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Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro: Audi’s best-selling SUV comes of age

AUDI Q5 TDI_2017 front
Sharper lines of the new Audi Q5 with distinctive new grille

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20 March 2017

What is it?

We try the Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro version of the all-new Q5, Audi’s best-selling SUV, with over 1.6 million sold since launch back in 2008.

The Q5 might be an SUV, but the formula for the new model appears to be the same as the already launched A5 Coupe and Sportback, as the new Q5 is 90kg lighter than the old model, plus Audi are promising a sharper drive and lower emissions.

Diesel is the expected best-seller in the UK and Business Car Manager has been lucky enough to get an early drive with one of just two engines available at launch – the 2.0-litre TDi 190, this time in range-topping S-Line trim. The other engine being the 252PS 2.0-litre TFSI petrol.

 What’s hot

  •  The 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which accelerates to 60mph in just 7.9 secs and has a top speed of 135mph. 90kg lighter than the old Q5, the weight-saving can be best seen in the fuel consumption and CO2 figures of this SUV. Despite the excellent performance, this Q5 is still capable of 56.5mpg on the Combined Cycle and emits just 133g/km. This engine also works well with the standard-fit seven-speed automatic transmission, with a 28% tax band.
Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro
New Q5 with Virtual Cockpit instruments
  • The basic shape might be similar to the outgoing Q5, but there is plenty of the latest Audi design language demonstrated. At the front, you can’t miss the imposing single frame grille, the front air dam with its large lower air intakes. Move to the side and there’s the now almost expected crisp shoulder line, plus strong undercut. The rear of the Q5 is one of the biggest changes – it’s curvier, with the rear light clusters mounted high and curved around the tailgate.
  • The most noticeable improvement over the old Q5 is in the handling department. At 1,770kg it’s one of the lightest models in this class, with Quattro four-wheel drive as standard and it shows on the road. Most impressive is how agile this Audi feels – along with impressive body control. Although, the Jaguar F-Pace is still more fun to drive.
  • Inside, the design and feel is very much what you’d expect from a modern Audi to be. This equals exceptionally high quality and a premium feel to all the trim and switchgear, the same horizontal look to the dash, plus a high level of tech, with Audi’s clever Virtual Cockpit instruments available for the first time. The driving position is comfy and multi-adjustable and the front seats supportive. With the longer wheelbase of the new Q5, space in the back of the Q5 is also decent, – with enough room for three passengers to travel comfortably on long trips, plus a 550-litre boot.
  • As you’d expect the new Q5 is a very safe car, benefitting from the latest driver assistance and safety systems. These include adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, cross traffic assist rear, collision avoidance assist and Audi pre sense city.

What’s not

  • Considering the promise shown in the Q5’s handling, it’s a shame the steering (which lacks feel) and the hard ride on the standard 19-inch wheels, which spoils the overall effect.
  • The Audi Drive Select adaptive damping system is fitted as standard, but it’s the same story as in the previously tried A5 – it’s difficult to tell the difference between the drive settings and in our opinion is best left in the Auto mode to do its own thing.
  • In S-Line form, the new Q5 is well-equipped, but as shown by our test car it’s very easy to spend more from the exhaustive options list and it soon adds up! Our £40,290 car jumped to £45,140!

Verdict on Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro

We think that the new Q5 in 2.0TDI 190 form, is probably the best choice of the all new mid-sized Audi SUV range. Although, we would probably choose the cheaper SE or Sport models with smaller 18-inch wheels to drop the CO2 to 132g/km.

The new Q5 carries on from where the last one left off and we reckon will prove popular with business buyers. It looks sharper inside and out, drives well despite the compromises of the taller SUV body and is still cost-effective to run.

The lowdown on: Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro

List price: £40,290
P11D Value: £40,105
Road tax (VED) from April 2017 first year/ rate years 2-6: £200/£450
Company Car Tax band 2017/2018: 28
Doors and body style: 5-door SUV
Engine/gearbox: 2.0-litre, 4cyl diesel/seven-speed automatic transmission
CO2 Emissions: 133g/km
Economy (combined): 55.4mpg
Power/torque: 187bhp/400Nm
0-62mph/top speed: 7.9/135mph
Insurance group: 29

 Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro and company car tax

  • Discover how much you need to pay – click here

Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro and fuel benefit tax

  • We’ll tell you how much ‘free’ fuel will cost you – click here
Audi Q5 2.0 TDi 190 S-Line Quattro
Clean lines of the new Audi Q5 with longer wheelbase and more rounded rear

 

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