Audi’s new Q5 delivers small changes in delectable package

SINGAPORE – The third-generation Audi Q5 arrives at a particularly challenging time. Unlike the first two generations which enjoyed unwavering success between 2008 and 2024, the new Q5 faces a tsunami of relatively cheap and competent Chinese products.

Does the latest car have what it takes to prevail? Well, as far as design goes, the new Q5 certainly has an edge, especially the Sportback variant featured here. The car has a slightly larger footprint than its predecessor, but sits lower, giving it a sportier silhouette.

It gets a meaner front section, with slimmer headlights which merge with a new grille. Flanking them below are enormous air intakes which add to the car’s menace. The lowered roof enhances the coupe-like outline, which the Sportback shape projects so well. Changes in the rear are more subtle.

As with all German brands, Audi subscribes to the “less is more” styling philosophy, and this is clearly demonstrated in the new Q5.

Despite the slew of changes, there is no mistaking this as anything but a Q5. Its lines communicate Teutonic solidity and seriousness. These values matter – more so in an era where cars are increasingly commoditised.

Inside, you will find a new steering wheel, a new infotainment touchscreen and a sliding switch in place of a conventional gear lever.

Beneath the skin, the Q5 Sportback is similar to the

previous detuned variant

of the car reviewed in 2023. The heart is a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which makes 204hp and 340Nm. Maximum power is identical to the previous car’s but arrives slightly earlier, while peak torque increases by 20Nm but arrives a tad later.

Through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the output is channelled to all four wheels, sending the 1.9-tonne car to 100kmh in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 226kmh. This makes it 0.1 of a second quicker and 3kmh faster than the previous Sportback.

What impresses though is how stable the new car feels. You get the sense that you are in better control than in some lower-slung models.

Driven largely in Comfort mode, the test car averages 7.7 litres/100km, which is better than the declared 7.8 litres/100km – a rarity among combustion-engine cars. The previous car was markedly thirstier, averaging 9.8 litres/100km, a figure not unexpected of a mid-sized all-wheel drive.

Other than an infotainment system that does not always reconnect with your phone automatically each time you get in, the car is predictably peachy. It goes about its business briskly, although not as briskly as you would expect a 7.2-second century-sprinter to be. Well, at least not in Comfort mode.

The ride is pliant but stout enough to withstand cornering forces sufficiently, while the steering is as steadfast as before. Hence, you are at liberty to take wide, long sweepers with exuberance. Tighter corners can be executed neatly, although U-turns on smaller roads can be a little tricky due to the car’s wider-than-expected turning circle.

The Q5 is a car which feels bigger on the inside than its 4,717mm length and 1,900mm width suggest. Moving around in a built-up city like Singapore’s is not an issue except for the aforesaid U-turns. Neither is parking a chore, thanks to its 360-degree camera system, even if the system goes into planar view at times.

Its cabin is adequately spacious but not expansive. There may be a wee bit more shoulder room, but the middle rear occupant still has to contend with a prominent transmission tunnel.

Boot capacity has increased slightly, from 510 litres to 515 litres. This stowage will swallow an oversized luggage with room to spare. As before, bulkier items can be carried by collapsing the rear seats.

The motorised tailgate is opened conventionally, as are the doors. No newfangled controls to fumble with here. Boring, I know, but so dependable.

But do these add up to a competitive product? Well, it depends on what cars the Q5 is compared with.

Overall, I would say Audi has done a decent job of differentiating its combustion-engine cars from its electric models. The latter addresses a crowd which may be wooed by the likes of the Chinese makes, while the former still speaks to folks who prefer tried-and-tested conventionality over tech bling.

There is no doubt which camp the Q5 belongs to. With its range of around 840km and a refuelling time of five minutes, conventionality may still be relevant for some time to come.

christan@sph.com.sg

Follow Christopher Tan on Instagram @chris.motoring

Audi Q5 Sportback 2.0TFSI quattro

Price: $380,999 with certificate of entitlement (COE), before applicable discounts
Engine: 1,984cc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch with paddle shift
Power: 204hp at 4,300-6,000rpm
Torque: 340Nm at 2,000-4,000rpm
0-100kmh: 7.2 seconds
Top speed: 226kmh
Fuel consumption: 7.8 litres/100km
Agent: Audi Singapore
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Comparable considerations

Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV

($368,000 with COE)
This plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive is phenomenally fun at the wheel. Packing 455hp and 709Nm, it hits 100kmh in 4.9 seconds. When charged regularly, it is also super frugal with fuel. It offers as much rear legroom as the Audi, but because of its raised front seats, it seems to be more spacious. Its boot is definitely roomier. Android Auto requires cable connection, while Apple CarPlay and phone-charging are wireless. You can stream music from your Android phone wirelessly, but reconnection is not automatic.

Mercedes-Benz GLC200 4Matic

($366,888 with COE)

This mid-sized all-wheel drive is far less joyful at the wheel than the Audi. It is also a lot thirstier. But it offers more space – especially in the boot – while being around the same size as the Audi. Its phone pairing works flawlessly, although its wireless phone-charging cradle is not nearly as fast as the Audi’s. Unlike the Audi, it does not have adaptive cruise control. Its styling is also somewhat staid compared with the Audi’s.