I know I'm late to the conversation, but I had to say something. I take an exhaustive approach when researching a car before I make my purchase. This is by far the best review I have never watched. Hands down!!!
Except for the fact, the guy is an idiot and doesn’t know the brand model numbers feature names and ignored have to things on the car and focused on dumb stuff
i own a 2018 Q5 and at first i thought the tablet looked ugly tacked onto the dash but i have found that is in a better place to view while driving. I really like my Q5. Even my wife loves the Q5.
Regarding the infotainment screen: It's not more expensive to integrate it into the dash. They do it so that the screen is in your sightline so that you don't take your eyes off the road. If they tried to integrate it into the dash AND keep it in your sightline, the whole dash gets lifted up by 6 inches.
I 100% agree with you on the sightline & it makes sense not to disturb driving. but still it's more expensive to integrate the screen on the dash, which would be dumb over-engineering. I guess manufactures do that more for the aesthetic reason?... ;)
It’s good for sight line, but cost is also a consideration. They can easily upgrade the screen to a larger one by stacking a different one on the dash. If it were integrated, Audi would have to redesign the whole dash to fit the larger screen, which would undoubtedly cost more money in development. And we all know consumers want larger and larger screens these days. They can put a 12” wide screen display if they wanted to and give consumers the wow factor.
I don't get people are so turned down by the "boring" look for it being classic and long-lasting. The lack of touchscreen is also compensated by the exceptional ergonomics that Audi has mastered for a long time (until autonomous vehicles become mainstream and drivers are legally allowed to interact with another interface).
I have driven all the new models on my search for a new daily driver. Your reviews are good but they do undersell these. Probably for the best so you don't seem biased. The 18 Q5 is a fucking dream machine. If you have never driven one..do so. Unless you are anti suanything or have a sports car fetish..you will be blown away. The view out the front is so good I almost burst into tears. It was a revelation to see the road so we'll. The mirrors are perfect the view out the back. The digital dash is excellent, so much I wish they made that second screen retractable. It's superfluous. You are spot on about the bezels, BMW got that part right. I couldn't track the speed with my eyes while driving because it all blends together. HUD would be perfect. The HVAC..are the best controls ever. Period it's been perfected imo. (All the a series have the same) the back seats are so much better than the X3. It's so much quieter. The engine on the Q5 I found smooth..but I was caning it on the hwy. It needs another 20 hp mid-range for me. Exterior styling is good but in the end it looks like a Norelco razor. The light blue paint helps so does the lighter interior. Finally, the panaoroof allows you to close the mesh screen when it is open creating a wind block ..so cool. Great automobile, wish it was rear biased but BMW does Excel there...
This was easily the best review that I’ve seen. You looked at every aspect of the vehicle including under the car, under the hood, and the entire. Great job!
Really nice review, but one nitpick: the spare tire *does* require air. It's a space-saver tire, which expands to look like a normal tire once you add air to it.
For this back, the seating position is the single the most important factor in considering a car..and it's pass fail...if it's fail, no point in going further...savagegeese consistently does the best job of describing the plusses and minuses of the driver's seating. As always,. good job.
THis video provides one of the most accurate descriptions in-depth of the 2018 Q5. I have a better appreciation for the Q5 after seeing this video and description of the undercarriage isolators Audi incorporated for quiet enjoyment. One thing I didn't hear was the increase in disc rotor sized front and rear over the 2017. All in all an Excellent video.
The Q5 is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. I have a 2022. But looking at old videos I really appreciate where it has come from. The ride is so buttery smooth and the sound system is amazing. I can ride to Pluto in the Q5.
I like the fact that there's a car that fills the luxury/quiet segment with good performance and handling. When you think about it, that's a pretty tall order.
My mom just got the new q5 and you nailed it about the damn left door armrest, Unless you sit really low I can near put my arm there. Another thing I don't like is the cup holders, the sliding center armrest almost knocked my coffee the other day when driving the car.
I just sat in one of these q5's and the door armrest issue is limited to you. Im 5'11" I consider myself to have shorter arms and my entire elbow fits on the armrest. In fact this is the only vehicle ive ever been in the my elbow actually completely sits on the armrest; I was very impressed.
@@physhac Unexpectedly 6 weeks ago I received a 2018 Premium with 19,850 miles. Have put around 700 mi. on it driving in town & on freeway. It had the 20K mile service already. I've had some nice vehicles, this one is a real pleasure. Fast enough, no drama turns, controls mostly intuitive, real-world 23mpg combo, fits your stuff when you need it to, my few passengers think it's pretty sweet, and that is my overall take. Seems to be problem-free, should be no maintenance until I return it March 2021. Looks absolutely showroom new after 27 months in service.
