Audi’s Q5 mid-sized cross-over SUV just keeps getting better and better. It hails from the Volkswagen-Audi Group’s modular MLB platform architecture, and delivers a painless, hassle-free and easy drive that just gives you that reassuring feeling that life can be effortless at times.
For 2022, the Q5 gets new Matrix LED headlamps with a new dynamic light design and dynamic turn signals. The headlamps’ intelligent adaptive high-beam provides greater safety and security, a critical feature in our often poorly-lit roads. And with the rainy season slowly settling in, this extra level of safety and protection is always a welcome feature. A new bigger and wider Audi trademark single-frame grill with larger front side intakes complemented by trapezoidal inserts greet incoming traffic. Thankfully, Audi does big grills better than its other German rivals. The rear gets a new trim element between the rear tail lamps, a new rear diffuser insert with a horizontal fin and an Audi S-Line roof spoiler option. Slightly revised side claddings give the Q5 a ‘lighter’ and slightly raised ground clearance, not that you’ll be trekking through difficult terrain. At best, the Q5 has more than enough talent to hack it on the various glamping sites popping up in the country these days.
There’s ample space inside, and one of the best interiors in the whole world of cars, equipped with a mix of high quality and tactile feeling materials in a clean and simplified façade. Soft brown leather interior is standard of course The 2022 local refresh sees the Q5 gain a revised dash, with a sculptural trim inlay that separates the upper and lower halves of the dashboard. Piano black adds to the feeling of airiness and space, plus sophistication inside the minimalist cabon. There is also the latest generation Audi MMI multi-media infotainment system touch-screen display and a seat massager, which we believe is the only one in its segment to have such a feature. Maybe that’s why we found it effortlessly easy and relaxing on a long drive? Regardless, if that doesn’t ease your body and soul, the Bang & Olufsen Premium Surround Sound hi-fi system will. Apple CarPlay is naturally available for the latest generation Q5. I just love the flat-bottom steering wheel, a nod to Audi’s motorsports pedigree in the German Touring Car Championship, sports car racing at the World Endurance Championship, and the famous Le Mans 24 Hour race. Six airbags are standard (front, side and overhead / curtain airbags), ABS-EBD brakes, with traction and stability control on top of the added stability of Quattro all-wheel drive are included on both variants.
You have two options for the Q5s heart: a 2.0 direct-injected gasoline engine and a 2.0 liter common-rail diesel engine, both turbocharged and driving all four wheels via a 7-speed Audi S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission with Quattro all-wheel drive. The gasoline lump delivers 265hp and 370 Newton-Meters of torque, while the diesel pumps out 204hp and 400-Newton-Meters of torque. My personal preference is the diesel, as it delivers a far more relaxed drive, and the diesel engine, with its Le Mans winning pedigree hums like a turbine peacefully even if your speeds are better suited to the Autobahn. And despite diesels costing as much as gasoline at the pump, let’s not forget that diesels are still generally more fuel efficient, by anywhere from 15% to 25% more depending on driving style and condition.
The gasoline variant gets 21-inch wheels and all-season touring tires, while the diesel gets more reasonable 20-inch wheels. Ride from the Audi Drive Select’s adaptive air suspension is still very good nonetheless with either sized wheel and tire combination; but replacing 21 inch versus 20-inch is costlier, hence my preference for the slightly smaller 20-inch wheels. The 20-inch wheel design option in typical classic German multi-spoke / mesh looks classy as well while the gasoline variant comes with a larger Y-spoke style.
Behind the driver’s seat, nothing has really changed, which is a good thing as the Q5 drives smoothly and serenely, an antitheses to the growing traffic mayhem in the Metro as life slowly returns back to normal, post-pandemic. The steering is light, effortless yet accurate and brimming with feel, the throttle very progressive, and the powerful brakes firm, yet easily modulated. It craves winding provincial roads, swallows up the nasty pock-marked fire roads and barangay roads that resemble a mild off-road trail more than paved streets, and is supremely quiet on the highway. A very long stint behind the wheel will be a pleasant experience in the Q5.
As cross-overs go, the Q5 is amazing value for what it offers. The technology, safety and convenience, coupled with effortlessly easy and secure driving dynamics make for a perfect all-around vehicle. If you’re in the market for a premium mid-sized cross-over that will see a lot of long drives and cargo carrying (730.5 liters of space in the trunk, expanding to 1490 liters with the rear seats folded), the Q5 is my top pick.
