Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi Q5 review (2008-2017) - can Ingolstadt's best SUV challenge the BMW X3? - Engine and Gearbox

The Q5 is the best of Audi’s competent SUV range

Evo rating
RRP
from £32,580
  • Well-sorted chassis, stylish looks inside and out, mega SQ5
  • steering lacks feel, dynamics not as sharp as BMW X3

Engine and gearbox

Three disparate engines in a variety of trims make up the easy-to-understand Q5 hierarchy and all Q5s are equipped with quattro – there’s no front-wheel drive option. The entry-level petrol and diesel models are the 2.0 TFSI with 178bhp/236lb ft and a 2.0 TDI with 148bhp/236lb ft. Both these engines are available in higher power formats, at 222bhp/258lb ft and 175bhp/280lb ft respectively. At the top are the 3.0 TDI with 242bhp/428lb ft, then the 309bhp/480lb ft SQ5. All models are four-pots, bar the 3.0 TDI and SQ5, both V6s.

Advertisement - Article continues below

 There are three transmissions available – a six-speed manual, the eight-speed Tiptronic automatic and a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic. The manual is standard on all 2.0-litre engines, while the Tiptronic is the option for the 222bhp TFSI and the S-Tronic is fitted to the 175bhp TDI. The 3.0 TDI is S-Tronic only while the SQ5 gets the Tiptronic. If it’s an option, either self-shifting ‘box costs £1550.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses
Ford Focus ST Mk3
Features

Ford Focus ST (Mk3) – the car world's greatest misses

We’d hoped the 2015 Focus ST would share a good dose of its little brother’s magic. Sadly, it didn’t
28 Apr 2025
The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever
Ferrari 296 Speciale – front
News

The Ferrari 296 Speciale has arrived, and it could be the most thrilling Ferrari ever

The 296 Speciale is the latest in Ferrari's line of mid-engined road racers, packing 868bhp and LaFerrari-beating pace on track
29 Apr 2025
Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar
GMA T.50 front
Reviews

Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 2025 review – the ultimate analogue hypercar

The GMA T.50 is the car we thought would never come: Gordon Murray's sequel to the ultimate hypercar, the McLaren F1
26 Apr 2025