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

Petrol v electric: Alpine's A290 faces the Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Group tests

Petrol v electric: Alpine's A290 faces the Mazda MX-5

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
25 Oct 2026
Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini
Ford Mondeo
Opinion

Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini

With one of the development parameters being the ‘perfection feeling’, the Mondeo was always going to be something special
22 Oct 2026
New Toyota Celica – Japan’s secret Porsche rival is on the way
Toyota Yaris M/ Celica mule
News

New Toyota Celica – Japan’s secret Porsche rival is on the way

With the new race-proven G20E engine in the middle, what was thought to be the next MR2 may well be called ‘Celica’
26 Oct 2026