New for 2015
There are no major changes for 2015, just the reshuffling of some options.
Big Luxury, Small Package
Luxury SUVs and crossovers have been mainstream for quite some time, and their drawbacks have become well known. They’re big, thirsty, and unwieldy, the conventional wisdom goes.
That’s not the case with the 2015 Audi Q5. It’s got all of the features of a traditional luxury crossover, including a tall ride height and the sure-footedness of all-wheel drive, but in a smaller package that’s easier to park, and easier on your wallet.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2015 Audi Q5 is available with a wide array of powertrain options, ranging from the economical to the powerful and sporty.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Like all Q5 powertrains, it’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and drives all four wheels using Audi’s signature quattro all-wheel drive system.
Audi says this engine will propel the Q5 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. It also gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway).*
For more power, there’s also a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, with 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the Q5 will do 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, but the top speed is still limited to 130 mph. The V6 achieves EPA-rated fuel economy of 21 mpg combined (18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*
The 2015 Q5 is also one of the only new vehicles on sale with both gasoline and diesel versions of a similar powertrain. So in addition to the supercharged V6, there’s also a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 TDI diesel engine with 240 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. The diesel takes 6.5 seconds to get to 60 mph, with the same 130 mph top speed as the gasoline version.
Diesels are known for their great fuel economy, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The EPA rates the Q5 TDI at 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway).*
Another efficiency-focused option is the Q5 Hybrid. this model features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, good for a combined 245 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough to get the Q5 Hybrid to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.8 seconds, with the ams electronically-limited 130 mph top speed as the other models. The real headline figure, though, is EPA-rated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*
Taking things in the complete opposite direction is the sporty SQ5 model. it comes with a tuned version of the 3.0-liter supercharged V6, producing 354 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. That gets it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 155 mph, while achieving fuel economy of 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2015 Audi Q5 is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover. It’s available in three trim levels, with prices starting at $39,300.*
The base Q5 model is called the Premium, but as its name suggests, this model isn’t exactly spartan. It comes standard with Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, leather seats, three-zone automatic climate control, a power tailgate, iPod integration, power front seats, a sliding and split-folding 40/20/40 rear bench, and other features.
In addition to the applicable standard features from the Premium model, the Premium Plus adds a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, Audi’s Advanced Key system with keyless engine start, stop, and entry, and other equipment.
The top Q5 model is the Prestige, which incorporates the standard features of the Premium and Premium Plus, as well as adding adaptive headlights, rear-side sunshades, the MMI infotainment system with navigation, voice control, and Audi Connect concierge service, Audi Side Assist, and a park-assist system with a rearview camera, and front and rear acoustic parking sensors.
Exterior/Interior
The 2015 Audi Q5 features clean, modern styling, with highlights including a shield-like single-frame grille and Audi’s now-iconic LED daytime running lights. The SQ5 model gets some sportier touches as well, including black-gloss trim for the grille and quad exhaust tips.
On the inside, the Q5 features a similarly-pleasing design theme. It balances the modern need for technology features with an emphasis on simple and tidy surfaces, with easy-to-access controls and high-quality materials.
While it’s not a very large vehicle, the Q5 also boasts a useful 37.4 inches of rear legroom, plus 29.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, or 57.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Audi Q5 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include rear side airbags, the aforementioned park-assist system, Audi Side Assist, and the Driver Assist Package, which includes adaptive cruise control, Dynamic Steering, and Audi Drive Select.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Audi Q5 boasts luxury SUV quality in an easier-to-manage package.
Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Audi
