2019 Audi Q5

The 2019 Audi Q5 comes in just 3 trims and one engine configuration and a single option of drivetrain, namely Audi’s famed Quattro system. Prices start from $42,950 for the base Premium trim and goes over $53,850 for the top of the line Prestige trim.

Trims	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
Price(AWD)	$42,950	$49,950	$53,850
Features	Quattro AWD System	Adds/Upgrades to “Premium”	Adds/Upgrades these to “Premium Plus”
	Apple Car Play, Android Auto	Audi Virtual Cockpit and MMI Navigation with MMI all-in-touch and Audi connect PRIME and PLUS	755W Bang and Olufsen Sound System with 3D Sound, 19 Speakers, 16 Channel Amplifier
	18” 5 Spoke Alloys	19” 5 Spoke Alloys	Power Adjust Steering Column
	Audi pre sense basic	Full LED Headlights	Top View Camera System and Park Assist System
	Audi pre sense city	Panoramic Sunroof	Heads Up Display
	Audi Connect Care	Audi Side Assist, Pre Sense with Rear Cross Traffic and Vehicle Exit Assist	Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam and Active Lane Assist

Trim to Choose

The Prestige Trim justifies its high asking price with some luxurious and premium features like B&O audio, Power adjust steering column, HUD and more and hence, is the trim to choose. However, there are no changes in the power output of all three trims. So regardless of the trim you choose, the power specifications are not going to affect the driving experience. Anyway, its the features offered on the Prestige trim that enhance the quality of the time you spend inside your Q5. 

On twisty mountain roads, the 2019 Q5 feels more like a sports sedan than a crossover SUV-KBB.com

The 2019 Audi Q5 comes powered by a 2.0L Turbocharged 4 cylinder motor that channels power to all the 4 Wheels with its Superb Quattro AWD system. We use the word Superb for the Quattro system because it balances power and performance just perfectly. As a default setting, the Quattro system powers the front wheels and when the terrain gets challenging or demanding, the system can channel almost the same amount of power to all 4 wheels equally or rearwards only.

Audi says that the Quattro Ultra system can fully disconnect the rear axle for better efficiency or seamlessly transfer power to all 4 of them. Passengers in the Audi, won’t be able to see the transition in power and can help the Q5 maintain its composure even in snowy, rainy or other challenging terrains. Talking about the drivetrain, the Q5 comes equipped with a 7-speed DCT unit that shifts gears fluidly without any break in the power delivery - courtesy of dual-clutch. It ensures that power is always available on tap no matter what speeds you're doing.

Models	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
MSRP	$42,950	$41,995	$41,695	$40,195
Engine	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder
Transmission	7-speed DCT	8-speed Automatic	9-speed Automatic	8-speed Automatic
Horsepower	252hp@5000rpm	248hp@5200rpm	241hp@5500rpm	250hp@5500rpm
Torque	273ft-lbs@1600rpm	258ft-lbs@1450rpm	273ft-lbs@1300rpm	258ft-lbs@1500rpm

Not just on the price front, the Q5 is also the most powerful of the lot here. Its power figures of 252 HP place it on the first position. Leaving the Bimmer and the Merc behind, the Volvo stacks up at second position just ahead of the Bavarian.

Acceleration

The 2019 Audi Q5 does the dash to 60mph from standstill in just 6.2 seconds, which is quite a feat to achieve. The slick-shifting DSG and the standard Quattro AWD together ensure a smooth and grippy launch from standstill and helps the Q5 reach the 60MPH mark in no time at all. Keep the accelerator floored and you'll clear the quarter-mile mark in just 14.5 seconds which places it amongst the fastest crossovers in this price bracket.

