Top 3 Audi Q5 trims head-to-head

By Stuart Johnston

Audi’s second-generationQ5 may well be criticised for conservative styling but beneath the skin it’s a class SUV act of note! Here we list our three favourite trim options. 

Audi’s second-generation Q5 was launched here in mid-2107. The new car followed on a big-success story for the original Q5 introduced here in 2009, and there was lots of pressure on Audi to maintain its position as the benchmark in the mid-size premium SUV sector.

The second-gen model drew lots of praise, but was also criticism for its styling that was perhaps on the conservative side. It is rather slab-sided compared to the previous model, although it has a strong frontal presence thanks to the trademark trapezoidal Audi grille.

For a mid-2017 launch report on the second-generation Q5, click here.

Current engine line-up

The current Q5 range consists of 11 models, but only three engine options. These are the four-cylinder 140 kW turbo-diesel in the so-called 40TDI models, the 185 kW turbo-petrol engine  in the 45 TFSI models, and the 260 kW turbocharged V6 petrol engine in the range-topping SQ5 model.

All Audi Q5 models comes with an automatic transmission of the dual-clutch variety.

Trim lines

There are five basic trim lines spread across the 10 Q5 models. These are the Standard renditions ,  followed by Off-Road, Sport, Sport  S-line Sports, and Black Editions. These are all available with both  40TDI and 45TSFI models mechanicals. The top-of-the range SQ5 model with its potent V6 engine  is a stand-alone model.

Long options lists

In common with other German manufacturers, Audi also lists plenty of options available for each model.  This is great for tailoring the car to your exact choice, but becomes rather expensive very quickly if you don’t keep yourself in check. And when it comes to re-sale, those options rarely re-coupe their outlay at the time of new purchase.

Our Top Three trim lines

Audi Q5 40TDI. This model is the entry model to the Q5 range. What we like about this unadorned version is that it comes standard with 17-inch wheels and high profile tyres. To our mind, this package, with the torquey diesel engine, gives you the best driving experience if you are buying your Q5 as a comfort-orientated family car. One that can be used quite extensively on poor roads you might encounter on a holiday into far-flung areas.

The car is well-equipped with items like an interior ambient lighting package, a tyre pressure monitoring system, three-zone air conditioning, and a reasonably-sized boot at 550 litres. This is the car for long trips as well as economy around town. The 140 kW diesel will return an overall figure of under 6,0 litres/100 km (much less at a steady 120 km/h on the highway), which will also bring a smile to your dial.

Price for this entry-level Q5 is R704 000.

Audi Q5 45TSFI. If it’s a zesty engine you want, with handling of the sporty variety, then the 45 TFSI Sport is going to please the petrol-head in you. The 45TFSI Sport comes with sportier 18-inch wheels as standard and lower profile rubber, to match the 185 kW output. The two-litre VW-Audi TFSI engines enjoy a wonderful mix of exuberance in the way they rev, as well as reasonable fuel economy (bank on around  8,3 litres/100 km). And they always feel refined.

Performance is a strong suit on the 45TSI, with a mid-six-second 0-100 km/h sprint and a top speed of 240 km/h. The price is R804 500, and you will pay R50 000 extra for this petrol-engined Sport than you would for the diesel model in similar Sport trim. If performance and driving pleasure  is your bag, we think it’s money well-spent.

For a video of the Audi Q5 TFSI Sport,  taken soon after  it was launched in 2017.

Audi SQ5. This is the top model,  lavishly-equipped with items like four-way lumbar adjustment on the front seats, special Alcantara leather upholstery, electric opening for the luggage compartment lid, Park Assist, and niceties such as a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel.

The V6 twin turbo petrol engine is a beautifully-refined unit. It gives the Q5 a 0-100 km/h time in the mid-five-second bracket, and a top speed of 250 km/h. It comes standard with 20-inch rims and low-profile tyres but 21-inch rims are optional, as is air suspension.

It’s not cheap at R1 053 00, but that price hasn’t risen much from the introductory price in mid-2017. If you can afford this kind of money, you probably also won’t be fussed about the fuel consumption, which is likely to average out around 13,0  litres/100 km. This is the ultimate sports-luxury version of the Q5.

For a comparison between the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC, click here.