The Q5 always stood out with fuss-free packaging and driving manners. Better now is the availability of a competitive diesel option.
Sport-utility vehicles are now an essential part in the business of selling premium cars because, in many cases, they take up practically 50% of total annual sales. In other words, SUVs mean margins for luxury car brands.
That’s why the BMW X3 class, sized either as a compact or mid-size SUV, is crucial for all interested players. But some nameplates don’t sell in big numbers yet, hence their lofty price tags. Examples include the Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Porsche Macan and Range Rover Evoque – all with prices nudging five million baht.
But if anybody is interested in challenging the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC straight into their faces, they need to get pricing right. Apart from having better economy of scales than most others, these two particular brands have assembly facilities in the country to offset high import duties on completely built-up vehicles shipped in from countries that have no free trade agreement with Thailand.
So where does that leave Audi, a direct competitor for those two aforementioned German brands that still needs to rely on imported products? As ever, it’s all about price subsidies from its parent firm, which is why the second-generation Q5 has once again arrived on Thai shores with prices comparable to both the Thai-built X3 and GLC.
But the headlines for the Q5 is the availability of a diesel option, which didn’t accompany the petrol version in Thai showrooms in previous generation form. Better even is its lower price: the oil-burning Q5 goes for 3.399 million baht in 35 TDI form which is within the playground of the similarly powered X3 and GLC.
Yes, diesel is a good choice in SUVs, despite some scandals taking place in developed parts of the world. A quick look at the Q5’s specs reveal competitive figures. And it only takes just a brief moment on the road to appreciate the Q5 in diesel form.
Despite some small discrepancies in output and performance figures, the Q5 35 TDI isn’t inferior nor superior to its rivals. It does just what a modern diesel is supposed to do: provide good tractability at real-world speeds without needing to stop over at pumps as often as petrol heads and offer a good sense of refinement that won’t be associated to those powering the ubiquitous pickup workhorse.
Diesel goes well and matches its rivals.
Eagle-eyed punters will note that the Q5 continues to be one of the few SUVs in its class to come with a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite torque-convertor autos (like in all others bar the Macan) becoming more efficient in swapping gears, the seven-speed unit in the Q5 still does a good job in terms of swiftness.
The Q5 35 TDI is being in sold in Thailand with all-wheel-drive Quattro, which is a good thing not because clients will be tackling the rough but because grip on all four corners of an SUV provide for a confidence-inspiring drive.
In spite of that, Audi has somehow felt the need to allow the electronic stability control system to reign in quite early when driving the Q5 enthusiastically into corners. Of course, that’s a good thing for most people, but keener drivers will find the safety net looser in either the Bimmer or Merc to make driving more enjoyable.
Ride is generally taut and quiet.
If there was one thing the Q5 does better than in either its German compatriots, it would be no other than driving and ride comfort for the daily grind. The steering is light and direct, while the ride is generally compliant, quiet and free from vibrations over road imperfections.
When it comes to the overall driving experience, the Q5 doesn’t necessarily fall short of its intended rivals. Generally speaking, SUVs are usually driven by those who don’t highly value the superior driving dynamics of saloons or estates. Thus, the Q5’s driving intuition may be of more importance to the beefier X3 and GLC, but better it isn’t.
Packaging-wise, the Q5 is equally able to its competition – just like in the drivetrain department. There’s the typical level of SUV versatility (same as in an estate but with more cabin height) that isn’t any inferior to its opponents. But go into detail, and the rear seats can’t fold down in three parts like in an X3.
If there’s one or two things in the Q5’s interior that’s worth praising, it is no other than driver ergonomics and perceived quality. Instrumentation are neatly positioned in their logical places and material quality and finish is peerless. Yes, it should be a class benchmark.
Imported Q5 is priced to fight.
In fact, interiors of Audis have always been a strong point. Such a sense of consistency can also be seen in the exterior design, which is to say that the Q5 isn’t really that outstanding in this particular facet. No, we aren’t moaning about the familiar family look – it simply looks to meek for an SUV that needs some ruggedness for buyers needing to make a statement.
As mentioned earlier, the Thai Audi agent has done a good job in pricing the Q5 35 TDI competitively in a highly discriminating car market. But that has resulted in minimal amount of driver-assist tech, not to mention gadgets that Thais love like virtual rear-parking camera, air-con ventilation for rear passengers and electric power operation for the tailgate.
Despite some trivial issues, the Q5 shouldn’t be overlooked by potential SUV customers in Thailand. It’s easy to live with, comfortable on the move and priced quite attractively. In fact, it has always been like this since the previous generation.