Models	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
0-60 MPH	6.2	6.3	6.4	6.4
Quarter mile	14.5	15.2	14.8	14.9
Engine	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder	2.0L Turbo 4 Cylinder
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4057	4034	3891	4109
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.4	6.8	7.3	7.7

The Audi maintains its first place here with the fastest accelerating time of 14.5 seconds for a quarter-mile run. It also reaches the 60 MPH faster than anyone else here. However, in the case of the X3, it crosses 60MPH faster than the other two but loses to both of them till the quarter-mile mark and takes the last position. The XC60 and the GLC 300 accelerate to 60 MPH at the exact same time but the Volvo just inches ahead of the German as they reach the quarter-mile mark.

Ride and Handling

The 2019 Audi Q5 has a well-tuned suspension setup that offers a stable and planted ride, no matter the terrain or the conditions around. It’s smooth sailing in the Q5 for most parts while the suspension does an excellent job of coping with tight bends and corners with utmost precision and confidence. What is impressive is that despite the chassis being tuned towards a stiffer setup than last year, the five-link front and rear suspension absorb anything that’s thrown in front of it.

The Audi Q5 handles more like a low-set hatchback than a crossover. It doesn’t disappoint irrespective of whether you take it to mountain roads or deep into the jungle. The steering weighs up well at spirited speeds and the smart Quattro AWD ensures availability of loads of grip beneath the rubber at all times. The 5 Driving modes, namely Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Off-road and Individual alter the steering settings and suspension settings accordingly. If you're new behind the steering then you might not even notice the ESC intervening quite frequently. However, this phenomenon could get frustrating for enthusiasts. There is plenty of feedback from the steering and it maintains a healthy communication between the road and the driver.

Braking

The 2019 Audi Q5 brakes as well as quickly as it gathers pace. Courtesy of big brake rotors and a well-tuned ABS and ESC program, the Q5 comes to a dead halt from 60MPH in just 112ft.

What is furthermore impressive is the fact there is only little nose dive or loss of grip while panic braking. Also, the ESC ensures that the SUV’s tail and body maintain a linear path rather than leaving a wobbly trail of burnt rubber.

Model	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Brake Front (in.)	13.3	13	13.5	13.6
Brake Rear (in.)	13	13	12.6	12.6
60-0 MPH (ft.)	112	114	115	114

Speaking of the competition, the Q5 might stay ahead in the game but the rivals aren’t far behind either. All the SUVs in this comparison are separated by just 1ft of distance from each other and that showcases the amount of importance given to braking performance by every manufacturer.

Towing Capacity

The average towing capacity in this class lies somewhere around 3,500 pounds. The Q5 can pull as much as 4,400 pounds and that’s more than its own curb weight.

Model	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Towing Capacity	4400lbs	4400lbs	3500lbs	3500lbs

The BMW matches the Audi in terms of the Towing capacity while the Mercedes and the Volvo can tow a max of 3500lbs each.

Audi has tuned the engine of the 2019 Q5 for both efficiency and performance. The same can be verified byt its MPG figures as well. The Audi uses some clever technologies like active disengagement of the drivetrain from AWD to FWD or vice versa via the Ultra Quattro system. This allows Audi to maintain a balance between both - efficiency and power, as and when needed. 

Model	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
MPG (city)	22	23	22	22
MPG (highway)	27	30	27	29
MPG (combined)	24	26	24	24
Range (city/highway) (miles)	407/500	396/516	383/470	414/545
Tank Capacity (gal)	18.5	17.2	17.4	18.8

The BMW X3 squeezes out the most from 1 Gallon of fuel while the other 3 showcase identical overall MPG figures. Where the Audi and the Volvo have the edge, is in the range as they manage to deliver a higher range, courtesy of their bigger fuel tanks.

The Q5 provides enough room for four adults to get comfy and offers plenty of upscale features, even on the base Premium model-CarandDriver.com

Ergonomics and Comfort

Comfort and luxury have been Audi’s forte for years and the Q5 is one of the finest examples of this notion. It sports an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with 4-way lumbar support. For taller drivers, there are manual thigh extensions to maximize comfort. You can even add wood trims on the dashboard and a sunroof for some extra zing to the interiors.

