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

Why you've probably been driving the Audi TT RS wrong this whole time
Audi TT RS fast fleet front
Long term tests

Why you've probably been driving the Audi TT RS wrong this whole time

My Audi TT RS coupe reveals its strong suit on a most unlikely road
22 Apr 2026
I fell in love with the Honda Civic Type R, until it started fighting me
Civic Type R interior
Opinion

I fell in love with the Honda Civic Type R, until it started fighting me

Porter can tolerate the tsunami of active safety features, but not their inaccuracy
23 Apr 2026
Toyota GT86 review (2012 - 2021) – a flawed but fun and affordable Japanese sports car
Toyota GT86
In-depth reviews

Toyota GT86 review (2012 - 2021) – a flawed but fun and affordable Japanese sports car

Toyota’s small sports car wasn’t perfect but still offers genuine driving fun of an increasingly rare flavour
20 Apr 2026