Item: 2009 Audi 8R Q5
Rating: 3

Responsive turbocharged engines (petrol and diesel)
Impressive dynamics
Spacious and versatile interior
High standard of interior fit and finish

Suspension lacks compliance
Inconsistently weighted steering lacks feel
3.2 FSI engine susceptible to carbon deposits on intake valves
For pre-2012 2.0 TFSI (155kW) engines, reports of excessive oil consumption

Review: Audi 8R.I Q5 (2009-12)

Overview

Released in March 2009, the Audi 8R Series I (8R.I) Q5 was a five-seat SUV. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi Q5 range initially consisted of the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI variants, with the 2.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI following in June 2009. All models, however, were fitted with a four-wheel drive system and a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’). The full range is given in the table below.

Audi 8R.I Q5 specifications
Variant	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.0 TDI	2.0-litre CAHA/CGLB turbo-diesel I4	7sp DCT	125 kW at 4200 rpm	350 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm
2.0 TFSI	2.0-litre CDNC turbo petrol I4	7sp DCT	155 kW at 4300-6000 rpm	350 Nm at 1500-4200 rpm
3.2 FSI	3.2-litre CALB petrol V6	7sp DCT	199 kW at 6500 rpm	330 Nm at 3000-5000 rpm
3.0 TDI	3.0-litre CCWA turbo-diesel V6	7sp DCT	176 kW at 4000-4400 rpm	500 Nm at 1500-3000 rpm

Dimensions and suspension

The Audi Q5 was based on Audi’s Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP) which also underpinned the Audi 8T A5 Coupe . The Audi Q5 was 4629 mm long, 1898 mm wide, 1663 mm tall and had a 2808 mm long wheelbase; ground clearance was 205 mm. Furthermore, the Q5 had five-link front suspension with unequal length wishbones and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension.

quattro

The Audi Q5’s quattro four-wheel drive system utilised a Torsen centre differential to provide a default front:rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 65 per cent of the engine’s torque could be apportioned to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear. The Q5 was also fitted with hill descent control.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi Q5 included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Q5 was also fitted with hill descent control.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , an Audi Q5 2.0 TDI received a five star safety rating which included a 92 per cent adult occupant rating and an 84 per cent child occupant rating. Under the ANCAP’s methodology, this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.21 out of 37.

Features

Standard features for the Audi Q5 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI included 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 tyres, a 180 watt sound system with ten speakers, a six-stack CD player and Audi’s Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system with 6.5-inch LCD screen, air conditioning, ‘leather/leatherette’ seat trim, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, rear parking sensors, front and rear fog lights, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, height adjustable front seats, an electromechanical parking brake, ambient lighting and an immobiliser. Inside, the Q5 had 40/20/40 split and folding rear seats with 100 mm fore/aft slide adjustment.

The Audi Q5 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 tyres, three-zone climate control air conditioning, Milano leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats, steering wheel gearshift paddles and a proximity key.

December 2011: Audi Q5 update

In December 2011, the Audi Q5 underwent a minor update as standard features were extended to include MP3 player integration for the MMI, front and rear parking sensors, a power-operated tailgate and the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system.

Review: Audi 8R.II Q5 (2012-16)