Review: Audi 8R Q5 (2009-16)

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

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• 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

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

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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. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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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.

Related links

• Press Kit: Audi 8R.I Q5 (May 2009)

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

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Overview

Released in December 2012, the Audi 8R Series II (8R.II) Q5 introduced new engines – including the supercharged 3.0 TFSI – and automatic transmissions. Furthermore, all engines had start/stop technology, enabling them to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic to minimise fuel consumption, and a new electromechanical steering system (previously hydraulic) further reduced fuel consumption.

Visually, the Audi 8R.II Q5 could be identified by its single-frame grille with chamfered top corners and a high-gloss black finish, new bumpers, new front fog lights and redesigned rear diffuser. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Compared to its 8R.I predecessor, standard features for the Audi 8R.II Q5 were extended to include 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 tyres, power adjustable and heated front seats, a proximity key and tyre pressure monitoring.

An ‘Audi drive select’ function was also introduced – and fitted as standard – which enabled the driver to select from four selectable settings which adjusted throttle response, automatic transmission shift points and the level of steering assistance.

The 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI were further equipped with Audi’s MMI with a seven-inch colour display, hard-drive navigation, 20GB music storage and voice control, xenon headlights with daytime LED running lights, a rear view camera and driver memory settings (for the seat and door mirrors).

September 2013 update (MY14)

In September 2013, standard features were extended to include xenon headlights and three-zone climate control air conditioning. Furthermore, the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI variants received 19-inch alloy wheels and extended paintwork that included the lower bumper sections (front and rear) and lower side sills.

Optional features were also extended to include digital radio (DAB+).

Related links

• Press Kit: Audi 8R.II Q5 (December 2012)
• Specifications: Audi 8R.II Q5 (December 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi Q5