
2024 Audi Q5 Petrol SUV Review a Top Choice for Luxury and Performance
The compact SUV market is fiercely competitive, particularly for petrol-powered models. Yet, the 2024 Audi Q5 continues to stand tall as a category leader. Blending luxury with performance, technology with practicality, and comfort with capability, this mid-size SUV remains one of the finest choices for car enthusiasts and dealers alike. In this comprehensive review, we take a deep dive into what makes the new Audi Q5 a top contender—and why it might just be the best petrol SUV on the road today.
Elegant Design Meets Intelligent Engineering
Audi has long been admired for its design language, and the latest iteration of the Q5 builds on that legacy. The exterior of the 2024 Q5 is equal parts assertive and refined, marked by strong body lines, a wide Singleframe grille, and sleek LED headlights.
- Front Fascia: Audi’s iconic grille is flanked by HD Matrix LED headlamps, which offer adaptive lighting based on road conditions.
- Side Profile: Subtle sculpting along the doors lends an aerodynamic elegance, while 19- or 20-inch wheels (depending on the trim) bolster its SUV stance.
- Rear Styling: Integrated LED taillights and a dual exhaust accent the SUV’s performance silhouette.
Inside, the Q5 embraces minimalism infused with high-end materials. Soft-touch surfaces, elegant inlays, and premium leather upholstery deliver an interior that punches above its price point.
Power and Performance: Petrol Excellence
Under the hood, the Q5 doesn’t disappoint. The petrol variant is powered by a 2.0-liter TFSI engine, delivering both responsiveness and fuel efficiency.
- Horsepower: 261 hp @ 5,000–6,500 rpm
- Torque: 273 lb-ft @ 1,600–4,500 rpm
- Transmission: 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic
This setup allows the Q5 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.7 seconds—impressive for a vehicle in its class. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system comes standard, ensuring traction and stability under diverse road conditions.
Driving Dynamics
A highlight of the Q5 is its handling. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising along highways, the Q5 offers a ride that balances comfort with composure. The suspension system filters out road imperfections without making the steering feel dull.
- Drive Select: Audi’s Drive Select system offers multiple modes, including Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-Road, allowing drivers to tailor their experience.
- Steering: Electric power-assisted steering responds well to inputs, delivering good feedback across speeds.
Noise insulation is also noteworthy—engine and wind noises are barely perceptible at cruising speeds, making for an exceptionally quiet cabin environment.
Interior Comfort and Versatility
Step inside the Audi Q5 and it’s immediately apparent that this is a driver-focused and passenger-friendly space.
Cabin Features:
- Seating: Heated and ventilated front seats, power adjustability, and available massage features ensure comfort for both short commutes and long road trips.
- Technology: The 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen is crisp, responsive, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto out of the box.
- Materials: From oak wood inlays to aluminum accents, the cabin materials reflect German engineering at its best.
Cargo Flexibility
With 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 54 cubic feet with them folded, the Q5 delivers functional utility without sacrificing passenger comfort. A power liftgate comes standard, along with a low load floor that aids in easy trunk access.
Technology Suite: Smarter Driving Every Mile
The 2024 Audi Q5 isn’t just about luxury and performance—it’s also a leader in automotive tech. Audi’s suite of driver-assistance and infotainment features has been fine-tuned for an intuitive and safe driving experience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
- MMI System: The central touchscreen runs on Audi’s new MIB3 platform for faster processing and better responsiveness.
- Virtual Cockpit: A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional gauges, with customizable layouts and real-time navigation integration.
- Bang & Olufsen Sound System: Optional high-end audio delivers immersive sound with 19 speakers and 755 watts of power.
Driver Assistance Features
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
- 360-degree Surround Camera System for stress-free maneuvering
These features work in harmony to elevate both passive and active safety, making the Q5 a top pick among family-oriented buyers and safety-conscious drivers.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Responsibility
Even though it’s a petrol-powered SUV, the Audi Q5 demonstrates relatively strong fuel economy credentials.
- City: 23 mpg
- Highway: 29 mpg
- Combined: 25 mpg (EPA estimated)
Audi also offers assistance from mild hybrid technology in certain trims. The 12V mild-hybrid system recovers energy during deceleration and supports the engine during acceleration, subtly improving fuel efficiency and smoothing out stop-start transitions.
Trim Levels and Configuration Options
The Q5 offers multiple trim levels and packages to cater to diverse customer preferences.
- Premium: Entry-level but well-equipped with leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, and a three-zone climate control system.
- Premium Plus: Adds wireless phone charging, advanced MMI Navigation, and lane guidance.
- Prestige: Topped with upgraded B&O sound, head-up display, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Comparing the Competition
The Q5 competes with some of the market’s heavy hitters—BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the Lexus NX being chief among them. Here’s how the Audi stacks up:
- Performance: The Q5 holds its own with quicker 0–60 times compared to standard GLC and NX models.
- Technology: Audi’s Virtual Cockpit and MMI system are widely considered more intuitive than iDrive or Lexus’ touchpad interface.
- Value: Especially in Premium Plus trim, the Q5 offers a well-rounded package that’s competitively priced without cutting corners.
Dealer Appeal and Market Viability
For automotive dealers, the Audi Q5 represents consistent demand with a strong resale value. Its combination of performance, premium features, and family-friendly practicality mean it moves well both in new and certified pre-owned markets.
Key Dealer-Friendly Traits:
- High Residual Value: Well-maintained Q5s command strong resale and lease residuals.
- Broad Demographic Appeal: From urban professionals to small families, the Q5 attracts varied types of buyers.
- Customization Options: Packages and trims provide upsell potential without overcomplicating inventory.
Final Verdict: Who Is the Audi Q5 For?
Whether you’re a driving enthusiast craving dynamic performance, a luxury lover seeking tranquility on the road, or a dealer looking for a high-yield, fast-turnover vehicle, the 2024 Audi Q5 delivers. It embodies the German automaker’s philosophy of no-compromise motoring, offering agility, safety, and style in one of the segment’s most refined packages.
While there are other compelling options in the luxury compact SUV category, few match the Q5’s seamless combination of prestige, practicality, and petrol-powered pleasure.
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