Q TIP (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audiq5_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 103

Back in 2020, this updated version of Audi's second generation Q5 got a smarter look, an extra sleeker Sportback body shape, an upgraded cabin and more efficient diesel power to join the existing petrol and petrol plug-in options. There was a big step forward in media connectivity too. As before, this mid-sized premium Audi executive SUV offered car-like driving dynamics that were great on tarmac and fine for very light off road use. Plus there was loads of advanced technology and a beautifully practical interior crafted in Audi's own inimitable style. How does this improved MK2 Q5 stack up as a used buy?

Modelsword count: 20

5dr SUV (2.0 TFSI petrol / 2.0 TFSIe petrol / 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI) [Sport, S line, Vorsprung, SQ5])

Historyword count: 364

Back in 2020, three models were dominating the executive mid-to-large section of the premium-badged SUV sector and this was one of them, Audi's Q5. It had long faced stiff competition from its two arch-rivals, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes GLC, but looked stronger against them thanks to the package of mid-term updates visited upon the revised Q5 model range. Quite a lot was different here over the original version of the second generation 'Typ 80A' model that had been launched in 2017 - even though that might not be immediately apparent at first glance. There was an all-new 'Twin dosing' 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, fresh mild hybrid tech across the range, a completely redesigned advanced cabin infotainment system and, for those that wanted it, Audi's TFSIe plug-in hybrid technology was by 2020 really getting into gear. Top variants also gained an achingly trendy OLED rear lighting system and there was an all-new coupe-like Sportback body style alternative to the standard SUV model. Some things hadn't changed though. As before, this was the kind of upper mid-sized premium-badged SUV you bought if you wanted something that would look great in the driveway, keep you mobile in a snowy snap and shrink around you when a twisting road opened up ahead. It was a demanding brief that earlier versions of this model line had proved adept at delivering upon, beginning with the first generation 'Typ 8R' design launched back in 2008, which found more than 1.6 million global customers over an eight year production run. An entirely new factory in San Jose Chiapa, Mexico was constructed to make the second generation 'Typ 80A' model of 2017, and Audi's reward was over 750,000 further global sales by the time that design was facelifted in mid-2020 to create the car we're going to look at here. The competition though, was by then ramping up. An all-new BMW X3 had been launched since the MK2 Q5 had been originally introduced and by 2020 there had been significant recent changes to other key rivals like the Mercedes GLC, the Jaguar F-PACE and the Volvo XC60. This improved MK2 Q5 sold until an all-new MK3 model arrived in late 2024.

What You Getword count: 721

Unless you happen to be a brand enthusiast or an Audi sales person, you might struggle to spot the updated visual cues that set the updated version of this MK2 'Typ 80A' series Q5 model apart from the original version of this second generation design we first saw in 2017. Well, you might struggle to tell the differences in the standard SUV form anyway. Freshly added to the range in 2020 was an alternative Sportback version with a more coupe-like silhouette and quite a lot more pavement presence. It's the standard variant though, that's our focus here, which in this form remained a lean, sophisticated-looking crossover. An SUV with a sense of purpose. Particularly in this revised form, which got a series of specific visual hallmarks intended to move it more closely into step with other SUVs that back in 2020 had been recently introduced into the Audi portfolio. To that end, the octagonal Singleframe front grille became shallower and appeared a little wider than before. With the base 'Sport'-spec model, it features vertical silver struts; pricier variants replaced that with a black honeycomb mesh. And in profile? Well the larger bumpers of this revised model added an extra 19mm to the 4.8-metre body length. But an owner of an earlier version of this MK2 Q5 is probably more likely to notice the slightly more streamlined look delivered by the re-designed lower sill insert. At the back, updates included an extra diffuser insert, finished in either 'Selenite Sliver', matt brushed aluminium or Titanium black, depending on model. There was also an extra chrome strip which ran between the wedge-shaped light clusters. Getting into the front seat is predictably easy, thanks to the raised ride height you get in this kind of SUV, and the door clunks shut with vault-like quality, leaving you in a cabin that with this facelifted MK2 model remained a masterclass in interior quality and ergonomics. Despite recent advances made by direct rivals back in 2020, in many ways, this remained the defining interior of its class, with the cool, classy feel that was distinctive to this Ingolstadt brand. The key change here was the addition of a much larger 10.1-inch centre-dash infotainment screen, with more sophisticated graphics, acoustic touch functionality and 'natural language voice control'. Unfortunately though, this updated MK2 Q5 lost the useful rotary controller that had operated the previous MMI system, but navigation was introduced as standard-fit, as were a wider range of cutting-edge 'Audi connect' media features. Plus, unlike Mercedes in this period, Audi didn't make customers pay more for 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. You're positioned almost faultlessly on supportive heated leather seats in front of what back in 2020 was the best digital dash in the segment, the 12.3-inch 'Audi Virtual Cockpit' screen, with this facelifted model fitted as standard throughout the range. Wherever you look, touch or feel, there are treats. Buttons click nicely, column stalks feel good and the low-rent plastics you'd find further down in most premium rivals from this period are noticeable by their absence. Unfortunately, the UK didn't get the long wheelbase version of this model that Audi offered to customers in its Asian markets - but that won't matter too much provided you can get a version of this car fitted with the sliding 'rear bench seat plus' back seat (which was optional on many variants from new). This lets you slide the base back and forth by 12cms to increase either legroom or luggage space and also alter the backrest angle through three stages for greater long distance comfort. With this bench in its normal position, the space on offer in the back isn't too much different to what you'd get with Mercedes and BMW competitors. Two adults should be pretty comfortable, with plenty of room for elbows and legs. And there are no real issues with headroom either, even in the Sportback version with its noticeably-sloped roofline. The boot is accessed via a standard powered tailgate, the rising height of which can be tailored to suit your garage ceiling. A 520-litre space is on offer with the SUV body style - 10-litres more than you get with the Sportback version. Completely flattening the rear bench frees up 1,480-litres of space in the Sportback version of this car - or 1,520-litres in the standard SUV model.

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