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

Driving the greatest ’70s supercars, from BMW M1 to Countach – car pictures of the week
1970s supercar test
Features

Driving the greatest ’70s supercars, from BMW M1 to Countach – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we revisit 1970s supercar icons from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and more. These are our favourite shots
20 Jun 2026
McLaren MSO HS: the secret 205mph special born to save the brand
McLaren MSO 688 HS
Features

McLaren MSO HS: the secret 205mph special born to save the brand

This could just be the best McLaren you’ve never heard of. We get the inside story on the ultra-exclusive, 675LT-based MSO HS
21 Jun 2026
Fiat Grande Panda review – as cool as a Renault 5 but with petrol power
Fiat Grande Panda front
Reviews

Fiat Grande Panda review – as cool as a Renault 5 but with petrol power

Fiat’s take on the retro-modern small car has substance and talent to match its style
22 Jun 2026