Audi Q5 review

The Audi Q5 is a fine showcase of Bavarian engineering. A mid-size luxury SUV from Ingolstadt-based Audi, it has long been one of the brand’s most popular models in Australia.

The second-generation Q5 received a mid-life facelift, which arrived in Australia in 2021. It freshened the SUV’s looks while keeping the build quality and design that made it so popular in the first place. Audi has since introduced an all-new Q5, but the facelifted model remains a common sight on the used market. In this Audi Q5 review, we look at the features and technology the update brought, and what they mean if you’re thinking of buying or selling one.

Interior highlights

The facelift brought a raft of new technology to the cabin, starting with a bigger touchscreen. However smoothly a car rides, it can still be frustrating to drive if you’re squinting at a small screen to follow the navigation.

That isn’t an issue in the updated Q5. Its 10.1-inch central touchscreen handles navigation, media and phone functions, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto via a cable.

Behind the steering wheel sits Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital instrument cluster that can display maps, trip data and media information directly in the driver’s line of sight. If you’ve owned a recent Audi, the layout will feel instantly familiar.

Comfort for every passenger

The comfort upgrades don’t stop at the screen. Both the driver and passengers can relax in style:

• Seating: Depending on the variant, the front seats are fully electrically adjustable, and the rear seats can be reclined to change the backrest angle.
• Upholstery: All five seats are leather-appointed for a premium look and feel.
• Climate control: Three-zone climate control lets the driver, front passenger and rear passengers each set their own temperature, with a digital control panel for those in the back.
• Ambient lighting: Adjustable interior lighting rounds out a cabin that can be tailored to suit you and your passengers.

Storage, charging and finishing touches

The centre console was reworked as part of the update, freeing up some extra storage space. It also houses a wireless charging pad, so your phone stays topped up without a tangle of cables.

On the outside, depending on the variant, the lower body now has a painted finish in place of the previous plastic cladding, and the alloy wheels stepped up from 18 inches to 19 inches.

These finishing touches give the Q5 a sleeker, more polished look and help make it one of the more head-turning SUVs in its class.

Plenty of space in the boot

With 520 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place, the Q5 has room for the weekly shop, school bags or a family’s luggage for a weekend away. Some rivals offer a little more, but few owners will find it short of space in day-to-day use, and the rear seats fold down when you need to carry longer items.

The Q5 is also a capable tow vehicle, with a braked towing capacity of 2,000 kg. That’s enough for a box trailer, a small boat or a jet ski, so the whole family and its gear can come along. Towing figures can vary between engines and model years, so check the specifications for the exact variant you’re considering.

Looking after a Q5 for resale

The Q5 has a strong reputation, but how a particular car has been kept matters a great deal when it comes time to sell. A few habits make a real difference:

• Keep up the servicing: Follow Audi’s recommended service schedule and keep the logbook and receipts together. A complete history gives buyers confidence.
• Look after the wheels and paint: Larger alloys are easy to kerb, and scuffs on bumpers and painted lower panels stand out. Repairing minor damage before you sell is worth considering.
• Care for the cabin: Leather upholstery benefits from regular cleaning and conditioning, and a tidy interior makes a better first impression.
• Check the tech works: Make sure the touchscreen, phone connectivity, cameras and parking sensors all work properly, because buyers will test them.

For more detail, see our tips for maintaining European cars for resale.

Is it time for a new ride?

Perhaps you’ve owned your Audi Q5 for a while and you’re ready for something new. Or you’ve decided to upgrade to a Q5 and need to sell your current car first. Whether you live in Sydney, Melbourne or anywhere else in Australia, Sell Your Car Australia can help.

We currently buy vehicles that are 2021 or newer, with 100,000 km or less on the odometer. Any make is welcome, and there’s strong demand for European and prestige models, utes and SUVs like the Q5. Here’s how it works:

1. Fill in a short online form with your car’s details.
2. Our team calls you quickly to talk it through.
3. We make you a genuine cash offer, not a data-driven estimate.
4. Once you accept, a deposit can be paid quickly, followed by an inspection.
5. The balance is paid into your account, and your car is collected only after the funds have cleared.

Still paying off your car? Cars under finance are fine. We work with your lender to clear the loan, which usually takes two to three business days.

To find out what your car is worth, request a free, no-obligation valuation or call us on 1800 73 55 73.