2017 Audi Q5: Which spec is best?

Launched in July this year, the second-generation Audi Q5 is a sharp-looking luxury, five-seat SUV that steers and rides brilliantly on its efficient all-wheel drive chassis. It comes with a choice of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines both with seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmissions, and is brimming with standard features including automatic emergency braking and first-rate smartphone connectivity.

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Variants

So far there are just three variants of the Audi Q5 available here including the entry-level 2.0 TDI Quattro Design which, as the name suggests, is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140kW and 400Nm and has a combined fuel efficiency rating of just 5.5L/100km. Priced at $65,900 it is replete with standard features including:

• Auto emergency city braking (which operates at up to 85km/h)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• 7.0-inch touchscreen
• Digital radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation with voice control
• Part leather interior trim
• Power-adjusted front seats
• Three-zone climate control
• Auto windscreen wipers
• Auto headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED tail lights
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Tyre pressure monitor

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Spend another $4800 on the 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport and you get:

• Audi’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’ digital instrument display
• Adaptive cruise control
• Auto Emergency Braking for highway speeds
• Turn assist
• Sportier front seats with more side bolstering
• Touch sensitive navigation screen
• LED headlights
• Automatic high beam
• 20-inch alloy wheels with lower profile tyres
• Subwoofer

The range-topping 2.0 TFSI Quattro Sport retails at $73,500 and is essentially the same as the 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport but is powered by a gutsy 185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that drinks 7.3L/100km.

• 2.0 TDI Quattro Design - $65,900
• 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport - $70,700
• 2.0 TFSI Quattro Sport - $73,500

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Our pick

The extra features make both the TDI and TFSI Sport models worth the extra coin over the Design variant. The diesel is strong but the petrol engine really hits the sweet spot in terms of performance. Adding the optional adaptive dampers [$3069] makes for a brilliant ride and allows you to lift the ride height over bumpy surfaces or to make loading easier.

If you’re feeling a little flash, the $4308 Technik package (see below) with the adaptive headlights, head-up display and epic Bang & Olufsen stereo system would be icing on the cake.

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Optional packages*

• Comfort Package - $2200 TDI Design, $1900 TDI/TFSI Sport
  Adds automatic powered and heated external mirrors, heated windscreen washer jets, driver’s seat and steering wheel adjustment memory functions and sliding and reclining rear seat.
• Parking Assist Package - $950 TDI/TFSI Sport only
  Adds 360 degree cameras and automatic parking assist for parallel and perpendicular parking.
• Technik package - $4308 TDI/TFSI Sport only
  Adds Matrix LED headlights with dynamic functions, headlight washers, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, head up display.
• S line style package - $3300 TDI/TFSI Sport only
  Adds S line sports exterior styled bumpers, side sills, roof edge spoiler, logos and 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels in magnesium-look five-arm-turbine design.
• Premium paint - $1420

Many of the features within each pack are available as individual options. See your Audi dealer for more details.

*Prices may be subject to Luxury Car Tax