The younger sibling of the monstrous Audi Q7, this scaled down soft-roader is a brilliant performer with an unmatched performance and ample styling
Audi Q5
Audi caused quite a stir when it launched its mammoth Q7 here in India, however its gigantic proportions made it quite cumbersome to maneuver around town. Enter the Audi Q5. Offering everything that its bigger sibling did albeit in a more compact and much more manageable package. Muscular wheel arches blending into the fenders highlight a profile that looks sleek, even though it's styled as an SUV. The glass house is outlined with chrome and there's a bit more of that shiny stuff on the roof in the form of the chromed roof rails. At the back, the tail lights mimic what have now become the new Q7's units - replete with a hypnotic LED cluster. Step in and the Q5 is just like any other Audi - a classy well-laid out interior layout greeting you with a gleaming brightness.
At the back, the light leathered executive feel continues with lots of space for the back benchers. Individual air con controls and an arm rest that folds out of the back rest provide for pampering on the rear seats. The engine is a 2967cc V6 common rail, turbo charged diesel that churns out 240 BHP made at just 4000 rpm and a metal twisting torque figure of 510Nm which is generated between 1500-3000 rpm. There is also a 2.0 TFSI petrol available for the petrolheads. The Q5 is also quite capable off the road. It comes with excellent ground clearance, about 200mm, which is good enough to go over most terrain and it comes with Audi's famed Quattro drive. To top it off you also get the Audi drive select system which allows the driver to change the suspension set up and dynamic steering response just by a simple switch of a button. The Q5 mixes the perfect potion of a big Indian hit - massive proportions, compact dimensions, great sober interiors and an unmatched powertrain and performance package.
Quick Facts:
Engine: 2 litre, Turbocharged inline-4
Power: 211PS@ 4300rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Engine: 3 litre, TDI V6
Power: 240PS@ 4000rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 2806 mm
LxWxH: 4628 x 1879 x 1651 mm
Weight: 1740-1895 kg
Variants:
2.0 TFSI quattro: '40.92 lakh
3.0 TDI quattro: ' 44.54 lakh
Cheers:
1. The 3.0 TDI engine feels extremely snappy in the lighter and more compact Q5
2. Brilliant suspension setup aids handling and absorbs the worst bumps with aplomb
Sneers:
1. The petrol engine is quite a guzzler
Honourable Mentions
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Land Cruiser Prado has been recently launched with a 3.0 litre diesel unit making it an even more practical buy. Offering luxurious interiors, legendary reliability and brilliant off road capability, the Land Cruiser Prado makes for quite a sensible buy.
BMW X3
The X3 has always had an absolute love it or hate it flair to it. While it may not be the prettiest sight on the roads it is by far one of the most capable SUV’s out there. If you like to drive, the X3 is sure to plaster a smile on your face everytime you get behind the wheel.
Other Rivals:
Mercedes-Benz ML Class
The Mercedes-Benz ML-class has seen quite a few evolutions by now. Available in powerful diesels and the mental AMG trim.
Mitsubishi Montero
Mitsubishi’s premium offering comes across as quite a well equipped and dependable workhorse. As home off the road as on it too.
Land Rover Freelander 2
The entry level Freelander 2 packs in most of its bigger brothers characteristics albeit in a more compact and affordable package.
Volkswagen Touareg
The VW Touareg has just gone through a series of changes both cosmetic and mechanical making quite an interesting buy.
SOURCES -ZIGWHEEL
