Features / 2 September 2021 / Albert du Toit

Entry-level Audi Q5 – Power and features at R850,000

The new Audi Q5 range recently went on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R852,000.

This buys you the entry-level Q5 40TDI Quattro with a 2.0-litre, turbocharged engine.

Below, we see what this popular mid-size SUV provides for its asking price.

Features

Audi retouched the Q5’s equipment list in this new generation to bring it in line with its competitors, and it now offers plenty of luxurious features as standard.

Across the range you will find automatic LED lights with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, tri-zone climate control, an electric boot lid, cruise control, ambient lighting, and a multifunction steering wheel.

Every new Audi Q5 receives a 10.1-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, too, while Audi Connect Navigation and Infotainment services are free for three months.

These services allow the central screen to be used for point of interest Google searches, Google satellite maps, parking spot information, live traffic updates, online news, and weather forecasts.

The seats in this base model are then wrapped in a leather/leatherette blend called “mono.pur 550”, and micrometallic trim finishes are dotted around the cabin to enhance the lavish atmosphere.

In addition, the Q5 comes with all-round parking sensors, hill hold assist, and six airbags – and boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Performance

The Audi Q5 40TDI is powered by a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel motor producing 140kW and 400Nm, and drive is handled by a seven-speed automatic transmission across the range.

The updated derivatives are also fitted with the Audi Quattro system with “ultra technology”, which is a front-wheel-bias, all-wheel-drive set-up that only sends torque to the rear wheels when it is needed.

This results in a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds, a top speed of 218km/h, and a combined fuel consumption of 6.2l/100km.

A maximum braked towing capacity of 2,400kg is available in the new Q5, while the nearly identical dimensions to the older model mean that cargo capacity stands at 520 litres in five-seater mode.