Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Overview
Audi did not have a good year in 2019 where sales were down by 19%.
Audi Q5 medium sized SUV, however, remains their bestselling vehicle and managed to increase its number by 1.6% in a market that is depressed overall. The Q5 accounts for more than a quarter of Audi’s sales in a fleet of some 16 vehicles.
Audi launched their second generation Q5 in Australia in July 2017 and now they have given it a mild make-over adding a few more features.
The range maintains its 3 engine options and two model variants (Design and Sport) or you can move up to the high performance SQ5.
We tested the 45 2 litre petrol TFSI quattro Sport.
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Exterior
It’s hard to make an SUV look stylish. The Q5 follows a familiar, safe path in its looks. For this makeover it has a few small cosmetic changes mostly at the front around the bumper line and the lower pods that house the day time running lights.
The Design model has 19-inch wheels and the Sport has 20-inch wheels. You can option up to 21-inch wheels. They look good but it is clearly saying this is not a car for the toughest off-road experience.
There are two standard colours: Brilliant Black and Ibis White and 9 extra metallic colours plus one special colour for the top of the range 50 TDI. The better paint finish will cost $1,531 or $1,990 if your model is in the luxury car tax bracket, which should start to show you the sort of expenses that are part of the Audi package.
Other exterior Design model features include:
- Convenience key, full keyless entry and start
- Electric rear tailgate with gesture control for hands free opening
- Bottom bumper section in Manhattan grey
- Xenon headlights including all weather lights, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights
- Radiator grille in titanium black; blades in chrome
- Roof rails including removable cross members
- Titanium black styling package – adds black highlights around the Audi Singleframe, the trim strips on the side windows and the bumpers, front and rear. Includes exterior mirrors in high gloss black
- S line exterior including S line front and rear bumpers, grille, side sills and rear tailgate spoiler
In addition the Sports model gives you:
- Exterior mirrors that are heated, folding and auto dimming with memory; kerb-side function on the passenger side. One feature to boast to your neighbours are heated windscreen washer jets
- Bottom bumper section in body colour
- LED headlights including LED daytime running lights with distinctive light signature, all-weather lights, turning lights, motorway light function and LED rear lights with dynamic indicators
- Radiator grille in twilight grey, matt; blades in aluminum silver, matt
- Sunroof, panoramic, tinted glass, electrically tilting and opening with electric sun shade
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Interior
The interior design neither tries to be extravagant or quirky but it does reflect confidence and style.
An 8.3-inch high-resolution infotainment screen connects to Apple Carplay and Android Auto and works well with the navigation system. The controls, including those on the steering wheel, are sufficient and not complicated.
The Design base model offers an audio system with 8 loudspeakers. Move up to the Sport model and you get a 10-speaker sound system including subwoofer, 6-channel amplifier with total output of 180 watts
There is good room for the second row of seats but the conform is for the two outer seats with the centre seat being only for infrequent necessities.
The luggage area is 550 litres with the second row of seats in an upright position. The seat split is 40:20:40. You can get an option of sliding second row seats that can increase the leg room to 610 litres at the expense of the passenger leg room. Fold the seats fully down and the capacity is increased to 1550.
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Features
Along with most traditional features the Q5 adds the following:
- Audi music interface with 2 USB inputs and auxiliary input socket
- Audi phone box light – supports wireless charging via the “Qi” standard for compatible smartphones and smartphone covers and includes an additional Bluetooth connection5
- USB outlets for rear passengers (charging only)
- Audi smartphone interface – connects Apple or Android devices via USB to access approved apps via the MMI system5
- Audi parking system plus front and rear with rear view camera and visual display
In terms of information display, the most advanced feature is when you move up to the Sports model which comes with the Audi virtual cockpit, a fully digital, configurable instrument cluster with 12.3-inch-high resolution colour display.
Some of the packages include:
Technik package
- Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with 19 speakers including tweeters in the upper part of the A pillars deliver 755 watts via a 16-channel amplifier. There is even accent lighting of the front door speakers
- Audi Matrix LED headlights including LED daytime running lights, dynamic front and rear indicators, all-weather lights, motorway light function and LED rear lights – includes headlight washer system
- Head up display – in colour with speed, navigation and assistance information
- Price: $5,600
Comfort package
- Exterior mirrors; heated, folding and auto dimming with memory; kerb-side function on the passenger side – includes heated windscreen washer jets (design models only)
- Electrically adjustable steering column with memory function and automatic entry and exit function
- Massage function for front seats
- Memory function for driver’s seat (Design models only)
- Rear seat bench with additional functions of fore-aft sliding and reclining and remote release from luggage compartment
- Price: $3,250 on the Design model; $2,150 on the Sport Model
Other options include:
- Privacy glass for rear window and rear side windows
- Load area rails system with load-securing kit
- Titanium black styling package – adds black highlights around the Audi Singleframe, the trim strips on the side windows and the bumpers, front and rear. Includes exterior mirrors in high gloss black
- Inlays in oak grey
- Inlays in walnut velvet brown
- Inlays in piano black
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Engine and Drivetrain
The three engine/gearbox options (excluding the performance SQ5) are:
- 4-cylinder, 2 litre inline diesel: 140 kW; 400 Nm; 7-speed S tronic gearbox; 7.2-7.4 L/100 kms
- 4-cylinder 2 litre petrol: 185kW; 370Nm; 7-speed S tronic gearbox; 7.2 – 7.4 l/100 kms
- 6-cylinder 3 litre diesel: 210 kW; 620Nm; 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox; 6.1 – 6.5 l/100 kms
Fuel consumption figures vary depending on the weight of extra features and the size of the wheels that you select.
