on it and belying the previous VW/Audi reputation, has been TROUBLE FREE. No repairs! No squeaks, rattles, nothing. Very impressive. The maintenance has been reasonable as well. I know C/D did a long term test on the previous generation and it went 40K miles with no trouble, so perhaps VW/Audi has licked their quality bugaboos. I’m still leery of them, let’s see how it holds up after a few more years.
He shopped most of the CUV/SUVs on the market from BMW to Subaru. These were a tremendous value in the base model, being fully loaded in base form and reasonably priced. Now that Chevys and Hondas easily hit the $50k mark, it’s hard to justify the Chevy or Honda or Ford when you can get a premium product for around the same.
Yes. There’s a vast difference between the materials used, the feeling of quality, the sound of the doors, the overall construction, in the VW version and the Audi version. The trim, the dash, the materials used are better in the Audi version. I didn’t see it comparing the Acura with the Honda, but some manufacturers do differentiate the premium models better than others.
He looked at the Mazdas and Subarus and at the time they were woefully underpowered.
Woefully underpowered. Hmm, sounds a little like CR lately. One can get a CX-5 with the 2.5 Skyactive engine. We have a new 2018 Mazda 3 with the 2.0 Skyactive engine that CR says was underpowered. CR doesn’t know what they are talking about as I can now attest to that.
This is another car I need to do a report on since it is my wife’s car. Since she is in the Philippines for a month I have used her car on some 120 mile trips. Have likes and dislikes but overall impressed by my choice.
So – do you think the Q5 is assembled like the old AUDI in Flossenburg?