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

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 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
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025