Audi Q5 facelift review, test drive

With a host of improvements, the updated Audi Q5 has become a force to reckon with.

Published on Jan 15, 2013 08:40:00 PM

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There’s a throaty snarl that’s clearly audible when you wind the motor. Using tiptronic shifts allows you to really carry on at a quick pace and the gearbox offers you the right gear at all times. The key advantage of this eight-speed torque converter gearbox is that it can put you in the strongest part of the powerband in a flash. Stay in the punchy midrange with the turbo spinning past 3000rpm and you get a nice thrust of power. This translates into impressive performance figures with the Q5 petrol taking 7.8seconds to reach 100kph.

The biggest surprise in the improved Q5 is the far more pliant ride. Gone is the fidgety ride of the old car and the now it feels much more supple and bump absorption is first rate. The softer spring rates and damper settings means the Q5 glides over most surfaces without much fuss and gives it the all important luxury ride it always deserved.

Despite its size and weight, the Q5 is a fairly decent thing to punt around corners. The steering is typically Audi — light and effortless but devoid of feel. The Quattro set-up is biased towards road driving and under normal driving conditions power is split 40/60, front to rear, which gives the Q5 a nice handling balance in brisk driving. Except for the base Premium variant all other Q5s get adjustable dampers and if you set it to Dynamic mode, it’ll surprise you with its agility. Body movements are well controlled, and it grips willingly and steers accurately.

There are three variants on offer in the Q5 (Premium, Premium plus and Navi). Prices for the Base petrol start at 43.17 lakh and the 3.0litre diesel is priced at a hefty Rs 48.71 lakh. (ex-showroom, Delhi).. With the Q5’s tempting price and the overall improvements, Audi has certainly raised their game – enough to give even the impressive BMW X3 some cause for worry.