Viewed in isolation, there’s no denying the Q5 looks like a shrunk down scale-version of its behemoth sized sibling, the Q7.  If you’ve never driven one, it would be easy to overlook the Audi Q5 as a watered down version of its big brother. So is that all there is to the Q5? Succumbing to the responsibility of laying truth bare, we got hold of the 2.0 TFSI as well as the 3.0 TFSI Exclusive versions for a shakedown.

2013 Audi Q5 Review | 2.0TFSI and 3.0TFSI Engines

The Q5 represents the cutting edge of mini-SUV design, being compact and with no indication of the ample room inside – for driver, front passenger and cargo. The rear seat space is best described as adequate, being more suited for small to average sized home sapiens and the most tolerant of 6 footers would grumble on a long drive.

Traditional Audi values abound in the interior – top notch build quality, great ergonomics, fuss free instrumentation and understated cabin design. The Exclusive version ramps up the interior style quotient even further with inlaid black ‘piano finish’ accents. Laid out in luxurious beige and black Nappa leather, the interior is an ideal ground to enjoy the premium Bang and Olufsen sound system.

Audi’s ISOFIX child seat mounting, the parking aid plus with reversing camera and light/rain sensor with high beam assist are all welcome conveniences. The Exclusive also comes with a Panoramic glass roof which, knowing the summers we face, may not be the best of options to tick when ordering yours. This version is also equipped with Audi’s MMI navigation and command dial.

The 2.0 litre version does without the command dial but compensates somewhat by having the radio button positioned right, at least for our fumbling digits! The Q5 comes with xenon lights featuring LED daytime running lights.

Audi’s venerable 2.0 TFSI seems to do justice to whichever chassis they mate it to and it’s no different with the Q5. 225 bhp and 350 Nm of torque are more than enough to turn this beauty into a lively package with enough power to take on most comers. 17” wheels with 235/65 profile rubbers provide better road holding than you would have a right to expect. Audi’s Quattro system is to be commended for making an SUV ride like a sport sedan.  Gear changes are quick thanks to an 8 speed tiptronic gearbox and we never had to make use of the paddle shifters to assist in overtaking. Fuel economy was excellent with a claimed consumption of 7.9L /100 Km.

Our 3.0 Exclusive tilted the scale further into the sporty side. Flaunting a Volcano red paint scheme and sporting beautiful 20” titanium 5-spoke wheels, it emphasized the performance bias hinted by the 3.0 TFSI badge.  A claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.9 secs required no doubting.  The engine churns out 272 bhp and 400 nm of torque which is incredible considering that this is more than what BMW’s E46 330 Ci used to develop just a few years back. And that was a car marketed as the highest performance 3 Series next to the M3! Don’t we just love the march of technology?

The AED 169,900 sticker price for the 2.0 Q5 looks like a bargain when you consider the package it buys. Throw in extras however like the S line package, Audi drive select etc. and you can ramp up to AED 190,600 which was the sticker price on our test car.

The 3.0 Exclusive gets you more on the performance front but starts off with an AED 208,900 tag that quickly runs up to AED 230,900 with extras like the S line package, sport seats, black styling package, blue tooth etc. That price nudges the fully optioned Q5 3.0 Exclusive into Q7 territory but not without reason.

Over the test period, the Q5 proved itself perfectly suited to the demands of driving on our roads, delivering a spirited and nimble drive when required or a long comfortable cruise if the need arose. That it does all this with typical Audi elan is what makes the Q5 one of the most endearing cars we have tested on CarbonOctane.

Images by Brian Donegan :