Model	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	41.7/57.7/41.0	41.1/57.6/40.3	37.8/57.3/40.8	38.0/58.2/41.5
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/56.5/37.8	39.1/36.4/56.0	38.5/56.5/37.3	38.0/56.3/38.0

The rear seats get an extra 0.4 inches of legroom. While this is enough for most people, the taller passengers may face a problem when the front seats are slid all the way to the back. The back of the front seats is made of hard plastic, and although there are knee cutouts, it still might feel a bit cramped.

Infotainment

The Audi Q5, just like its other siblings, offers an infotainment system that is a cause of envy for the other manufacturers. Audi has revised its MMI interface for the Q5 and updated it for the 2019 Q5. The MMI still remains the most Easy to use and intuitive system in the class. All buttons have been remapped and perform more than one function hence reducing the amount of buttons in the system and making the interface, less clumsy and clattered. The following are some of the features that can be found in the 2019 Q5

• MMI Navigation Plus and All in Touch with Handwriting recognition technology
• 755W 19 Speaker B&O audio system with 3D sound with 16 channel amplifier
• 3” LCD Fully Digital Instrument Console
• 3” MMI Center Infotainment Screen
• Cruise Control with Coast, Resume and Accelerate feature
• Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility
• HD/SiriusXM/INRIX XD Radio and Traffic system
• SD Card slot with 64GB capacity
• Heads Up Display with Navigation and Assistance System Info
• Audi Pre Sense Basic and City
• Home Link Garage Door opener
• Bluetooth Connectivity and 2 USB ports
• Audi advanced Key and Voice Control system

Interior Features

Like the Infotainment System, the Interiors of the 2019 Q5 comes loaded with a plethora of features in it. Some of those include

• 3 Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Leather Covered Center Console and Door armrest
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Tilt and Telescopic adjust steering with Paddle Shifters
• High Gloss Dark Brown Walnut Wood Inlays
• Auto-Dimming RVM with Digital Compass
• Ambient LED lighting
• 8 Way heated and power front seats with 4-way power lumbar adjust and memory for driver
• Sliding, Split Folding 40/20/40 rear seatbacks with adjustable recline
• Leather-wrapped gear selector, center console and door armrest
• One Touch Up/Down Power Windows

Cargo Capacity

The Audi Q5 doesn’t disappoint in terms of the Cargo Space on offer. It isn’t class-leading but it will accommodate most of what you would want to accommodate in it. The Q5 houses plenty of hooks and nets on the inside that makes it easy to store small packets while the rear seats can be flat folded to reveal a total of 53.1 cu. ft. of space.

Model	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	25.1	28.7	19.4	29.7

Competition wise, it’s the ultra-practical Volvo XC 6o that leads the comparison with 29.1 cubic feet of space while the BMW X3, comes in a close second. The Merc, on the other hand, offers the least space of them all and offers 19.4 cubic feet of space.

This version is a little sharper on the corners, the nose is a little longer, and the grille is a little bigger, but it’s largely conservative-TheCarConnection.com

Design and Dimensions

In the front, Q5 boasts a single frame grille with a protruding feel to it which reminds of the Q7. Almost all the sections feature some sort of character lines. From the side, the Q5 has a slant to the back, but it doesn’t impede headroom or cargo space. The side profile remains unchanged other than a few sharp creases along the length of the car. The rear of the Q5 is impressive, to say the least. The clamshell design of the tail lights adds to the cohesive design. In the bottom, you get two horizontal exhaust outlets on the silver rear diffuser.