All models have
- All-wheel drive.
- Cruise control with braking to maintain set speed
If you move up to the Sport model you also get:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go including traffic jam assist, distance indicator and speed limiter
- Audi pre-sense front – provides extended collision warnings up to the maximum vehicle speed
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Driving Experience
The drive experience is where the Audi comes to the fore. The 2-litre petrol engine produced enough power to feel good and confident (perhaps even with a twinge of smugness).
As all engines are turbo charged, you get good torque figures at relatively low revs.
The German designed engineering produced a harmony between the engine and gearbox that made for a seamless delivery of power to the road. There was an elevated feel of the ambience that I cannot measure but can just sense.
It handled as well as most passenger cars did not that many years ago.
Very rough roads are not the Q5’s intended environment.
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Dimensions
The vehicle dimensions are: Height – 1657mm; Width – 1898mm; Length – 4663mm.
The vehicle weighs between 1800 kgs to 1950 kgs allowing for a driver and some luggage. The heavier weight is for the diesel engines.
The vehicle is rated to tow 2,000 kgs with a maximum tow ball weight of 200kgs.
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Safety
As well as the usual safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind spot detection, lane assist and others, its is good to see that all models of the Q5 have
- Cross traffic assist rear – supports the driver when reversing by detecting moving vehicles and informs the driver visually. This system can also provide an acoustic warning and brake jolt in critical situations2
- Exit warning system – detects cars and cyclists when opening doors and provides a visual warning to occupants
If you move up to the Sports model you start to see the newer technologies that are adding to the help a car can give you to avoid dangerous situations eg:
- Exit warning system – detects cars and cyclists when opening doors and provides a visual warning to occupants
- Collision avoidance assist – provides additional support to the driver with supporting steering torque in critical situations where the driver initiates evasive action
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Fit for Purpose
The Q5 remains well suited for those with enough finances to afford a prestige SUV that is principally made for urban and bitumen rural roads.
Audi Q5 Price:
To all prices must be added on-road costs
- diesel 40 TDI Design $65,900
- petrol 45 TFSI Design $66,900
- diesel 40 diesel TDI Sport $71,600
- petrol 45 TFSI Sport $73,500
- diesel 50 TDI Sport $84,700
Some of the option packages include:
Technik package: Price: $5,600
Comfort package: Price: $3,250 on the Design model; $2,150 on the Sport Model
Other options include:
- Privacy glass for rear window and rear side windows
- Load area rails system with load-securing kit
- Titanium black styling package – adds black highlights around the Audi Singleframe, the trim strips on the side windows and the bumpers, front and rear. Includes exterior mirrors in high gloss black
- Inlays in oak grey
- Inlays in walnut velvet brown
- Inlays in piano black
Audi Q5 Mid-Term Makeover Summary
The mid-term makeover of the Audi Q5 reinforces its excellent engineering which provides a near seamless experience when driving.
These upgrades become important as its competitors also improve their products.
Its limitation is how much you have to pay (including options) to get the more distinctive features that make you feel special.
The Good:-
- Good to very good engine performance well matched to the gearbox
- A feeling of luxury with a very positive ambience
- Brand credibility
The Not so good:-
- You need to option up to get special style and function features
- Start price plus options makes it pricey.
- Only 3-year warranty
Also look at
Overall Rating: 79/100
- Behind the Wheel 9
- Comfort 8
- Equipment 7
- Performance 7
- Ride & Handling 8
- Practicality 9
- Fit for Purpose 8
- Towing Ability 7
- Off Road Ability 7
- Value for Money 7
Audi Q5 2020 Update
-
Rating
Summary
Audi Q5 medium sized SUV, however, remains their bestselling vehicle and managed to increase its number by 1.6% in a market that is depressed overall. The Q5 accounts for more than a quarter of Audi’s sales in a fleet of some 16 vehicles.
Audi launched their second generation Q5 in Australia in July 2017 and now they have given it a mild make-over adding a few more features.
The range maintains its 3 engine options and two model variants (Design and Sport) or you can move up to the high performance SQ5.
We tested the 45 2 litre petrol TFSI quattro Sport.
