2018 Audi Q5 Review, Pricing, and Specs

summary
Fast, comfortable and infused with the latest technological gadgets, the new-for-2018 Audi Q5 is undeniably a premium compact crossover. The previous Q5 was Audi’s best-selling SUV, and the new one builds on those strengths. The only available engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, but despite its modest 252-hp output, the Q5 is quicker than some grittier V-6-powered rivals. its interior is beautiful and well equipped. The infotainment system is intuitive and comes standard with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audi offers its cool virtual cockpit digital gauge cluster as an option even on the base model, and it comes with navigation and a larger center infotainment screen. automatic emergency braking is also standard. The Q5 may not be a high-performance driving machine like the Porsche Macan, but its well-rounded nature, overall refinement, and luxury persona should continue to endear it to consumers.
what’s new for 2018?
It can be hard to tell at a glance, but the Q5 is all-new for 2018. Audi made sure its best-selling crossover was instantly identifiable, but everything’s up to date, which means more high-tech features, a fuel -Efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine and modernized styling inside and out.
Reading: 2018 audi q5 review car and driver
price
original msrp:
- premium: $42,475
- plus premium: $46,475
- prestige: $51,775
engine, transmission and performance
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All Q5s feature a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and quattro all-wheel drive. The combination was good for a 5.8-second run from zero to 60 mph in our tests. The turbo four provides plenty of oomph to get the Q5 across town or flying down a freeway on-ramp, and it’s smooth, quiet, and mellifluous. Towing capacity is also above average. Except for a few minor seven-speed automatic hiccups, the Q5’s powertrain is neat and provides more than enough punch for acceleration and passing. Shifts are quick and unobtrusive, but when stopping at low speed, we do notice the occasional subtle bump as the transmission drops into first gear. The Q5’s driving personality can be summed up in one word: refined. Acceleration and braking performance is impressive, and a well-ordered chassis gives the Q5 poise on the road. The suspension soaks up bumps pretty well and passengers will be comfortable on all but the bumpiest of roads. The Q5’s lack of feel through the steering wheel is the only disappointment here. The Q5’s suspension is well-sprung and conveys a sense of stability no matter the road or driving conditions. The ride is smooth and controlled, with or without the optional adaptive suspension, even on rough asphalt.
fuel economy
EPA’s fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the u.s. Department of Energy website fueleconomy.gov. Under the “Find & Compare Cars” heading, click the “Compare Side by Side” tool to find EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you’re interested in.
interior, comfort and cargo
Audi’s theme of clean and simple interior design is beautifully translated into the Q5, with simple controls, an ergonomic layout and standard leather-trimmed power-adjustable front seats. Moving up through the three trim levels (premium, premium plus and prestige) offers increasingly luxurious features, including the Audi Virtual Cockpit’s elegant digital gauge cluster, which can be easily reconfigured to display a large navigation map. , phone contacts, media controls or travel information. Tri-zone automatic climate control is standard across the line, and manually adjustable thigh supports for both front seats are optional. We have few complaints about the Q5’s high-quality interior, but we were bothered by the location of the front-seat cup holder: Located directly in front of the center console armrest, the cup holders are difficult to access if the armrest is extended and in use. The Q5 provides enough space for four adults to be comfortable and offers plenty of luxury features, even in the base premium model. The Q5 should meet the cargo-carrying needs of most buyers, especially with the rear seats folded to their near-flat position, but those with bulky needs may find its roomier rivals appealing. However, the Q5’s rear seatbacks fold easily into a 40/20/40 fashion, providing flexibility that the Lexus RX350 lacks. Slim door pockets and a shallow storage compartment in the center console mean limited spaces for storing smaller items, but the Q5’s glove box is voluminous and lined with a flocked fabric to help reduce rattles caused by stubborn debris.
infotainment and connectivity
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Most of the expected infotainment features are present and accounted for in the base Q5, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Things get a lot more interesting if you add the optional navigation system, as it comes with a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that Audi calls the Virtual Cockpit. provides a wide 12.3-inch view of a map plus select media, phone controls, trip computer, speed and tachometer, or a combination of these. Rear seat passengers will have to make do without USB ports, as the only two ports are located in the front seat center armrest compartment.
safety features and crash test ratings
For more information on the Audi Q5’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
guarantee
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under the manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information, visit our guide to each manufacturer’s CPO program.
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