Test drive Audi Q5: replenishment

The compact crossover Audi Q5 became the Ingolstadt manufacturer's answer to a long-standing gap in the model lineup, which gave an advantage to Munich's BMW with its X3. Mercedes-Benz also did not stand aside, releasing the GLK, and they were joined by the Volvo XC60 and Infiniti EX35.

The new crossover from Audi boasts impressive exterior looks. Created in the same style as other models from Ingolstadt, among its classmates the "Q-five" stands out with striking solutions like the signature radiator grille, original optics, and a swift silhouette.

The exterior of the Audi Q5 begs to be described with a phrase from a famous TV show: "fashionable, stylish, youthful!". The signature trapezoidal radiator grille, coupe-like roofline, and headlights with an LED "strip" immediately reveal its belonging to the new generation of crossovers.

The rear with elegant LED optics and a dynamic line running across the entire tailgate adds solidity to the crossover's exterior and worthily completes the stylish and dynamic image.

From the side, the Audi Q5 looks noticeably more compact than the older "Q-seven", although in reality the newcomer is not so small: 4.63 meters in length and 1.88 meters in width. In height (1.65 meters), it yields to almost all classmates – only the Infiniti EX35 is smaller. But the proportions are successful: the silhouette is harmonious and balanced. The stern with neat LED optics and an expressive line running across the entire tailgate gives the appearance solidity and logically completes the dynamic image.

The signature LED strip of the front parking lights has become the calling card of Audi models.

The interior of the Audi Q5 was not a revelation – it is familiar from the "A4" and the A5 coupe. Ergonomics are well thought out, fabric seats with mechanical adjustments hold occupants reliably, and the range of adjustments is enough even for tall drivers. We got an almost "bare" trim for the test, so we didn't get to appreciate the delights of the Bang & Olufsen audio system, the MMI system, hard-drive navigation, and active cruise control. However, this is even for the better: without extra "bells and whistles" it's easier to focus on the driving sensations. And even in the base, the "Q-five" is decently equipped: electromechanical handbrake, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a large central display, and an audio system with eight speakers.

The interior of the Audi Q5 is already familiar to us from the "A4" and the A5 coupe. There's nothing to fault: ergonomics are top-notch, and the quality of materials is beyond all praise.

The compact exterior is deceptive – the wheelbase of 2810 mm here is the largest among competitors. Three people can easily fit on the rear sofa, with enough legroom. The backrests are adjustable for incline, and for an extra charge the sofa can be made longitudinally movable within 10 cm. In terms of trunk volume, the Audi Q5 yields only to the Volvo: 540 liters with the backrests raised and 1560 with them folded, which is almost three times more. The tailgate, moreover, is equipped with an electric drive.

In profile, the Audi Q5 looks much more compact than its older brother with the "Q-seven". But in reality, the newcomer is not small at all: the length is 4.63 meters, the width is 1.88 meters. In height, the Audi Q5 is far from a leader (1.65 meters) – among its peers, only the Infiniti EX35 can boast a smaller figure.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine TFSI with direct injection, producing 211 hp. Torque of 350 Nm is available from 1500 rpm and holds until 4200 rpm – an excellent indicator. The hundred is reached in 7.2 seconds. The engine works in tandem with a new 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox. With such equipment, the Audi Q5 pleases with confident acceleration: at traffic lights, six-cylinder opponents are left behind one after another, watching the wedge-shaped LED taillights of the "Q-five".

The contoured front seats firmly hold passengers' bodies in their embrace. The range of adjustments is quite sufficient. The rear sofa is spacious even for three. There is the possibility of adjusting the backrest incline, and for an extra charge the rear sofa can be "taught" longitudinal adjustment in a range of 10 cm. With the rear seat backrests raised, the useful trunk space is 540 liters; folding the second row, we get almost three times more – 1560 liters. In addition, the tailgate is equipped with an electric drive.

In motion, the transmission briskly and smoothly shifts gears. Overtaking is not a problem: just press the electronic gas pedal, and the S-Tronic instantly understands the intentions, and the crossover surges forward. With mid-range pickup, everything is excellent, but during a sharp start from a standstill, a delay is noticeable. Only after several hours behind the wheel of the Audi Q5 does one manage to adapt and smooth out the pause by experimenting with the accelerator pedal.

So far, only one gasoline engine with a volume of 2.0 liters with direct fuel injection and turbocharging is available for the Audi Q5. 211 hp under the hood gives a head start to even more "voluminous" rivals.

The suspension of the Audi Q5 is front and rear on double wishbones with coil springs and stabilizers. Optionally, the Drive Select package with adjustable shock absorbers is available. The steering is precise, the effort changes depending on speed, but sometimes it doesn't keep up with the driver's actions: you slow down to 20 km/h, and the steering wheel is still heavy, or vice versa – during sharp acceleration you expect feedback on the wheel, but there is none. Otherwise, the steering is clear, reactions are sharp, and feedback is excellent. It's hard to fault the Audi Q5's spirited handling.

The traditional Audi instrument panel has excellent readability. Even in the "base", the Audi Q5 is equipped with 2-zone climate control, an electromechanical "handbrake", and an audio system with a CD player. The new S-Tronic transmission briskly and smoothly clicks through its 7 gears.

On a smooth highway, the crossover from Ingolstadt holds perfectly: no rocking on waves, no unnecessary steering corrections, no nervousness in ruts. True, on a long trip the Audi Q5 may seem a bit stiff – it swallows large potholes calmly, but small road imperfections are clearly transmitted to the passengers' rear ends.