There’s something special about Audi vehicles. Whether it’s hugging a turn, climbing an incline, battling traffic, or cruising down the highway, the Q5 does it effortlessly. Watch that odometer as you can hit autobahn speeds without feeling the slightest pull.
The brand’s good looks carry over to the small SUV with clean lines and round edges. Quality materials abound in the leather-clad interior with leather and grain finishes. Add to that a V6 turbo diesel engine and you’ve got instant power, a lot of it, with an average 27 mpg gas mileage.
Audi Q5 Pros & Cons
I love the fact that the driver seat’s lumbar support also adjusts vertically to accommodate for height and personal comfort. It felt so nice driving and riding in the Audi Q5. I can even say that after our 3-hour drive to and from Carmel. Maneuvering around the turns were effortless and the Tiptronic transmission made downshifting feel like an art.
After dark the Xenon lights sure came in handy. Based on the angle of your tires, the backup camera also showed a guidance line that reflected this – very useful in tight areas. The windows were low enough for Speckles to see outside. The panoramic sunroof was fantastic and I loved the mesh cover. This allowed for more light and an open feel without having the sun directly beating down.
The Q5 seemed a bit old-fashioned. While it did have some newer tech features such as the adaptive cruise control, basic details seemed overlooked. There didn’t seem to be any USB ports and none of the cubbies were big enough to hold a mobile phone, wallet, or tablet. There was, however, a removable ashtray. I didn’t even know that automakers still included these. I guess that term applies here – ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
The back seat is comfortable and reclines. However, the legroom is lacking. The middle seat also has the raised floor beneath it. Four adults could fit but it would be quite snug. The cargo area has a low clearance and is not as deep as other crossovers. Plus, the hard cover is close to that of a hatchback and is not so easily stored.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2014 Audi Q5 delivers a great experience. It’s stylish, powerful, and lets you actually enjoy driving it. The functionality does suffer with the backseat area being somewhat squished and opting for a removable ashtray instead of some USB ports. This car would best suit a fan of Audi that wants to size up without the bulk of an SUV but still wants to look good while doing so.
For more reviews & car-related tips, visit my automotive site for women & families, DrivingMamas.com.