Audi Q5
Updated Q5 now boasts sportier looks, new cabin-tech, and more diesel power
It feels like just yesterday that the second-generation Audi Q5 SUV debuted. That was actually 2018, and three years on, Audi is giving their mid-sized luxury SUV a ‘significant’ update to take on the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
We say ‘significant’ but the truth is, unless you’re parking the facelifted Q5 next to a prefacelift Q5, you would be hard-pressed to see the differences. However, the differences are actually immense, and in typical Audi fashion, very low-key.
For starters, the new Q5 is some 19mm longer than the model it replaces. No, Audi has not amended the wheelbase. This increase in length is actually attributable to new bumpers being affixed to the front and rear. The new bumpers' designs are influenced heavily by Audi’s flagship Q8 SUV, as is the new (wider) single-frame grille that dominates the front end. The air intakes up front are also bigger than before and feature trapezoidal shapes similar to those on the new A4.
The Q5 also gains redesigned LED headlights with new daytime running lights, new door sills, a ‘sportier’ rear diffuser, and a variety of new wheel designs. The taillights meanwhile now feature OLED technology for the first time, with dynamic indicators, similar to those seen on other Audi models. Audi has also added two new colours to the Q5’s colour palette – District Green and Ultra Blue. There are three trim derivatives on offer, Base, the mid-level Advanced-Line which adds chrome detailing, and the sporty S-Line spec level which gets an aggressive body and huge alloy wheels.
The interior mirrors that setup as seen in the recently launched Audi A4/A5 models. The dash is dominated by the 10.1-inch MMI Plus touchscreen infotainment system that is based on Volkswagen’s latest MIB3 system, meaning that the centrally mounted rotary controller on the previous version gets binned. As before, Audi’s famous Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster features with a 12.3-inch digital display, but now gains three new graphic displays; whilst as before, a Heads-Up Display is also available as an optional extra.
Audi has also gone to great lengths to stress that the new MIB3-based system features ten times more computing power than the system in the prefacelift Q5, and features a state-of-the-art voice control system that can even access the could. Speaking of updated technologies, driver assistance tech has also been upgraded, with the Q5 set to feature the Pre-Sense City Collision Avoidance system as standard, together with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Park Assist, and Lane Departure Warning.
While Audi will roll out a full range of petrol and diesel engines, they have said that at launch, only one engine derivative will be offered. This engine is said to be a 2.0 TDI that is now more powerful and more efficient than the model it replaces and will power the Q5 40 TDI. Tipping the scales some 20kgs lighter than the outgoing 2.0 TDI, the new motor gains a 12-volt mild-hybrid starter system that assists in boosting power from 140kw to 150kw, whilst peak torque remains at 400nm. Power is sent to all four corners via a 7-speed S tronic transmission. Expect the SUV to run from 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds and top out at a claimed 222kph.
Audi has yet to detail their entire engine line-up for the new Q5, but depending on the market, there is expected to be Q5 45 TFSI which uses a 2.0-litre TFSI to output 180kw and 370nm, a Q5 55 TFSI e that makes 270kw and 500nm, and a Q5 50 TDI that uses a 3.0-litre TDI V6 to make 210kw and 620nm. The SQ5 meanwhile be the hottest version of the Q5, despite the public yearning for an RS Q5. The SQ5 will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 to make 260kw and 500nm, and will run from 0-100kph in around 4.8 seconds. It is believed that all four-cylinder variants will get a 7-speed S tronic transmission, whilst the Q5 50 TDI and SQ5 will get an 8-speed Tiptronic.
The new Q5 will form part of Audi South Africa’s new model assault in early 2021, which will see the Ingolstadt-based luxury automaker launching nearly a dozen high-performance models in the first half of next year. Pricing and final specifications will be revealed closer to its market launch.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi Q5 cost in South Africa?
The Audi Q5 starts from around R950,000 for the base 40 TDI model, while the sportier S-Line variants can push well past R1.2 million depending on options and engine choice.
Q: Is the Audi Q5 worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely, the updated Q5 delivers premium build quality, advanced tech, and that unmistakable Audi refinement that justifies its price tag against rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.
Q: What engine options are available in the Audi Q5?
The Q5 lineup includes a 150kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel (40 TDI), a more powerful 183kW diesel variant (45 TDI), and petrol options ranging from 183kW to 195kW in the 45 TFSI models.
Q: How reliable is the Audi Q5 compared to other luxury SUVs?
The Q5 has proven fairly reliable in South African conditions, though maintenance costs are typically higher than Japanese rivals, and you'll want to stick to authorised Audi service centres for warranty peace of mind.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Audi Q5?
The Q5's biggest rivals are the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, and the surprisingly sporty Alfa Romeo Stelvio, all fighting for the same premium SUV buyers in the R900,000 to R1.5 million bracket.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium mid-size SUV under R1.3 million in South Africa is definitely the updated Audi Q5, especially in 40 TDI Advanced-Line spec around R1.1 million. This facelift brings genuinely impressive tech upgrades, Q8-inspired styling that looks properly premium, and Audi's trademark build quality that'll still feel solid in ten years' time. Yes, you'll pay more than a Toyota Fortuner, but you're getting genuine German luxury with OLED taillights, a brilliant 10.1-inch touchscreen, and an interior that makes every school run feel like a special occasion. The diesel engines are torquey enough for our conditions while returning decent fuel economy, and the ride quality strikes that perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Just budget for those higher service costs and you'll have one of the most well-rounded luxury SUVs money can buy in Mzansi.
