The stuff that hasn’t changed on the Q5 – the styling and comfort – were already top-shelf to begin with. This past February Autos.ca crowned the lowliest of Q5s (the 2.0T) as the winner in our compact luxury crossover comparison test. This victory was based largely on the Audi’s driving dynamics (handling, braking and the efficiency of that eight-speed automatic putting the modest power to the wheels) and the thoughtful interior.
  2014 Audi Q5 TDI Technik. Click image to enlarge |
Where the Q5 fell short in that test were the measurements of cargo space and its overly conservative styling (when compared to extroverts like the little Benz). The aforementioned 20-inch five-spoke wheels ($1,000) and S-Line Sport trim do wonders to elevate the looks of the Audi, but the cargo capacity remains a disappointment amongst its peers.
Elsewhere inside, the successes of Audi’s revered design team continue to be celebrated in the Q5’s handsome, if conservative, dash layout. With black leather and brushed aluminum there’s very little warmth, but everything feels rich and of top quality. It should be stated, though, that learning the placement of the audio system’s primary controls on the lower console takes some getting used to. In time their unorthodox location makes sense since they fall more easily to hand, but patience in the learning curve may be required.
The seats are firm but supportive and offer excellent comfort even after long periods behind the wheel (or bumping along ungodly country roads). Outward visibility is decent to the front and sides, but the chunky D-pillars make the rear-view camera a very welcome feature.
The only real justifiable complaint about the Q5 is its lofty pricing. Starting at $48,700 for a base model with TDI power, the well-optioned test car topped $66,000. Many of the Audi’s options come with a heart-stopping price tag, like spending $3,200 for Navigation and Parking aids.
More than $66,00 is an awful lot of money, especially when considering the GLK 250 BlueTec tested this year with most of the same options and at least as fashionable an interior and exterior rang in more than $10,000 cheaper than the Audi. That’s a considerable difference for these two direct competitors, but the Benz has neither the adaptive suspension, nor the V6 thrust of the Q5 TDI.
Despite being introduced for the 2009 model year, the now five-year-old Q5 has aged remarkably well (the 2012 refresh helped, of course). With the introduction of this new drivetrain (and the SQ5’s even lustier, overkill sporty power plant), the 2014 continues to maintain its position as one of the most desirable compact luxury crossovers on the market.
Should you choose to purchase a Q5 of your own, you can do so knowing confidently that it’ll help get you safely to your destination, even if the path becomes far more challenging than you had expected.
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Pricing: 2014 Audi Q5 TDI Technik
Base Price: $53,200
Options: Adaptive cruise control ($1,700); Daytona Grey Pearl Effect paint ($800); Premium Stereo ($1,000); Navigation Package with Parking System ($3,200); S line Sport Select Package ($3,100); 20” 5-Arm Design Wheels ($1,000)
Destination: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $66,195
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTec 4Matic
BMW X3 2.8
Lexus RX450h
Acura RDX
Infiniti EX37
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
