WASHINGTON — The Audi Q5 has been around for a while but the latest tweak to the crossover is improved fuel economy.
Audi launched a hybrid model and the TDI with a peppy 3.0L V6 turbo diesel engine that puts out 240 horsepower and 428 pounds to feet of torque, which really moves this crossover. The TDI costs less than the hybrid version and gets slightly better miles per gallon too.
I spent a week with an Audi Q5 TDI with a starting price of $47,000, about $1,500 more than the supercharged V6 version of the Q5. With a few options added, the price is still less than $53,000. It seems to cost a bit less than some of its German competitors. It’s still a good chunk of change for a smaller crossover.
The money Audi spends on the interior in obvious as its top notch. The materials are nice to look at and feel nice to the touch. The natural wood inlays are a nice touch on the center console area. There is even a touch of color with the chestnut brown interior. The front seats are comfortable for long trips and there seems to be good room in the back for adults to sit. The panoramic roof provides good light and airflow.
The Q5 TDI that I drove had the $4,000 technology package with HD radio, Parking System Plus with a rearview camera and side assist, and the Audi MMI navigation system. I wish the voice control worked better with the navigation system. It didn’t understand my instructions for the address most of the time. And seemed to want me to drive to Kentucky, not D.C., forcing me to stop the car and input the address by hand. The system itself is very good with decent graphics. The directions pop up in the screen and in the instrument cluster in front of you. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is an $850 option, and for the sound that comes out of the system seems like it’s worth the extra coin.
The Q5 TDI has a sporty feel on the road. It’s a crossover that likes to turn. It doesn’t lean too much in curves and drives more like a sedan. Sporty is good for me, but you need to drive it and make sure it’s not too stiff. I never felt it was jarring or upsetting even on city streets, but it’s a very German ride.
The diesel engine really moved the Q5. It feels fast when you push the gas pedal down. Audi has really changed that old perception with the turbo diesel; no smoke and no problem keeping up with traffic. The fuel economy is good for a crossover, 24 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. I managed 30.2 miles per gallon in 300 miles of mixed driving — that’s pretty good. Diesel prices seem to be less than premium fuel lately and in some places about the same as regular fuel. A smooth eight-speed automatic helps keep the Q5 in the power when needed and upshifts to the highest gear to help with fuel economy.
The 2015 Audi Q5 TDI is a surprisingly sporty and fun crossover — something I didn’t think I would say with a diesel engine. With an upscale interior and comfortable seats, long hauls without breaking the bank at the gas pump is its specialty. The Q5 TDI is worth a look for luxury crossover shoppers, and maybe over the regular gas models of the Q5.
Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI, FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
