Design

Audi design is founded on clean lines, thoughtful details and upmarket materials, and the Q5 is a well-judged blend of SUV functionality with premium-brand sophistication. The update includes a wider, shallower grille with larger side air intakes, redesigned sills and a new rear end treatment with high-tech OLED taillights (on Vorsprung models). The Q5 Sportback has a sloping roofline, revised front bumper with larger intakes, a narrower refined Audi grille and new modernised LED headlamps. It comes with 18”, 19” or 20” wheel designs, but if you choose the S-Line exterior package you’ll also get a more aggressive hexagonal grille texture, bolder air intakes in the bumper corners and a front gloss black skid plate. Whether you go for the Q5 or Q5 Sportback, the interior is an extremely comfortable and modern space to be, with an extensive list of options and customisable interior ambient lighting. The Sportback is the same width as the Q5 but around 7mm longer, with a maximum boot capacity of 1,480-litres compared to the Q5’s 1,550.

Features

Two powertrains are offered with both the Q5 and Q5 Sportback: the diesel-powered 40 TDI and the petrol 45 TSFI. Both have four cylinders, have 2.0-litres in capacity and feature a 12-volt mild-hybrid system to improve fuel efficiency. The 40 TDI puts out 201bhp, delivers 52-53mpg and makes the 0-62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds. Slightly quicker, the petrol-powered 45 TSFI puts out 261bhp and accelerates from 0-62mph in just 6.4 seconds. Plug-in hybrid TFSIe variants will also come at a later date. All models come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox and quattro ultra, which sends power to the front wheels under normal conditions but automatically switches to all-wheel drive if needed. If you opt for the Vorsprung trim, adjustable air suspension comes as standard.

Performance & Technology

All models get a 10.1” MMI touchscreen display with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whilst the addition of a Bang & Olufsen sound system is optional. There’s also the 12.3” Audi Virtual Cockpit and the latest infotainment system with enhanced voice control, activated by saying ‘Hey Audi’. Even after all of that, there’s still an extensive options list so you can upgrade the Q5’s tech even further if you wish.

Safety

Audi’s reputation for safety is upheld by the driver assistance systems on the new Q5. Standard features include a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and the Audi pre sense city system, which helps to avoid collisions. Options include turn assist, collision avoidance assist and exit warning systems as well as adaptive cruise assist. LED headlights are standard across the range, which gain different levels of capability as you move up trims.