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

2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S revealed – new all-weather supercar gets electrified 701bhp
Porsche 911 Turbo S 992.2 front
News

2026 Porsche 911 Turbo S revealed – new all-weather supercar gets electrified 701bhp

Porsche has leveraged its T-Hybrid tech to create the most powerful series production 911 yet made
7 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Save nearly £8k on a brand new BMW M2
BMW M2
News

Save nearly £8k on a brand new BMW M2

BMW’s smallest M car is being offered for just over £60k – less than a basic Audi RS3
5 Sep 2025