Full expert breakdown
When you are looking to buy a new car, especially in the premium segment, many questions come to mind. Is it within my budget? How safe is it for my family? What will be the monthly maintenance cost? Does it offer the latest features? And importantly, how reliable is the company's service network in India? These are crucial points for any car buyer. Today, we are taking a closer look at a luxury SUV that often comes up in these discussions, the new Audi Q5. It is a popular choice among those seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality. Let us dive in and see if the Q5 truly fits the bill for your next premium car purchase.
Engine Specifications
The Audi Q5 for the Indian market comes with a robust and refined powertrain.
- Engine Type: 2.0L TFSI Petrol Engine
- Maximum Power: 245.59bhp@5000-6000rpm
- Maximum Torque: 370Nm@1600-4300bhp
- Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic
- Drivetrain: Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel drive system
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Around 6.3 seconds (manufacturer claimed)
Design Overview
The Audi Q5 strikes a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness.
Exterior:
- Signature Grille: A prominent singleframe octagonal grille dominates the front, giving it an imposing road presence.
- Lighting: Sleek LED headlamps with dynamic turn indicators are standard, with Matrix LED headlights often available on higher trims for superior illumination.
- Aerodynamic Lines: Clean, flowing lines run across the body, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency and sophisticated look.
- Wheels: Stylish alloy wheels (ranging from 19 to 20 inches) add to its premium appeal.
- Rear Design: Horizontal lines and LED tail lamps with dynamic turn indicators give the rear a wide and commanding stance.
Interior:
- Premium Materials: The cabin is a testament to Audi's craftsmanship, featuring high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and fine upholstery.
- Spaciousness: Offers comfortable seating for five adults, with ample headroom and shoulder room.
- Ergonomics: Controls are intuitively placed, ensuring a driver-focused cockpit.
- Ambient Lighting: Customisable ambient lighting enhances the luxurious feel, especially during night drives.
- Panoramic Sunroof: A large panoramic glass sunroof lets in natural light, making the cabin feel even more open and airy.
Key Features
The Audi Q5 is packed with features designed for comfort, convenience, and connectivity.
- Infotainment Screen: A large 10.1-inch MMI touch display serves as the central hub for infotainment and vehicle settings.
- Connectivity: Supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Audi's connected car technology.
- Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus: A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster that can be customised to show navigation, media, and other crucial information.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones.
- Climate Control: Three-zone automatic climate control ensures individual comfort for front and rear passengers.
- Sound System: Often comes with a premium sound system (e.g., Bang & Olufsen on higher trims).
- 360-degree Camera: A top-view camera system aids in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Electrically Adjustable Seats: Front seats are electrically adjustable with memory function for the driver.
- Power Tailgate: For easy access to the boot.
What is the Ground Clearance of Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 typically offers a ground clearance of approximately 200 mm (millimeters). This is adequate for city driving and light off-roading, though it is important to remember it is a luxury SUV, not an extreme off-roader.
What is the Boot Space of Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 provides a generous boot space of 520 litres. This can be expanded to 1520 litres with the rear seats folded down, making it highly practical for luggage and cargo.
What is the Dimensions of Audi Q5
- Length: Approximately 4682 mm
- Width: Approximately 1893 mm
- Height: Approximately 1653 mm
- Wheelbase: Approximately 2827 mm
Powertrain Options
In India, the Audi Q5 is primarily offered with a single, powerful 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine option, paired with the 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. There is currently no diesel powertrain option available.
Safety Features
Audi places a high emphasis on safety, and the Q5 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features.
- Airbags: Multiple airbags, typically 8 airbags (including front, side, and curtain airbags) as standard.
- Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
- Stability Control: Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) and Traction Control System (TCS).
- Parking Aids: Front and rear parking sensors.
- Hill Descent Control: Helps maintain a controlled speed on steep declines.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure child seat installation.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Alerts the driver to low tyre pressure.
NCAP Rating Table
| Rating Agency | Model Year | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euro NCAP | 2017 | 5 Stars | Achieved high scores for adult occupant protection (93%) and child occupant protection (86%). |
| Bharat NCAP | Not Tested Yet | N/A | The Audi Q5 has not yet undergone testing by Bharat NCAP. |
| Global NCAP | Not Tested | N/A | Global NCAP primarily tests cars sold in emerging markets; Euro NCAP is the relevant authority for premium European models like the Q5. |
Disclaimer: NCAP ratings provide an independent assessment of a vehicle's safety performance.
Rivals of Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 competes in a fiercely contested segment of premium mid-size SUVs. Its main rivals include:
- BMW X3
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Volvo XC60
- Lexus NX
How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)
Pros:
- Refined Performance: The 2.0L TFSI petrol engine offers smooth, powerful acceleration and excellent refinement.
- Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, effortlessly absorbing bumps and undulations on Indian roads.
- Premium Interior: High-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, and a feature-rich cabin create a truly luxurious experience.
- Quattro AWD: Audi's legendary all-wheel-drive system provides superior grip and confidence in varied driving conditions.
- Feature Loaded: Comes with a host of modern features like the Virtual Cockpit, large MMI display, and panoramic sunroof.
- Brand Image: The Audi badge brings with it a strong sense of prestige and luxury.
Cons:
- Pricey: Being a premium luxury SUV, the Audi Q5 comes with a significant price tag, which might be a stretch for some budgets.
- No Diesel Option: The absence of a diesel engine might deter buyers who prefer the fuel efficiency and torque characteristics of diesel.
- Maintenance Costs: While company service is reliable, the maintenance and spare parts costs are higher compared to mass-market brands.
- Rear Legroom: While comfortable, rear legroom could be slightly better for taller passengers, especially on long journeys, when compared to some rivals.
- Limited ADAS: Compared to some international versions or newer rivals, the ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) suite in the Indian Q5 might feel less extensive.
Conclusion
The new Audi Q5 continues to be a strong contender in the luxury mid-size SUV segment in India. It offers a compelling package of sophisticated design, a powerful and refined petrol engine, a highly luxurious and feature-packed interior, and Audi's renowned build quality and safety. While it comes with a premium price tag and slightly higher running costs, the experience it delivers often justifies the investment for many buyers. If you are looking for a luxury SUV that blends daily usability with occasional spirited drives, offers good comfort for your family, and projects a strong image, the Audi Q5 should definitely be on your shortlist. We recommend taking a detailed test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it aligns perfectly with your driving needs and lifestyle.
