A lighter, sleeker Audi for you

Motor review by Steven Berry

The new Audi Q5, in true Audi fashion, doesn’t look a great deal different from the old Audi Q5 which I’m sure doesn’t worry the Audi accountants very much as the Q5 has always sold well for Audi.

It is different though – for a start it’s lighter than the older version by around 90kg, is a little more accommodating inside, has uprated engines and suspension and is now packed with more tech than before meaning you get better toys to play with – but again, in true Audi fashion, you’ll pay for them.

Where you’ll really notice the difference is the interior which, like the new A4 model, is clean, functional and has a premium feel that rivals, like Mercedes and Jaguar, struggle to better. It’s solidly built and so easy to use you may wonder why all interiors are not designed this way.

All Q5 models – with the exception of the 3.0-litrre diesel and range-topping S Q5 - come with Quattro-on-demand which will instantly switch between 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive when needed and the 2-litre petrol and diesel models also come with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, so even in basic SE spec you’re already ahead of some of the competition.

On the road prices start at £38,038 for the SE with a 190 PS, 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, or you can go with the 252 PS TFSI petrol for £39,100 if you wish.

Either way, the list of standard kit is impressive and includes: 18in alloys, Audi Drive Select (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, Off-road and Individual), LED rear lights, side skirts and rear spoiler, aluminium roof rails, windscreen with acoustic glazing, twin leather seats – front heated, 3-zone climate control, multi-function leather steering wheel with paddles, 7in. Colour Driver’s Information System and Smartphone Interface which will allow you to use your smartphone’s music, telephone and navigation apps through the MMI display.

You also get a 10-speaker sound system which includes a sub-woofer and 6-channel amp with a total output of 180 watts as well as Bluetooth, USB, Aux, SD card interfaces and a voice-control system.

Driver Assistance systems that come as standard include: Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, Parking Assist, Keyless Go, Pre-sense City which uses a front-facing camera to warn the driver of any imminent collision and can initiate emergency braking if needed. Impressively, there is also Hill Descent Control – although I can’t see the majority of Q5 users taking advantage of this.

Step up to the Sport spec (from £39,135 OTR) and as well as some cosmetic enhancements to the exterior you’ll get front Sports Seats in twin leather with 4-way electric lumbar support, ambient lighting, MMI Navigation and a 3-month trial of the Audi Connect Infotainment Services which include 4G internet access, Google Earth and Google Street View, access to Google and Twitter, weather, news and travel information.

The S Line model (which I have been driving in its TFSI form) adds 19in wheels, LED headlights, S Line body enhancements such as front and rear bumpers, side air inlets and diffuser. There is also a rear spoiler and privacy glass. The sporty front seats are embossed with the “S” logo and come in leather with Alcantara inserts.

The steering wheel is badged and is also perforated, as is the gear-lever knob. There is also contrasting stitching on the seats, steering wheel and gear-lever gaiter while the pedals are in stainless steel. Prices are £41,085 for the diesel and £42,150 for the petrol.

You get a lot for your money with the Audi but if you want more toys you can easily ramp up the price – my model came with a staggering £11,000 worth of extras, but looking through the list I could easily live without most of them and would only be tempted by the £900 20in alloys which look fab.

If you don’t get carried away with the long options list the new Audi Q5 takes some beating.

VERDICT: *****

AT A GLANCE:

Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI S Line Quattro

OTR Price: £40,965

Engine: 2.0 TFSI petrol

Power: 252 PS

Transmission: 7-speed S tronic auto

0-62mph: 6.3 secs

Top Speed: 147 mph

Combined Economy: 39.8 mpg (20in wheels)