The Audi Q5 stands as a beacon of luxury, performance, and practicality in the competitive mid-size SUV segment. Launched globally in 2008, with its second generation debuting in 2016 and receiving a significant facelift in 2020, the Q5 has evolved into a sophisticated vehicle that blends sporty aesthetics with everyday usability. In India, the Audi Q5 returned to the market in 2021 after a brief hiatus due to BS6 emission norms, reintroducing itself with a refreshed design and a potent petrol powertrain. Manufactured by Audi, a German automaker renowned for its engineering prowess and premium offerings, the Q5 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality. With its quattro all-wheel-drive system, advanced technology, and plush interiors, it caters to buyers seeking a versatile luxury SUV that excels both in urban environments and on long highway drives.
The Audi Q5 is positioned as a balanced contender in the luxury SUV market, offering a mix of dynamic driving experience, family-friendly practicality, and cutting-edge features. It appeals to professionals, families, and car enthusiasts alike, thanks to its sleek design, powerful engine, and a host of modern amenities. In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, where traffic congestion and diverse road conditions are the norm, the Q5’s elevated ground clearance, smooth handling, and responsive powertrain make it an ideal choice. This detailed exploration will cover the car’s technical specifications, variants, pricing in key metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of its features, performance, and competitive standing.
Technical Specifications
The Audi Q5 is powered by a single petrol engine option in India, paired with an automatic transmission and the iconic quattro AWD system. Below is a comprehensive table of its technical specifications, sourced and verified from platforms like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale as of March 2025.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L TFSI (Turbocharged Petrol) |
| Displacement | 1984 cc |
| Max Power | 261 bhp @ 5000-6000 RPM |
| Max Torque | 370 Nm @ 1600-4300 RPM |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 7-Speed S-Tronic Dual-Clutch Automatic (DCT) |
| Drive Type | Quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 13.47 kmpl |
| Top Speed | 240 kmph |
| Acceleration (0-100 kmph) | 6.1 seconds |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 Litres |
| Emission Norm Compliance | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Suspension (Front) | Five-Link Independent Suspension |
| Suspension (Rear) | Five-Link Independent Suspension |
| Brakes (Front & Rear) | Disc Brakes (Ventilated) |
| Tyre Size | 235/55 R19 |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |
| Length | 4682 mm |
| Width | 1893 mm |
| Height | 1655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2827 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200 mm (approx.) |
| Kerb Weight | 1970 kg |
| Boot Space | 520 Litres |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star (Euro NCAP) |
These specifications highlight the Q5’s robust engineering, designed to deliver a blend of performance, efficiency, and safety. The 2.0L TFSI engine ensures spirited acceleration, while the 7-speed S-Tronic transmission offers seamless gear shifts, enhancing both city commuting and highway cruising.
Variants
The Audi Q5 is available in three distinct variants in India, each catering to different customer preferences with varying levels of features and styling. Below is a table summarizing the variants, based on data from CarWale and CarDekho.
| Variant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Premium Plus 45 TFSI | 10.1-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver display, 3-zone climate control, 8 airbags, panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Technology 45 TFSI | Adds 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless charging, powered front seats with memory, ambient lighting (30 colours) |
| Bold Edition | Blacked-out grille, logos, ORVMs, and roof rails; Mythos Black exterior with Okapi Brown interior |
The Premium Plus serves as the entry-level variant, offering a strong foundation of luxury and safety features. The Technology variant elevates the experience with premium audio and additional comfort options, while the Bold Edition appeals to those seeking a sportier, distinctive look.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Audi Q5 varies across metro cities due to differences in RTO charges, insurance, and taxes. Below is a table of on-road prices (as of March 2025) in key Indian metro cities, sourced from CarDekho and CarWale. Note that these are approximate figures and may fluctuate based on dealership offers or additional accessories.
| City | Premium Plus 45 TFSI | Technology 45 TFSI | Bold Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | ₹ 77.97 Lakh | ₹ 83.82 Lakh | ₹ 85.38 Lakh |
| Mumbai | ₹ 79.52 Lakh | ₹ 85.47 Lakh | ₹ 87.05 Lakh |
| Bangalore | ₹ 82.76 Lakh | ₹ 88.92 Lakh | ₹ 90.53 Lakh |
| Chennai | ₹ 82.16 Lakh | ₹ 88.56 Lakh | ₹ 90.16 Lakh |
| Kolkata | ₹ 78.45 Lakh | ₹ 84.32 Lakh | ₹ 85.89 Lakh |
These prices include ex-showroom cost, RTO, insurance, and additional charges like TCS and FASTag. The Bold Edition, being the top-tier variant, commands the highest price across all cities, reflecting its exclusive styling and features.
About the Audi Q5
Design and Aesthetics
The Audi Q5’s exterior design is a harmonious blend of elegance and aggression. The 2021 facelift introduced a bolder front grille with vertical chrome slats, flanked by sharper LED headlights that incorporate dynamic turn indicators. The sculpted bonnet and high air inlets lend it a muscular stance, while the rear features trapezoidal tailpipes and a chrome strip running across the width, enhancing its premium appeal. Available in five striking colours—Glacier White, Distinct Green, Mythos Black, Navarra Blue, and Manhattan Grey—the Q5 offers buyers ample personalization options. The Bold Edition takes this further with its blacked-out elements, giving it a stealthy, sporty vibe that stands out on city streets.
Inside, the Q5 boasts a driver-centric cabin with a minimalist yet luxurious layout. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits prominently atop the dashboard, reducing reliance on physical buttons for a cleaner look. The 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit (digital driver display) offers customizable views, from navigation to performance metrics, ensuring drivers stay informed without distraction. High-quality materials like leatherette upholstery and piano black accents elevate the interior’s sophistication, while the 30-colour ambient lighting creates a serene atmosphere for night drives. With a boot space of 520 litres, expandable by folding the rear seats, the Q5 is as practical as it is plush, making it ideal for weekend getaways or grocery runs.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the Audi Q5 houses a 2.0L TFSI petrol engine that churns out 261 bhp and 370 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic DCT. This powertrain delivers a refined yet exhilarating driving experience, with a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 240 kmph. The quattro AWD system ensures exceptional grip, distributing power dynamically between the wheels to tackle wet roads, uneven terrain, or sharp corners with confidence. Multiple drive modes—Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, and Auto—allow drivers to tailor the car’s response, from fuel-efficient cruising to spirited performance.
The Q5’s suspension, a five-link setup at both ends, strikes a balance between comfort and agility. It absorbs road imperfections well, ensuring a smooth ride even on India’s pothole-ridden streets, while maintaining composure during high-speed cornering. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering feedback that inspires confidence without feeling overly heavy. For city dwellers in metro areas like Mumbai or Delhi, where traffic can be relentless, the Q5’s responsive low-end torque and seamless transmission make stop-and-go driving effortless. On highways, the mid-range punch and top-end power provide ample overtaking ability, cementing its versatility.
Features and Technology
The Audi Q5 is loaded with features that justify its premium positioning. The Premium Plus variant comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, and an 8-airbag safety suite, ensuring comfort and protection. The Technology variant ups the ante with a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system delivering 755W of immersive audio, wireless phone charging, and powered front seats with memory function for the driver. Connectivity is seamless with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated into the MMI infotainment system, while the quattro AWD is complemented by Audi Drive Select for customizable driving dynamics.
Safety is a forte, with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating backed by features like ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera (in higher variants). However, the India-spec model misses out on some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control, which are available in global markets. This omission might disappoint tech-savvy buyers, but the standard safety kit remains comprehensive for its class.
Comfort and Practicality
One of the Q5’s standout attributes is its ability to cater to families without compromising on luxury. The elevated seating position offers excellent visibility, making it easy to navigate busy urban streets. Ingress and egress are effortless, thanks to the SUV’s moderate height and wide door openings—unlike some sedans that sit too low or taller SUVs that require a climb. The cabin provides ample headroom and legroom for five occupants, with rear passengers enjoying adjustable seats and dedicated AC vents. The 70-litre fuel tank ensures fewer stops on long journeys, while the 520-litre boot accommodates luggage for a family road trip with ease.
