2021 (21) Audi Q5 SQ5 TDI Quattro 5dr Tiptronic

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

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?

History

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 Get

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.

What to Look For

Most owners in our survey seemed happy. Audi's EA888 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine is known for potential problems with its timing chain. This has been to blame for various engine failures - though these are rare. We've also heard of quite a lot of issues with the brand's start-stop technology. Owners have complained that the system will shut off the power steering and brake systems at dangerous times. Other issues that came up in our survey included heated seats that weren't working, clicking from the accelerator pedal, a pre-sense safety system failure and excessive oil consumption. Apart from that, we've heard of gearbox problems, seat backrest faults and suspension issues, so check all these on your test drive. The steering rack can experience electrical and mechanical failure and might be noisy too. The most reported faults related to interior trim and non-engine electricals. Look out for bodywork scrapes and kerb damage to the large alloys. We've had some reports of issues with wear to the side bolsters of the leather seats, as well as squeaking front brake pads, so it's worth looking out for both of those. There were a few issues with the car's infotainment system, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main problem. Rattling parcel shelves and buzzing interior trims were also reported. The DSG automatic gearbox should be checked to make sure it's had a regular oil and filter change, as should the quattro four-wheel-drive system. Many Q5s will have been company or lease cars and, as a result, you should check the condition of the bodywork carefully. The high-quality fit and finish of a Q5 also makes it an ideal candidate for clocking, so ensure the history is absolutely verified.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on an SQ5 TDI 2020 30 TDI - Ex Vat - autodoc.co.uk) An oil filter costs in the £5-£45 bracket. An air filter's in the £17-£68 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £28 to £81 bracket for a set; for a rear set, it's around £22-£72. Front brake discs sit in the £42-£126 bracket; for a rear pair, you're looking at around £27-£112. Starter motor prices vary widely - from £171-£345, depending on brand. As do costs for an alternator (anywhere in the £358-£546 bracket we found).

On the Road

So what's this Q5 like on the move? There was after all, plenty that was different here, even with the conventional SUV body shape, rather than the coupe-like Q5 Sportback variant that in 2020 Audi added to the range as an alternative. That model had to have firmer sport suspension, but even with this set-up fitted, ride quality remains one of this car's most attractive features, combining with exemplary refinement to make this Audi a consummate suburban and highway conveyance. It's less appealing if your priority lies with raising, rather than lowering your heartbeat - blame the rather lifeless steering for that. This updated version of the MK2 'Typ 80A' Q5 got an extra dose of electrification under the bonnet. Where this Audi could still provide the option of diesel power, a drive format that in 2020 remained defiantly favoured by customers in the upper mid-sized premium segment. Most opted for it in base 40 TDI form, in which guise this facelifted MK2 model got an all-new 2.0-litre TDI unit that received a power hike to 204PS and featured 'Twin Dosing' tech for greater cleanliness that was also aided by the adoption of a 12-volt mild hybrid system. This kept the efficiency figures competitive, the base 'Sport'-spec SUV model returning up to 44.8mpg on the combined cycle and up to 165g/km of CO2. The alternative mainstream 2.0-litre four cylinder variant, the petrol-powered 45 TFSI with 265PS (which features the same 7-speed S tronic auto gearbox), also used the 12-volt MHEV system. But a more sophisticated 48-volt mild hybrid set-up featured with the V6 TDI diesel-engined sporting SQ5 model, a variant that in facelifted form offered 341PS. A much greater degree of electrification was of course delivered by the two Plug-in hybrid Q5 derivatives, the 50 TFSIe (with 299PS) and the 55 TFSIe (with 367PS), both of which could run on battery power for up to 26 miles after around two hours of replenishment from a 7kW charger. These PHEVs were based around Audi's 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine mated to a 105kW electric motor powered by a 14.1kWh battery and used the same tarmac-orientated 'quattro ultra' predictive on-demand 4WD system as the other mainstream models.

Overall

The Q5 has always been a top seller on merit. Nothing changed in that regard with the facelifted version of this MK2 model. It's simply very good at almost everything. If you want the ultimate driver's car or the ultimate off roader in this sector, well no, this isn't it. But is this the best all-rounder in the class from its period? Many would say so. In summary, whether your destination is Sainsburys or the annual family skiing trip to Chamonix, it's likely that you'll feel better about doing it in an Audi Q5. Though some rivals might drive better or make more of a golf club statement, it's ultimately hard to escape the conclusion that a Q5 simply does a better job of the whole business of ticking every really important need you'd want to meet when buying a premium upper mid-sized SUV. It isn't a car for extremes but if you're looking for a contender in this segment, it's extremely difficult to ignore. Resolutely hi-tech and resolutely real world, the Q5 remains resolutely right.