Model	Audi Q5 2.0L Premium AWD	BMW X3 sDrive30i	Mercedes Benz GLC 300	Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4080 lbs	5137	3947	4189
Length(in)	183.6	185.9	183.3	184.6
Width(in)	74.5	74.4	74.4	78.7
Height(in)	65.3	66.0	64.5	65.3
Ground clearance (in)	8.2	8.0	5.0	8.5
Wheelbase (in)	111.0	112.8	113.1	112.8

Dimension wise, the Q5 isn’t the longest, widest or the tallest in the segment but is identical to the others in the segment. The wheelbase of the new Q5 is small and the relatively small dimensions, give the Q5 an advantage in maneuverability in city traffic or tight parking spaces. The massive 8.2” of ground clearance adds to the off road credentials of the Audi and makes the underbody, less prone from getting hit by speed humps.

Exterior Features

The Audi Q5 has been the leader in terms of innovations on offer and the exterior features on the 2019 Q5 are a living testimony to the same. Following are some of the features of the exteriors of the 2019 Q5

• 20” Alloy wheels
• Full LED Automatic Headlights with Dynamic Range Adjustment
• LED Taillights with Dynamic Turn Signals
• Heated Windshield Washer Nozzles
• Powered ORVM with Auto Dimming, Power folding, Heating Functions and Integrated LED Turn Indicators
• Power Tailgate
• Aluminum Roof Rails
• Aluminum Trim around exterior side windows

Audi doesn’t skip on the safety of its car and the 2019 Q5 is no exception. The 2019 Audi Q5 packs in a lot of safety features as standard and Audi takes it a step forward with the advanced driver aids on offer. Some of the few safety features include

• Front dual stage, seat mounted thorax airbags
• Sideguard Head Curtain Airbags
• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
• ESC with off road mode, secondary collision brake assist and Traction control
• Anti-Theft Alarm with motion sensors and vehicle immobilizer
• TPMS with Electronic Parking Brake
• LATCH in rear seats with Integrated Child Door locks in rear doors
• Hill Descent Control

Audi Q5 vs BMW X3

Picking between the Q5 and the X3 is troublesome. They are similarly valued, convey a satisfying driving background and offer a far reaching set of highlights. If you want a feature loaded cabin without paying a lot, the BMW will be the best. In case you're after a more pleasant inside and an additionally engaging infotainment framework, the Audi Q5 could be your SUV of decision

Audi Q5 vs Mercedes Benz GLC

The Q5 and the GLC are the best from their respective brands in terms of midsize SUV’s. But on paper, it’s the Q5 that clean sweeps the GLC in every parameter. The Q5 delivers better mileage, performance, towing capacity and Interior space. The GLC on the other hand offers a more luxurious interior and should be your choice, if you prefer to be chauffeur driven.

Audi Q5 vs Volvo XC 60

There is no separating the performance of both the Q5 and the Volvo as they both rake in the best figures in terms of the same. The Audi is slightly off pace in terms of the braking performance and lacks the number of features on offer when compared variant to variant. In term of outright handling and build quality however, it’s the Audi that has a clear edge over the Volvo, by being a better car to be driven and driving in.

With its new and powerful 4 cylinder motor, luxurious and feature-rich interiors and striking looking exteriors, the Audi Q5 has everything you would want from an SUV of this class. It’s loaded with features that exude comfort, luxury, safety, and connectivity. And with features like the virtual cockpit, Audi has ensured that you don’t take your eyes off the windshield and what’s in front of you. In totality, The Audi Q5 is a luxurious, spacious, and fuel-efficient SUV that offers a lot of VFM at the price it’s being offered at. Sure the rivals exceed in one or the other thing but none match the complete package that the Q5 so proudly displays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the Q5 have automatic climate control?

Yes, the Q5 houses a 3-zone automatic climate control system. 

Does the Audi Q5 have a sunroof? 

Yes, the Q5 has a sunroof. 

Does the extra horsepower make the Q5 a better car than the Q3?

The Q5 and the Q3 both have similar engines, however, the extra horsepower can push the Q5 from 0-60 MPH in 6.2, whereas the Q3 takes 6.5 seconds to accomplish a similar feat.