Audi continues to improve the robust turbocharged 2.0L engine to make it significantly more powerful, now producing 261 horsepower in the Q5 45 and 201 horsepower in the 40. That is enough to compete on nearly equal footing with most of the 6-cylinder engines offered in this class while still maintaining decent fuel economy. Of course, some people just like the more refined power delivery that comes with those extra cylinders, so Audi also offers the SQ5 with a 3.0L Turbocharged V6, which makes 349 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid system combines an electric motor with the 2L four-cylinder engine which combined boost horsepower to 362-horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This model gets the S-line trim package standard, as well as other unique optional packages.
The Audi Q5 comes in three basic trims, Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The basic Premium trim includes Audi's smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch wheels, Audi's Pre-Sense parking assistance system, 10.1-inch display in the center console that houses a rearview camera display, multi-zone climate control with separate rear HVAC control, leather steering wheel, push-button start, leather seating, heated seats, driver power lumbar, HomeLink integration, Audi Connect Care and three 12v power sockets. The infotainment includes 180-watt sound system, 10-speaker, upgraded touchscreen, Bluetooth, and four USB ports. The Premium 45 adds LED headlights with DRL signature, 10.1-inch MMI touch display. The Premium 55e plug-in hybrid tops this trim with sport seats, 19-inch wheels, and 12.3 Audi virtual cockpit plus.
Premium Plus 40 trim adds rear cross traffic alert system, navigation, Audi connect CARE assistance, full LED headlights, keyless start system, Audi virtual cockpit plus, heated steering wheel, active lane assist and Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist, top view cameras, wireless phone charging, hands-free rear tailgate and heated front seats with a memory function. The Premium Plus 45 adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, Audi active lane assist and Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist, wireless phone charging, Convenience package, power steering column, top view cameras, Audi virtual cockpit plus, and Panoramic sunroof. The 55e plug-in hybrid gains a deluxe pre-entry climate control, but it does not have the Audi virtual cockpit plus.
The Prestige 40 trim adds Audi's virtual cockpit and heads up display, matrix LED headlights with washers, ventilated front seats, heads-up display, traffic sign recognition, navigation system, Bang & Olufsen sound system with 19-speakers and 755 watts, touchscreen with the ability to read handwriting and parking assist system with a camera featuring a top-down view of the vehicle. Audi's virtual cockpit technology works by among other things, projecting navigation information as the background of the instrument display, between and behind the speedometer and tachometer, turning the whole instrument display into a place where drivers can get all the information they need without having to look too far away from the road. The Prestige 45 all features listed in the 40 plus 19-inch aluminum wheels, Audi active lane assist and Adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam assist, wireless phone charging, Convenience package, heads-up display, rear heated seats, Interior Lighting Plus package, Warm Weather package, power steering column, top view cameras, Audi virtual cockpit plus, and Panoramic sunroof. The Prestige 55e plug-in hybrid gains a deluxe pre-entry climate control and abut it does not have the Audi virtual cockpit plus.
The SQ5 the same trims. The base Premium comes with 20-inch platinum painted wheels, adaptive damping suspension and brake system, Carbon Atlas inlays, Panoramic moonroof, and Leather/Alcantara seating surfaces, aluminum roof rails, power tailgate, and sport bucket front seats. The Premium Plus adds Audi active lane assist and Adaptive cruise control with Traffic jam assist, 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, top view camera system, and wireless phone charging. The top-of-the-line Prestige adds more luxury features to the list with Matrix LED headlights with washers, automated park assist, navigation, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, animation for headlight and taillights, Interior Lighting Plus Package, acoustic glass front side windows, heads-up display, heated rear seats, heated and cooled front cupholders, and traffic sign recognition.
Standard safety features on the Audi Q5 include front and rear parking sensors, Lane departure warning with side assist, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation, rear collision warning and pedestrian detection prevention and Sideguard head-protection airbags.
The package options vary depending on the trim, Warm Weather, Black Optic, S Sport, Navigation, Nappa Leather with diamond stitching, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound, Power Panoramic sunroof, Audi Connect CARE, Dynamic Steering, and Convenience.
Strong Performance
Available Plug-in Hybrid Option, Excellent Ride Quality
Strong Safety Feature Content
Lots Of Interior Features And Technology
Standard All-wheel Drive
For 2023, the Audi Q5 adds adaptive cruise control as standard but otherwise carries over with minimal changes.
The Audi Q5 competes with other mid-sized luxury SUVs such as the Lexus RX and the BMW X5. The Audi offers great fuel economy in its segment thanks to its available 4-cylinder engine, while also offering more sophisticated looks than many of its competitors. For buyers who want a sportier driving experience the SQ5 offers plenty of power for passing on the freeway, along with sure-footed handling that's nearly unmatched in the segment. The Q5 and the SQ5 offer a sophisticated and luxurious driving experience while still giving owners the freedom to take the path less traveled.
