Skip advert
Advertisement

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

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

Design

We like the Q5 best of all when considering Audi’s ‘proper’ off-roaders, as it strikes the right balance between looking like a genuine SUV but not appearing as if it should have its own gravitational pull (Q7, we’re talking about you). Don’t get us wrong, the Q5 is hardly strikingly beautiful but it is neat, crisp and handsome, and the wheels it wears are all sizeable items that fill the arches nicely. There are optional designs of wheel that go up to 21-inches (£1250), if you don’t mind a bouncier ride. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The standard, no-cost colours for the Q5 are white and black, so if you want a bit more sparkle in your life, metallic and pearl effect paints are £615, Audi exclusive hues (six special finishes to choose from or the entire Audi palette) are £2115 and for £2615, Ingolstadt will clothe your Q5 in any possible shade in the world.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Best car tyres 2026 – evo tyre test
evo tyre test 2026
Features

Best car tyres 2026 – evo tyre test

What are the best road tyres for your hot hatch? We tested and ranked nine of them
18 Oct 2026
No, you can’t drive the ‘flying’ Tesla Roadster on the road, or buy one…
2028 Tesla Roadster
News

No, you can’t drive the ‘flying’ Tesla Roadster on the road, or buy one…

The demo for the revived Tesla Roadster was certainly awe inspiring, but don’t start planning your flight routes to work just yet
16 Oct 2026
Bentley Continental GT (Mk3, 2018 - 2024) review – the last 12-cylinder Bentley is now BMW M2 money
Bentley Continental GT Mk3
In-depth reviews

Bentley Continental GT (Mk3, 2018 - 2024) review – the last 12-cylinder Bentley is now BMW M2 money

Bentley’s last-generation GT was an major upgrade on its predecessor and now, it’s properly good value
15 Oct 2026