The second-generation Audi Q5 of 2017-2025 is one of those models that was made to be a used car. An ageless design that grows with its owner and just keeps working, along with superb build quality that withstands the passing years and levels of economy that remove some of the sting of fluctuating fuel prices…
For those of us despairing of the price of new cars these days, a Q5 is a keeper that will reward attentive ownership with years of loyal service. The model was built on the Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous MLB Evo platform that also underpinned the Q7 and A4.
More than just a detail, it meant the new Q5 could be larger, roomier and lighter than the outgoing model, which had been very popular. It gained the latest safety and infotainment tech, too. In addition to making it even more comfortable and refined, the engineers tightened up the handling and body control – but not so much that a BMW X3 would be disturbed.
Only two engines matter, both of 2.0 litres: the 249bhp TFSI petrol (renamed 45 TFSI in 2019) and the 187bhp TDI diesel (later badged the 40 TDI). Both were offered with Quattro four-wheel drive and, like all Q5s, an S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With the 2021 facelift, the adoption of mild hybridisation increased outputs of both engines, to 261bhp and 201bhp respectively; the tech also improved economy and emissions. The petrol engine is punchy, will return 40mpg and is good value for money.
The diesel is almost as smooth and flexible and can hit 55mpg, but it is more expensive to buy. Other engines include a 362bhp 2.0 TFSIe 55 plug-in hybrid (expensive and short on range), a stump-pulling 342bhp 3.0 TDI V6 and a 349bhp TFSI V6 in the sporty SQ5 (it was replaced by a 342bhp TDI in 2019).
The most comfortable Q5s are in rare and expensive Vorsprung trim, which came with adjustable air suspension. Next best are cars in SE and Sport guise with regular suspension and 18in wheels. Sportier S Line and Black Edition Q5s look the business but have larger wheels and firmer springs.
The cabin is reasonably roomy, but the back seat is a squeeze for three. It's an attractive space, though, with high-quality trim, and the boot is a good size and well shaped. Pre-facelift cars have a rotary controller for the infotainment, but later cars use a distracting touchscreen.