What you have described was my greatest fear. The old Q5 was an excellent CUV. Possibly the best CUV. It was small on the outside large and comfortable on the inside. The 2016 base Q5 drove like a sports sedan. It only got better from there. The steering feel was very quick and direct with good feel. The Ride quality was controlled supple wile still being firm. My Cusin purchased an "270" hp SC V6 2016 Audi Q5. It was on of the best driving experiences I have had in an automobile. It was just about flawless. When I drove the Macan I was disappointed the Sc Q5 was a better overall CUV. What does VW do? Dumb down the Q5. No one will ever say that the Q5 is as good as the Macan agin. As wonderful as the the turbo 4 with the 7 speed DCT transmission is. It may be the best overall 4 cylinder drivetrains ever made. It is no match for the Audi Q5 SC V6.
@@savagegeese thank you for your review. I just got a q5 premium plus because you're review. My wife just looking for a soccer practice and grocery getter thank you again
i choose a old RX450h instead of this and never looked back ...greetings from germany. This Audi weighs 1900-2000kg in 2019; a 10 year old RX450h with a 3,5ltrV6 plus Hybrid weighs 2150kg which i think is not so bad for a over 10 year old Luxury SUV without having so much aluminium but airsuspension, full interated HUD, electric adjustable wooden steeringwheel, moonroof and and and ;-)
We went with an X5 solely because I completely hated how floaty the q-series drove. X5 probably weighs about the same but has such tighter driving characteristics, especially when driving back to back. The Q felt like a minivan.
Thanks for all of your reviews! I first watched Alex on Autos on this Q5 and his review was more on the negative side but I told myself that it can't be really that bad. However, after watching your review, I decided to test drive it and was really impressed what $37k can buy you (2018 Q5 Prestige with cold and warm weather packages and 15k miles). I exchanged my 2015 Genesis Sedan Ultimate for this Audi and could not be happier! Thanks again for your amazing reviews!
With "Alex in Autos" he bases EVERY CUV/SUV/Crossover Solely on the fact that they must meet his stringent expectations, by that of HIS favorite vehicle, "The VOLVO."
@@Kiss__Kiss that would make sense. I have driven XC60 which is comparable to Q5 and decided to go with Q5. I love the ambient lights that Audi has and it is easier and cheaper to find the prestige package with cold and warm weather packages vs Volvo. I am not saying XC60 was a bad car but I was not willing to pay much more and miss some the features that were on my "must have" list.
Have driven the Audi Q5. Not bad at all. In fact, quite a nice driving and riding experience. At least 1,001 days in this crossover as opposed to just one day in something else like a Nissan Pathfinder or a Nissan Rogue. I will bet my super painfully hard-earned money on this one and win out big time!!
Excellent review; definitely one of the best about an Audi vehicle an this is from an Audi current owner. I agree with 90% of the comments that are spot on but there are a few key points not being discussed that are big omissions IMO. LED headlamps performance is one and the technical review not even having a glance at the braking system is a big let down, especially for all the folks wanting to compare with a non-German vehicle. No mention of the B&O sound system performance either. I never had any remote issue wit the digital cluster black lever in 1 year of ownership and I will take the Audi digital cluster over the new half-baked BMW one anytime.
Agreed. The exteriors of most Audi's leave me cold. The PT comparison was accurate. Never noticed that. Like the interior and the fact that a few manufacturers finally do a decent job with the speed of their electronics. To pay a premium price and and get dog-slow response on the infotainment is a sin.
Thanks for reminding me again on what I have to go through when I first had my Q5 2017. I had to have 3 dealership visits to fix the squeaking and rattle noises. I got it from Chicago. I moved to the Bay Area and my 3rd visit was at Burlingame Audi. They provided excellent service. They were the once who fixed the last noise that my 2 previous shop visits weren't able to fix. They found out that the noise was from a loose speaker bracket in the back passenger door. So kudos to them. On the other hand, every now and then I still get the rattling noise on the moon roof. To the point you are making, for a luxury and brand new car one should not have to deal with these inconveniences. I did not experience this when I bought a Honda car. My lease is due is seriously reconsidering if I have to get another Audi or not.
Great video but just a warning for some looking into this vehicle...a friend of mine has a 2016 q5 and loves everything except one thing...this thing burns through oil like a starving man at a buffet. She has told me she goes just around town and is almost empty at around 2000 miles...she has taken it back to the dealer too many times and the mechanic says Audi is working on a fix but nothing has turned up...now she has a warranty so she's not super worried about it but she did say if she did some research and found out about the issue she would have e never gotten one. Now this issue maybe fixed with newer models but I would just wait for some long term reviews to see if the oil burning issue is still there or not.
