Audi's popular Q5 gets its first major overhaul this year, introducing an evolutionary look that hides the latest tech and engineering from Germany's premium all-wheel-drive specialists.
What's New for 2018
The Q5 has been totally redesigned.
Choosing Your Audi Q5
The new Q5 is fractionally larger in all directions, resulting in more rear leg room and a few extra cubes of cargo space. With the rear seat folded, the Q5 now holds up to 60.1 cubic feet of groceries and gear, a proper showing for a compact crossover.
The carryover turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 252 horsepower and 272 ft-lb of torque. The Q5's standard all-wheel drive system can now transfer up to 100 percent of power to the front or rear wheels. All models use a seven-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles.
As before, the Q5 comes in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims:
Premium
Priced from $42,475 including $975 destination charge, the Premium comes with leather upholstery, power front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, automatic wipers, a rearview camera, and forward collision warning with auto emergency braking. Audi's MMI infotainment interface features HD radio and full smartphone integration, and works alongside a 10-speaker audio system. LED taillights and running lights are standard, as are roof rails and 18-inch wheels (19-inch available for $800). The $900 Convenience Package tacks on keyless ignition, satellite radio, power-folding side mirrors, and driver memory. The Navigation and Telematics Package provides a full suite of remote serves (known as Audi Connect), Audi's beautiful all-digital instrument cluster, and a navigation function for the infotainments system for $3,000. Individual options include heated front seats ($500) and a panoramic sunroof $1,450).
Premium Plus
Adds most of the Premium's options as standard, plus blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, and front and rear parking sensors. The Premium Plus starts at $46,475. Optional extras include a $500 Cold Weather Package (heated rear seats and steering wheel) and a $1,450 Warm Weather Package (ventilated front seats and rear sun shades). Navigation remains optional, along with 19- or 20-inch ($1,600) wheels. Finally, Audi offers a Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system for $950.
Prestige
For $51,1775, the Prestige adds everything available on the two lesser trims trims, except the Cold Weather Package and Warm Weather Package, which remain optional. Other standard equipment includes surround-view cameras, a head-up display, and acoustic front glass. For a sharper ride and smoother handling, the Prestige is available with an adaptive suspension system for $1,000.
The Premium Plus provides all the customary equipment for this class, liked a panoramic sunroof and blind spot monitoring, while staying well below the $50,000 threshold. That makes it the most sensible choice in our view.