Skip advert
Advertisement

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

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

Interior and Tech

In terms of the look and build quality of the Q5’s cabin, it’s beyond reproach. When Audi facelifted the SUV in 2012 after four years on sale, it did next to nothing inside to update it, save add a few new trims and colours. Which speaks volumes about its enduring quality. It’s spacious too, although the slightly sloping rear windscreen does limit ultimate load space in the back.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite the healthy standard kit on even SE models, there’s a long list of fairly pricey options – yet it’s all high-end stuff. Like exclusive leather packs that cost up to a giddy £7150, Audi Drive Select (£220) and damper control (£680, you have to have ADS though), a 14-speaker, 505W Bang & Olufsen sound system (£535), adaptive cruise control (£900), a panoramic sunroof (£1125), adaptive xenon lights (£1130), technology packs that bundle various toys together for £2320… this is by no means an exhaustive list but it shows that if you’re injudicious when ordering, you could end up with the Q5 that’s the thick end of fifty grand. Which is getting into Q7 territory. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it
Jaguar GT
Opinion

The new Jaguar GT is lovely to drive, but that’s not enough for people to buy it

The Jaguar GT has the hallmarks of a deeply impressive luxury saloon. Whether it can turn the tide on slow demand for premium EVs is another matter
11 Mar 2026
The Audi RS3 Competition is a £92k goodbye to Ingolstadt’s five-cylinder
Audi RS3 Competition
News

The Audi RS3 Competition is a £92k goodbye to Ingolstadt’s five-cylinder

Audi marks the end of the line for the RS3 and its five-cylinder engine with an ultra-limited special, and we don’t use that phrase lightly… 
10 Mar 2026
BMW iX3 review – a cheaper 500-mile alternative to the Volvo EX60
BMW iX3
Reviews

BMW iX3 review – a cheaper 500-mile alternative to the Volvo EX60

The iX3 is the model to kickstart a new era for BMW, and while its looks might be divisive, its class-leading stats certainly are not
10 Mar 2026