Mike Mac This problem goes back a long way for Audi TFSI engines. Although it has been said that the problem got fixed from 2012 vehicles and forward... I guess it hasn’t been fixed and Audi just made a cheap temporary solution to tell the press that the problem has been solved. It’s all about that revenue.
I have read that Cayennes do this as well, at least they did at one time. My brother has had a bunch of BMWs, and while he hasn't reported any oil problems, he says that you should get rid of it once the warranty runs out.....or else.
I’m driving one of the first mk2s that arrived in 2017 with the petrol engine. While the oil level has dropped slightly on the dashboard level display, I certainly have no oil issues with the car. As mentioned before, the oil burning issue was addressed years ago. Of course, driving style and conditions will determine oil usage in any car. How much oil is required every 2000 mls to get it topped up again ? Are there lots of drag racing episodes at traffic lights in the day to day driving of the car ?
Have you ever seen the ad for this car where the guy has to go into witness protection or something and the agents are like here's your boring house, your boring job, and your boring car and they show him a Lexus RX but the guy decides it doesn't look exciting enough so he picks the Q5 over his own safety? It gets a chuckle from me every time
X3 is great, but it's got massive wind noise, and nowhere near the view out the front. Also the rear seats in the new X3 are flat garbage and the Q5 is world's better there. The 18 X3 looks so much better on the outside but cheaper by far feeling doors and hard plastics inside.
I complete agree with what you said about the laziness when it comes to dash design (screen integration) and copying. Honda Accord, later followed by the new Altima as examples.
Thanks savagegeese, I bought Q5 for wife after watching your video. As you said it is quit, simple , clean interior and premium ride quality. Great cruiser. Test drove x3 and Rdx , didn’t like interior of both cars.
I had a 2014 Q5 3 litre diesel. Superb 4 wheel drive traction but no soul in driving feel. It felt like a box on rails. Rear wheel drive cars feel much more entertaining.
Absolutely disagree about the position of the infotainment panel. It makes less sense integrated into the dash where it takes your eyes away from a natural road sight line. It makes much more sense located where it is, reducing the need to correct your gaze constantly from up to down. Maybe everyone is doing it because ergonomically it's correct?
You can design it higher in the dash without making it look like they just stuck it on with with velcro. Look at how Alfa Guilia does it for example. And the concept of moving the screen higher to avoid distraction is an oxymoron. The screen is the distraction.
Makes me feel more confident that going VW Alltrack is a better option...VAG's interior lighting is 1 reason why I was cheering for Belgium in the world cup...I like the Q5, but prefer their Avants more as they seem easier to live with on a daily basis...still a lot of money for something that doesn't really have a personality.
I've been eyeing a Q5 for a while. Cannot tell you how many times I've come back to this review. Would love to see what you think of the update SQ5. Maybe it'll convince me to part with the cash in the new year.
Test drove a Q5 last month and generally liked it except for that Digi-Stick. Living in SW FL and not needing AWD, I wound up leasing a RWD GLC. Much more of a fun driver.
Excellent review Geese, in the uk the Q5 is an extremely popular SUV, but the petrol engine is virtually non existent apart from the SQ5, fuel economy is very poor in the petrol models, so people opt for the 2.0 Diesel which is an excellent engine, it will be interesting to see IF and WHEN Audi decide to ditch the Diesel engine.
You know what else comes out to $56k? A 2018 Grand Cherokee High Altitude with the 5.7 and HK audio. This Q5 interior, namely the dash and door panels look cheap in comparison to the asking price and to the Grand Cherokee Overland and above. The Jeep uses more expensive, higher quality leather everywhere (including the stitched dash and door panels) than the Audi and it is obvious just by looking at the two side by side. That $56k Jeep also comes standard with height adjustable air suspension, pano roof, acoustic glass, radar cruise, self park, blind spot, lane keep, active noise cancellation, acoustic glass, tons of sound deadening, POWER tilt/telecoping wheel, cooled seats, heats front and rear seats, heated wheel, power outlets galore etc etc. The Audi has a more refined powertrain, but the 5.7's torque combined with the ZF tranny makes for a relaxed and refined ride too. Even in the Q7 they use the rubberized dash. For the kind of money that those can go for it looks very cheap. The virtual dash in these are the best in the industry though. The Jeep's gas mileage numbers are abysmal, but enthusiasts will gladly pay the price at the pump for an NA V8 torque monster.
Yep its a nice car to drive but there is too much plastic being used inside to warrant the high price. Plastic door cards and plastic door close pulls really cheapen the interior. A late mk1 was a much stronger and better built car. Audi have not moved forward with this car
Hi. I have driven both and you are comparing something that drives like a semi truck with something that drives like an orgasm. The Q5 practically walks you down the road in teleportation compared with the JGCOverland. