Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro 2019 Review

The 2019 Audi Q5 is available in three engine variants (two petrol and one diesel) and this Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro sport is the most powerful of the lot. With 620Nm, it’s actually got more torque than the SQ5! More torque – less of a talking point…

The prestige SUV is being pressured from every angle, with buyers increasingly sceptical of expensive Euros that skimp on equipment. Not so much that’s its stopping them buying them, though, it was the German manufacturer’s top-selling SUV in 2018, with 4086 units sold locally. Instead of shopping elsewhere, buyers complain about the struggle that comes with this privileged position. I get it.

Priced from $85,700 (plus on road costs) the top ranking 2019 Audi Q5 50 TDI goes head to head with the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC in the prestige medium SUV segment that offers five-seat family sized motoring for under $100k.
It feels like the price point that sees buyers explore all their options – and all the costly options available – before committing. There’s no room for complacency from manufacturers.

Don’t get me wrong, the equipment in the Audi Q5 50 TDI is very good. But at this price-point the scrutiny is intense.

Slip into your leather, electrically-adjustable and heated driver’s seat and you’ll find all the modern conveniences you need, though you may want for more. And you can buy them.

Combined, the infotainment screen and virtual cockpit deliver a modern read on all things inside this cabin – and some outside.

The soft leather touch points and chrome details tell a luxury story and the fit and finish is undeniably upmarket. Cup holders and good oddment storage make light work of your daily bits and bobs (i.e. coffee).

Tri-zone climate control, self-parking and crystal-clear 360-degree cameras are all standard.

More importantly, the safety and driver assist technology is great. Five star ANCAP safety is supported by features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.

And the standard infotainment technology will do me fine, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity ticking most of the requisite boxes. You’ll also find digital radio, wireless charging and in built satellite navigation.

A family car is only as good as its second row and measured on such basis, the Q5 kicks goals. Adults riding in the second row will appreciate the comfortable seats, while kids will be more focused on the air vents, charge points and seat recline function (part of the seat package).

The second row is perfectly fit for three kids, but with three adults on board, the centre occupant will suffer from compromised foot space and a shorter seat base. There are no heated seats in this second row.

Outward vision is good and ISOFIX points, adjustable head rests and 40:20:40 split folding seats makes this a flexible arrangement for parents with child seats and the like.

The 550-litre boot with electric tailgate will load a good amount of gear, including prams and scooters, while bag hooks, anchor points, elastic fixed straps and flexible nets keep your gear in place. The retractable blind keeps it hidden.

With all the glamour that comes with a nearly six-figure Euro SUV, it’s easy to forget what lies beneath – and the 3.0-litre V6 engine that powers the 2019 Audi Q5 should not be overlooked. It’s a high point. The Q5’s engine delivers 210kW and 620Nm from 1500rpm and it’s that torque that gets this sizeable machine moving with effortless pace.

You should also know that the Audi Q5 50 TDI can reportedly move from 0-100km/h in 5.8sec.

The Q5 50 TDI is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and it too feels effortless. It performs exactly as you’d expect a large, powerful prestige family SUV to.

And that immediate power and smooth transmission makes the Q5 feel more agile than its proportions would have you imagine.

So if you’re shying away from this SUV because of its size (4633mm x 1898mm), I wouldn’t.

The turbo-diesel delivers a punchy response and the air suspension ($3900 option) contributes to an incredibly comfortable – not even Melbourne’s shocking road surfaces could spoil this ride. It’s a very nice feeling.

The Q5’s 11.7m turning circle is on par for the size of this vehicle and it U-turns with ease. It rolls on 20-inch, five-spoke alloys and has a space saver spare.

The manufacturer’s claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.3L/100km (7.2L/100km urban) and after a predominantly city-based week in the Q5 with little regard for frugal driving we recorded an average of 8.5L/100km.

The Q5 3.0L TDI has a 2000kg braked towing capacity.

It’s not news that Audi’s options are pricey. A quick check of other Euro manufacturer’s will confirm they’re also not alone in this regard. It does sting to find that so many things you’ll find standard in other (often cheaper) vehicles need to be optioned to your Q5.

To give you some flavour of how that pans out in terms of dollars, our test vehicle had $10,890 worth of options, bringing its price to $97,540.

The seat comfort package ($1300) adds massage function to the front seats ad a rear bench that slides and reclines. I could do without the massage, but the slide and recline function is great, making second row passengers more comfortable if needed (think snoozing kids), or slide forward to steel some extra room for larger boot capacity (and an excellent shopping day).

I like the ‘in your face’ quality of a head up display. The Q5’s is part of the Technik package (which includes LED lights upgrades and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system) priced at $5600.

Stray from Brilliant black or Ibis white solid paint finishes and you’ll pay more. Our Navarra blue metallic paint will set you back $1950 and adaptive air suspension adds $3990.

I love a panoramic glass sunroof (not on our test car) but I’m not sure I’d pay $3200 for that joy.

Aside from the battle of the budget and an aversion to pricey options, there’s little to complain about here. A longer warranty period (three-year/unlimited-kilometre) might be nice though. Service intervals are set at 15,000km or 12 months.

With your finances flush and expectations in check, you’re going to be very happy with the 2019 Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro. It’s good enough to demand a prestige premium. How far you let that tally run is up to you.

How much does the 2019 Audi Q5 50 TDI quattro cost?
Price: $84,700 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 210kW/600Nm
Transmission: Right-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 165g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP