Audi’s popular Q5 mid-size SUV has come in for a facelift and is ready to be launched in SA, here’s what the Q5 has to offer and how much it costs.

Following the introduction of the Q3 Sportback, Audi is introducing a coupe-roof styled Q5 called the Q5 Sportback with the facelifted Q5. This gives Audi a natural competitor to the BMW X4 and GLC Coupe from its German rivals. You could also consider the Range Rover Evoque in the segment too, but there are loads of premium rivals from the likes of Lexus, Porsche and Jaguar that buyers would also consider in this segment.

The front end design features new air intakes and a more distinctive front grille. The Q5 Sportback has a slightly different front grille design to that of the normal Q5. The headlight design has been modernised and can optionally be fitted with Matrix LED lights that automatically adjust to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.

The rear light has its own signature and if you’re following it, you may notice that the design and brightness of the rear lights changes depending on what drive mode is selected. The rear lights also become brighter if someone gets a little too close to the rear of the car, warning them to ‘back off’ if you will.

Audi Q5 engine range

The Audi Q5 Sportback’s styling is now more refined.

There are three engines to choose from in the Q5 model lineup. All the engines are available in both body styles. The range starts with the 40 TDI, a 2.0litre turbodiesel with 140 kW and 400 Nm of torque and is equipped with a 7-speed S tronic gearbox. Next up is the 45 TFSI 2.0-litre turbopetrol which produces 183 kW and 370 Nm, also equipped with a 7-sped S tronic gearbox. This engine is also equipped with a 12V mild-hybrid system that shuts down the engine when coasting in order to save fuel. It’s claimed to improve efficiency by around 0.7L/100 km. The SQ5 is currently pinned as the performance derivative and features a 3.0-litre turbopetrol engine producing 260 kW and 500 Nm with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox.

All models feature Quattro all-wheel-drive, but the system can automatically disconnect the rear wheels when not needed, improving efficiency and effectively making the car front-wheel-drive at times when you don’t need the extra traction of Quattro.

Audi Q5 interior

The Q5’s interior has also been updated with better connectivityand safety features.

The Q5 model range still features the older screen on top of the dash design rather than the newer integrated system that sits within the dash but the software and hardware have been upgraded. The result is that it’s up to 10 times faster than the old system.

Virtual Cockpit is also available digitising the infotainment screen into a space where you can personalise the information you want to see in front of you.

More safety features and semi-autonomous systems are now available in the Q5. Lane Assist helps keep you centred in your lane, guiding the vehicle on its own while adaptive cruise control maintains speed and distance from the car in front without you needing to touch any of the pedals.

A 360-degree camera is also now available along with park assistance and cross traffic alert when reversing out of parking bays.

Adaptive air suspension system is optionally available on the 40 TDI and 40 TFSI but standard on the SQ5. The system automatically adapts to road conditions and speeds, either raising the ride height or lowering it. It can also be used when loading things into the car, lowering the rear end by as much as 50 mm.

Practicality wise there isn’t too much difference between the standard Q5 and the Q5 Sportback. The boot on the Q5 is 520 litres big while the Sportback claims 510 litres of loading space. When you lower the rear seats the Q5 will hold 1 520 litres of luggage while the Q5 Sportback will load 1 480 litres.

Audi Q5 lineup

Audi Q5 – 19-inch wheels.

Audi Q5 Advanced – 19-inch wheels, Advanced Line bumpers, high gloss package.

Audi Q5 S Line – 19-inch wheels, S Line bumpers, high gloss package, sports suspension.

Audi Q5 Sportback Advanced – 19-inch wheels, Advanced Line bumpers in full paint, high gloss paint, sports suspension.

Audi Q5 Sportback S Line – 20-inch wheels, S Line bumpers, high gloss package, sports suspension.

Audi Q5 Price in SA

Q5 40 TDI quattro – R852 000

Q5 40 TDI quattro Advanced – R871 000

Q5 40 TDI quattro S Line – R897 000

Q5 40 TFSI quattro S Line – R947 000

SQ5 TFSI quattro – R1 208 000

Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro Advanced – R960 000

Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro S Line – R1 000 000

Q5 Sportback 40TFSI quattro S Line – R1 050 000

SQ5 Sportback TFSI quattro – R1 355 000

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