Audi has improved its second generation Q5 mid-sized SUV. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

Audi's second generation Q5 gets a smarter look, an extra sleeker Sportback body shape, an upgraded cabin and more efficient diesel power to join the existing petrol and petrol plug-in options. There's a big step forward in media connectivity too. As ever, this mid-sized premium Audi executive SUV offers car-like driving dynamics that are great on tarmac and are even pretty effective for light off road use. In short, if you can afford it, you'd like one.

Background

Three models dominate the executive mid-to-large section of the premium-badged SUV sector and this is one of them, Audi's Q5. It's almost faced stiff competition from its two arch-rivals, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC but looks stronger against them thanks to the package of mid-term updates visited upon the revised Q5 model range we're going to look at here.

Some things haven't changed though. As before, this is the kind of compact SUV you buy if you want something that'll look great in the driveway, keep you mobile in a snowy snap and shrink around you when a twisting road opens up ahead. It's a demanding brief that around three quarters of a million global owners feel was delivered on by the earlier versions of this car. But is this latest version good enough to continue to ask questions its rivals may struggle to answer? That's what we're going to find out.

Driving Experience

On the road, this isn’t the most dynamic-handling premium-badged mid-sized SUV you can buy but it’s arguably the one that rides best and is most refined. S tronic auto transmission and quattro 4WD are standard across the range. The key news on the engine front is the arrival of a lighter, cleaner, more powerful 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine for the 40 TDI quattro variants that most Q5 customers choose. Power for this powerplant has increased from 190 to 204PS and this unit now uses the brand’s latest, more efficient so-called ‘twin dosing’ catalytic converter technology. The conventional engine alternative, as before, is the 2.0-litre 245PS petrol turbo unit fitted to the 45 TFSI variant. You may not have yet caught up with the fact that the SQ5 sporting model is now a mild hybrid 3.0-litre diesel (with 347PS and 700Nm of torque).

You also may not be up to date with the fact that the Q5 range now offers a couple of TFSIe Plug-in hybrid options which uses a 3.0-litre V6 petrol turbo unit mated to a rechargeable 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery capable of providing a WLTP-rated electric driving range of up to 26 miles. Most in search of a Q5 PHEV will choose the 50 TFSIe variant, which offers 300PS. There’s also a more potent 55 TFSIe model with 367PS.

Design and Build

This mid-size SUV is now 19mm longer at 4.8 metres, primarily due to its new, larger bumpers. To emphasise its Q credentials from the front, its octagonal Singleframe grille is shallower and appears wider than before. And at the rear, there’s now a smart chrome trim element running between the light clusters and a redesigned lower diffuser insert too.

Inside, there’s a larger centre-dash MMI infotainment display measuring 10.1-inches and offering much more computing power. And the previously optional 12.3-inch fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument binnacle display is now standard. Otherwise, things are much as before. This remains a five-seat model and the rear seat is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. Depending on the rear seat position, the basic volume of the luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610-litres. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550-litres.

Market and Model

The price positioning of this second generation Q5 hasn't changed very much, so prices start at around £43,000 and the mainstream range is based around 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Vorsprung' trim levels. All variants now get a larger 10.1-inch centre-dash MMI infotainment screen and a standard Audi Virtual Cockpit 12.3-inch instrument binnacle screen. Even base 'Sport' versions get full-leather upholstery - there's alcantara and leather in the mid-range 'S line' versions or diamond stitched Fine Nappa leather with the top flight 'Vorsprung' trim. As befits their status, the 'Vorsprung' models also feature an extended upholstery pack which takes in the lower section of the centre console and the door armrests, plus full electric adjustment and a massage function for the front seats. The outer rear seats are also upgraded with heating to match the front seats - which are heated throughout the range.

Across the range, you get front and rear parking sensors complemented by a reversing camera and cruise control, plus the 'Pre sense city collision avoidance and mitigation' system and 'hill descent control'. Q5 'Vorsprung' variants supplement this tally with upgraded adaptive cruise control and Pre sense systems, as well as assistants to take care of everything from manoeuvring into a parking space and then reversing out again to turning at junctions, monitoring blind spots and observing motorway lane boundaries.

Cost of Ownership

This second generation Q5 took a big step forward in terms of efficiency - and that's reflected by the WLTP figures. The 40 TDI diesel variant manages up to 38.2mpg on the combined cycle and up to 134g/km of CO2. These excellent figures have been aided by the introduction of so-called 'twin dosing' catalytic converter technology for this variant's 2.0 TDI unit, which features dual AdBlue injection, significantly increasing emissions cleanliness. With 'twin dosing', AdBlue is injected upstream of two SCR catalytic converters arranged in series, with the result of cutting emissions of nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 80% compared with the previous 2.0-litre TDI engine.

And residuals? Well, trying to buy a used Q5 is quite a depressing experience as they cling onto their value with some tenacity. This is great news for the new buyer and part of a trend certain to continue with this MK2 model. After the usual three year / 60,000 mile ownership period, expect it still to be worth around 45% of what you originally paid for it.

Summary

The improved version of this second generation model now faces much tougher competition, but the well considered package of changes made to this smarter, better equipped and higher-tech mid-sized premium SUV should keep it very competitive. Certainly it's not cheap - but is resolutely hi-tech and resolutely real world, the Q5 remains resolutely right.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Audi Q5

PRICES: £42,950 – £71,785 on the road

CATEGORY: SUV - PREMIUM D SEGMENT

INSURANCE GROUPS: 27E-42E

CO2 EMISSIONS: [45 TFSI] 199g/km [WLTP]

PERFORMANCE: [50 TFSIe] 0-62mph 6.1s / Max Speed 148mph

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [45 TFSI] (combined) 32.1mpg [WLTP]

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] 550-1550

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4679/1890/1660 mm