With the popularity of SUVs showing no signs of abating, the Q5 is well on its way to becoming Audi’s most popular model across the globe. The facelifted version of the executive SUVhas just arrived in South Africa and we sampled iton the roads of the Western Cape to see how well it holds up against familiar rivals.

What’s new on the Audi Q5?

The Q5 Sportback joins the standard Q5 as Audi matches offerings from BMW and Merc.

First of all, it’s only a mild facelift.Much of the Q5’s exterior update is focused on the designsof the grille and the lighting signature. Meanwhile, aQ5 Sportback variant has been added to the line-up for the first time;it offersbuyers who are looking for a design-oriented SUV another option in the vein of the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and the Range Rover Evoque, to some extent.

But, to comeback to the front-end of the facelifted model, the grille has much more of an RS model design to it, replete with blacked-out hexagonal elements. The headlampshave a new lighting signature and the front air intakes have been revised. The Q5 Sportback, in turn, featuresa unique grille design so that itcan be distinguished from its sibling from the front– not just by the sloping tailgate.

The interior’s updates mostly pertainto the updated infotainment system and revamped centre console, but more on that later…

Are the engines any good?

The revised range’sengines are carried over from the pre-facelift model.

All 3 engines that are offered in the Q5 line-up have been carried over from the pre-facelift Q5. The range begins with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel that produces 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Incidentally, there seems to be a consensus between the Germanpremium brands that 140 kW is exactly the right amount of power that a 2.0-litre turbodiesel motor should produce. That peak output (140 kW) is identical to that of the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC only produces3 kW more. These days,Ford and Toyota extractmore power and torque out of their “workhorse”bakkie engines, but that’s another story…

The second engine in the lineup is the 2.0-litre turbopetrol motor with 183 kW and 370 Nm of torque on tap. Both engines are mated with a 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, which remains deeply impressive. Without looking at the rev counter, you’d be hard-pressed to know when it’s shifting gear– such is the refinement of the thoroughly modern auto ‘box. Theengine has been augmented with a 12V mild-hybrid electrical system, which shuts off the engine when the Q5 is coasting;Audi claims the implementation of the system results in fuel savings of up to 0.7 L/100 km.

The final engine in the lineup is the SQ5’s 3.0-litre V6 turbopetrol. It produces 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque;peak power is slightly down on the BMW X3 M40i (285 kW) and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 (287 kW) and, in terms of outright acceleration, the SQ5 is notably slower than its rivals(0 to 100 kph is said to take5.4 secversus 4.5 sec for the X3 M40i and 4.9 sec for the GLC 43). We weren’t able to sample the updated SQ5 on the facelifted Q5’s launch event,but we will report back on the performance of the flagship derivative (there is no RS Q5) when we get one for a full review later this month.

Meanwhile, the turbodiesel engine felt best-suited to the daily commute courtesy of its strong low down torque delivery, which enables the Q5 tobuild speed from a standstill quite quickly. The motoroffers impressive mid-range acceleration (which is critical for executing quick overtaking manoeuvres at urban speeds) and it only startstapering off after 120 kph.

As for the petrol, it’s not quite as responsive from pull-away as its turbodiesel equivalent but offers better high-end acceleration.Unfortunately, it’s also a lot thirstier than the diesel in most situations.

The Q5’s new interior bits?

The screen that sits atop the dashboard has new software and hardware, whichallowit to process requests much faster.

The major update to the interior is thenew infotainment system. The Q5 doesn’t have the updated fasciaarchitecture that features on almost every other contemporary Audi, whichdates the model, but the new 10.1-inch infotainment system’s interface feels similar to that of new models. It’s faster-acting too(10-times faster, Audi says) and offers acoustic feedback when you select options from the menu.

The touch integration has meant that the rotary dial that used to sit in the centre console has been removed and replaced with a small storage bin that’s just big enough to accommodate the Q5’s key fob.

As for the overall fit and finish of the revised executive SUV’s interior, the cabin’s panels are typically solidly made with precision-cut shut lines and, if you spec up your car with the best possible seats and leather-trim options, you’ll get a very comfortable and lavish setup.However,if you don’t spec up the interior, it can look a little bland and, in truth, some of the touch surfaces feela trifleunderwhelming.

You canalso orderyour Q5 with a head-up display and OLED lights, which are probably the best lights you can specify – for any car!The OLED lights also have a unique display at the rear when you toggle between drivemodes. When you select Dynamic,the rear lights display a sportier graphic. Meanwhile, a proximity sensor will causethe brake lights’ illumination to brightenas vehicles draw closerto the Q5’s tailgate.

In terms of practicality, the Q5’s load bayis capacious in both the standard model and its Sportback sibling (520 and510 litres, respectively), whilethe rear seatbacks can be reclinedfor passenger comfort – or folded completely flat, to freeup 1 520 litres of utility space in the Q5 (and 1 480 litres in the Q5 Sportback).

What’s the Q5 like to drive?

If you spec just one option on the Q5, it should be adaptive air suspension.

The first optional extra you should (strongly) consideris the adaptive air suspension. It allows the Q5 to smooth out bumps (to the benefit of ride comfort), yetstill feel appreciablyagile when its driver tasks it to corner quickly. If you like big wheels(the Q5 I drove was specced with 20-inch alloys), you get optimal aesthetic appeal without the crunchy ride associated with low-profile rubber. It’s a must-have!

All Q5 derivatives come equipped with quattro all-wheel-drive, which provides peace of mind when driving on wet roads or going slightly off-road and, with the air suspension, you can raise the ride height to keep clear of any obstacles that might catch on the bumpers. The quattro system also has the ability to decouple from the engine and,by onlydriving the rear wheels whenrequired, the Q5 uses less fuel.

The Q5 is great for long journeys with a supple ride and confident,stable road holding. You can also specifyadaptive cruise control and lane keep assist to make yourjourneys less taxing on your mind.

Pricing and after-sales support (November 2021)

All Audi Q5’s are sold with a 5-year Audi Freeway plan as standard.

Summary

The Q5 facelift still feels like a viable premium option despite the price.

The arrival of the facelifted Q5 comes shortly after the local introduction of its archrival – the facelifted BMW X3, which also receiveda rather mild update. Quattro all-wheel-drive is standard on all Q5s, which is a boon, but the updated model’s standout feature is the pliant ride quality that it delivers in conjunction with the optional air suspension. It gives buyers the chance to specify bigger alloy wheels, which we know South African motorists are rather fond of doing, but without suffering the penalty of a harsh ride quality that usually comes part and parcel with the fitment of low-profile tyres.

The interior has been updated with new infotainment software and a more responsive touchscreen, but it dates the Q5 compared withits Audi siblings, which feature more modern and integrated designs.

Models in the Executive SUV segment (effectively the entry point to premium family cars) havebecome rather expensive – their asking prices have climbedup the R1-million mark withina worryingly short passage of time. The newcomer is, therefore, unlikely to sell up a storm, but for those looking for a prestigious badge in a medium-sized luxury SUV, the Q5 compares perfectlywell with the competition.