We drive the Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback
The Audi Q5 has garnered positive success since its introduction a number of years ago. The Q5 has been a cornerstone for the Audi brand within the midsize SUV segment. Now though, the German automaker has not only updated the Q5 but added an entirely and long awaited model offering to the line-up. We got behind the wheel of the regular Q5 and the new Sportback offering.
The Audi Q5 has become a popular offering for the German automaker since its introduction in 2008. In fact, some 249 149 units have been sold this year alone. The latest model offers refreshed styling and a completely new body style in the form of the Sportback.
From a styling perspective I do quite like the design, in particular the rear end. The roof line tapers down into the rear which in true Sportback style. The keen eyed amongst you will notice the subtle boot-lid spoiler just below the rear glass. This adds to the sporty character of the car. The rear lights are also different to that offered on the standard SUV model. On the Sportback they are elongated and, if so requested, will make use of OLED technology, a first in the segment.
The front of the Q5 range has also been given a refresh and now features revised headlights with LED technology. This is further complimented by a redesigned single frame grille with larger octagonal structures. The far edges of the bumper make use of larger trapezoidal inserts to add an element of width and sportiness.
The Q5 can be had in a variety of colours and trim options, all adding to the overall visual appeal but if you want maximum street cred then the SQ5 is the one to go for. It makes use of sportier bumpers, larger wheels with red brake-callipers with those iconic four-tailpipes at the rear, although the latter are fake, the actual pipes can be found behind the bumper…
The interior of both the SUV and CUV offering feature the same facia design with the only difference being the roofline. As is the case with Audi products, you can expect a neat and well put together interior. Some highlights for me include the digital instrument cluster and the addition of a new, larger 10.1 inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the latter being wireless. A wireless charging tray can be found in the centre console. The overall experience is finished off with ambient lighting throughout the interior. In fact, the lighting on the lower dash just above the climate control system will change from blue to red when the temperature is adjusted.
As for practicality, the standard Q5 SUV offers a luggage capacity of 520-litres which can be extended to 1520l. Now some might think that the Sportback will offer much less due to its design. In reality it only suffers from a 10-litre deficit with the rear seats up and 40l with the rears folded down.
Powering the updated Q5 range are two petrol motors and a diesel. The latter was featured in our test units in the form of a 2.0TDI that delivers 140kW and 400Nm of torque. It makes use of a 7-speed S Tronic gearbox as well as quattro all-wheel drive.
The equivalent petrol motor comes in the form of the brand's tried and tested 2.0TFSI which delivers a healthy 183kW and 370Nm of torque. It shares the same gearbox as the diesel model. It also benefits from A 12 V mild hybrid system (MHEV) which increases the efficiency. Its belt-driven starter-alternator can recover energy when decelerating and store it in a compact lithium-ion battery. What’s more, the MHEV system allows coasting with the engine off, while the start-stop range already begins at a speed of 22 km/h.
Out on the roads the Q5 offers a compliant driving experience, this is further enhanced thanks to the different suspensions on offer. Customers have a choice of the standard, sports as well as adaptive air suspension.
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 range starts from around R895,000 for the base 40 TFSI model, while the Q5 Sportback kicks off at approximately R920,000, and if you're eyeing the fire-breathing SQ5, you'll be looking at roughly R1,350,000 before you start ticking option boxes.
Q: What's the difference between the Q5 and Q5 Sportback?
The Q5 Sportback is essentially the Q5's cooler sibling with a sloping roofline that sacrifices some boot space for serious kerb appeal, featuring unique elongated taillights, optional OLED technology, and a more coupe-like profile that'll have your neighbours doing double takes.
Q: Is the Audi Q5 worth buying in South Africa?
The Q5 is absolutely worth considering if you've got around R900,000 to spend on a premium SUV, offering solid build quality, advanced tech, and that unmistakable Audi refinement, though you'll want to factor in those typically hefty German maintenance costs down the line.
Q: How powerful is the Audi SQ5?
The SQ5 packs a serious punch with its 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 260kW and 500Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-100kph sprint in just 5.4 seconds, making it one of the most entertaining family haulers you can buy in South Africa.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Audi Q5 in South Africa?
The Q5 goes head-to-head with the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, and Jaguar F-Pace in the premium midsize SUV segment, with pricing and features being remarkably similar across the German trio.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium midsize SUV under R1,000,000 in South Africa is the Audi Q5, and yes, you should absolutely buy one if you're shopping in this segment. Starting at R895,000, the Q5 offers the perfect blend of practicality, luxury, and that rock-solid German engineering that'll keep you smiling through Johannesburg's potholes and Cape Town's mountain passes. The Sportback, while R25,000 more expensive, is worth the premium if you want to stand out from the sea of X3s and GLCs in Sandton. Sure, maintenance won't be cheap, but you're getting a genuinely accomplished SUV that'll hold its value better than most competitors. Skip the SQ5 unless you've got R1,350,000 burning a hole in your pocket and a serious need for speed, the regular Q5 40 TFSI has more than enough grunt for South African conditions.
