2019 Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is one of the most important models for Audi globally and for the US market as well because it rakes in the highest volumes for the Ingoldstadt based Giant. The 2019 Audi Q5 packs in a lot of innovative features like a superb MMI infotainment system, classy looking LED Headlights and Taillights and a lot more. Available in 3 Trims, only in AWD and 1 Engine option, the prices for the Q5 start from $42,950 and goes over $53,850 for the top of the line prestige trim.

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.

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

Engine and Transmission

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 in Snow, Ice or other tough Terrains.

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

The 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission of the 2019 Audi Q5, complements the Quattro Ultra and its engine perfectly well. The shifts happen at the right time and within the blink of an eye. Power Transmission is seamless and feels very well mated to the engine.

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 makes for smooth and grippy start from standstill and helps the Q5, reach the 60MPH mark in no time at all.

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	5.4
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

Competition wise, it’s the new SPA platform based Volvo XC60 that tops the charts with its blisteringly fast time of just 5.4 seconds. Coming next is the Audi while the other German siblings are just 0.1 and 0.2 seconds behind the Audi.

Ride and Handling

The 2019 Audi Q5 has a well-tuned suspension 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 absorbs anything that’s thrown in front of it.

In terms of the Handling, the Audi Q5 doesn’t disappoint irrespective of whether you take it to mountain roads or doing city commutes. The Steering weighs up well at speeds and the Quattro AWD, makes for superb grip around the bends and on slipper or snow laden roads. The 5 Driving modes, namely Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, off road and individual alter the steering settings and suspension settings accordingly. New drivers won’t notice the ESC intervene in the driving but experienced drivers will feel the intrusion more. There is plenty of feedback from the steering while turning at speeds, while it becomes further more response rich while driving at city speeds.

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 little nose dive or loss of grip while braking and the ESC, makes 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 rivals aren’t slouch either. All the SUV’s in this comparison are separated by each other by just 1ft of distance and that showcases the amount of importance, given to braking performance.

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

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

Audi has tuned the Engine of the 2019 Q5 for both efficiency and performance and the same can be testified from the 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 gain both efficiency and deliver performance, 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 Q5 follows the tradition. Q5 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
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 exudes comfort, luxury, safety, and connectivity. And with features like virtual cockpit, Audi has ensured that you don’t take your eyes of 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.