For metro city residents, the Q5’s compact dimensions (relative to larger SUVs like the Q7) make it manageable in tight parking spaces, yet it retains the commanding presence of a luxury SUV. The quattro system and 200 mm ground clearance (approximate) allow it to handle monsoon-flooded roads or mild off-road trails, adding to its practicality in diverse Indian conditions.
Maintenance and Ownership Experience
Owning an Audi Q5 comes with the assurance of low maintenance costs relative to its luxury peers, thanks to its robust build and petrol-only powertrain (diesel engines often require costlier upkeep). Audi India offers service packages and extended warranties—such as a 5-year plan costing around ₹1.18 lakh in Chennai—easing the burden of long-term ownership. Showroom experiences, as reported by owners on platforms like CarWale, are generally positive, with staff noted for professionalism and courtesy. However, spare parts and service costs can be higher than mainstream brands, a trade-off for the premium badge and engineering.
Fuel efficiency, at 13.47 kmpl (ARAI), is respectable for a 2.0L turbocharged SUV with AWD, though real-world figures may dip to 10-11 kmpl in city traffic. This makes the Q5 a practical choice for those who value performance over penny-pinching at the pump. Resale value remains strong in the luxury segment, bolstered by Audi’s brand reputation and the Q5’s popularity.
Close Competitors
The Audi Q5 faces stiff competition from other luxury mid-size SUVs in India. Here’s how it stacks up against its key rivals:
BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a direct rival, priced between ₹67.50 Lakh and ₹87.70 Lakh (on-road, Delhi). It offers a range of petrol and diesel engines, with the xDrive30i delivering 248 bhp—slightly less than the Q5—but with a sportier rear-wheel-drive bias in base trims. The X3’s interior is equally luxurious, and it includes ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, giving it an edge in tech. However, its ride quality leans firmer, which may not suit comfort-focused buyers as well as the Q5’s balanced setup.
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Priced from ₹75.45 Lakh to ₹85.50 Lakh (on-road, Delhi), the Mercedes-Benz GLC emphasizes opulence with a plush cabin and a 2.0L petrol engine producing 254 bhp. It offers a softer ride than the Q5, ideal for chauffeur-driven owners, but lacks the Q5’s dynamic handling and quattro grip. The GLC also includes ADAS, making it more feature-rich, though its higher maintenance costs could deter some buyers.
Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60, priced at ₹68.90 Lakh (ex-showroom), is a safety champion with a 2.0L mild-hybrid petrol engine (250 bhp). Its Scandinavian design and extensive safety suite—including ADAS—appeal to safety-conscious buyers. However, it lacks the Q5’s outright performance and AWD refinement, and its pricing overlaps with the Q5’s base variant, making the latter a better value proposition for performance enthusiasts.
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX, starting at ₹67.35 Lakh (ex-showroom), offers a hybrid powertrain (242 bhp combined) for eco-conscious buyers. Its reliability and lower running costs are strong points, but the Q5 outshines it in performance, cabin space, and brand cachet. The NX’s design is polarizing, and it doesn’t match the Q5’s driving dynamics.
Verdict
The Audi Q5 strikes a near-perfect balance between luxury and functionality, making it a compelling choice in the mid-size SUV segment. Its quattro AWD, powerful yet refined engine, and well-appointed cabin cater to a wide audience, from city commuters to weekend adventurers. While it misses out on ADAS and a diesel option—features some rivals offer—it compensates with superior handling, a versatile ride, and Audi’s signature build quality. Priced competitively against the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Volvo XC60, and Lexus NX, the Q5 holds its own as a well-rounded package.
For buyers in metro cities, the Q5’s blend of compact size, elevated stance, and premium features makes it a practical luxury SUV that doesn’t sacrifice driving pleasure. Whether it’s the base Premium Plus, tech-laden Technology, or sporty Bold Edition, the Q5 delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and comfortable. As Audi prepares to launch the third-generation Q5 globally in 2025, with an India debut expected later, the current model remains a strong contender, offering a taste of German engineering that’s hard to resist.
