Currently in its second generation, Audi's BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC rival, the Q5, has been around since 2009, when the first generation introduced the world to what many would consider as the modern automotive world's equivalent of an A4. Fast forward to 2021 and Audi South Africa has released the mid-life model revisions to the Q5 range, aimed at providing more value for money while updating the interior and exterior design.
In today’s article, we compare the two engines available in the updated Q5 range, excluding the sporty SQ5. There are four models in the standard Q5 line-up, three of which are powered by a diesel engine, while the other is a turbocharged petrol. All models feature the brand’s quattro all-wheel drive system and are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. We have therefore chosen the 40TDI quattro S line and the 45TFSI quattro S line to determine which is crowned most efficient.
Audi Q5 40TDI quattro S line
Price: R897 000
Outputs: 140 kW and 400 Nm
Claimed Average Consumption: 6.2 L/100 km
Kerb weight: 1 845kg
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the Q5 range offers impressive performance and consumption, registering a figure of 6.2 L/100km while allowing for a 0-1ookm/h sprint time of 7.9 seconds. Its 65-litres fuel tank means that over 1000km of driving is possible on a single talk of diesel.
Audi Q5 45TFSI quattro S line
Price: R947 000
Outputs: 183 kW and 370 Nm
Claimed Average Consumption: 8.0 L/100 km
Kerb weight: 1 795kg
The ubiquitous EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged engine powering the Q5 TFSI model produces a healthy 183kW and 370Nm of torque in this guise and allows for a brisk 6.3-second sprint to 100km/h while claimed fuel consumption is 7.9 L/100km. The petrol model gets a larger 70-litre fuel tank, allowing for over 800km of driving range on a single tank of petrol.
Verdict
Looking at the figures, the diesel-powered Q5 appears to be the most efficient engine available in the Q5 line-up, which is unsurprising given the history of diesel models offering better fuel economy but less performance than their petrol counterparts, a theme continued in the Q5 range.
