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

Peugeot’s new petrol engine swaps belts for chains to improve reliability
Peugeot Turbo 100
News

Peugeot’s new petrol engine swaps belts for chains to improve reliability

New engine isn’t performance-oriented but does address some reliability issues around so-called ‘wet belts’, swapping them out altogether for chains
16 Mar 2026
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
Audi Q3 review – polished BMW X1 rival available with Golf GTI power
Audi Q3 review
In-depth reviews

Audi Q3 review – polished BMW X1 rival available with Golf GTI power

The Q3 confounded some of our middling expectations for it. This is a pleasant, neat-driving small SUV, albeit with a few flaws and catches
13 Mar 2026