Audi Q5 review – MPG and running costs
Keep to the diesel or plug-in and 40mpg is easily achievable
Entry-level 40TDI models are unsurprisingly more efficient than their pure petrol counterparts, but the new plug-in models typically complicate matters. Depending on specification (or wheel size more specifically) the four-cylinder diesel Q5 is rated at between 41 and 43mpg, which should be achievable when kept to longer journeys. This is on a par with rivals from BMW and Mercedes.
The pure petrol 45TFSI is rated between 31 and 33mpg, but we experienced more like 28 to 30mpg, despite mostly motorway driving. Plug-in hybrid models are more complicated, with on-paper ratings of 150-170mpg between the models, but as usual with plug-ins, this number will likely vary widely depending on your usage pattern. Audi quotes a 26-mile EV range, so keep it plugged in and do short journeys and the petrol engine may rarely need to be stirred. Utilise the petrol engine more liberally though and the reality of a two-ton car powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine will see MPG take a dive.
Running costs are otherwise as to be expected in the mid-size SUV class. Larger wheel and tyre packages will see higher running costs, as 21-inch rubber isn’t cheap. It’s also worth keeping an eye on those dual-clutch ’boxes, as depending on how it’s driven, excessive clutch wear and even issues with the actuators can pop up after a few years.
