The Audi Q5 has always been a mainstream player, aimed at delivering what the majority of buyers want in a luxury crossover. It certainly succeeds in that measure, but it's the extras—like cabin quality and a choice of engines—that make the Q5 such a compelling contender.
What's New for 2015
The entry-level Premium models gains some standard equipment.
Choosing Your Audi Q5
The Q5 starts out with a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder that puts out 220 horsepower, which is average for a luxury crossover of this size. Things get more interesting with the available supercharged 3-liter V6, which produces 272 horsepower and takes the Q5 from zero to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. The choice for efficiency is the 3-liter turbo-diesel (TDI) V6 with 240 horsepower, which achieves 27 mpg in combined driving. Whichever engine you select, an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard.
The Q5's trim levels correspond to what's under the hood:
Regardless of engine, the Premium Plus trim level is the sweet sport for most buyers. The Premium is rather stingy with options, and the price tag on the Prestige kicks it into competition with some much larger vehicles.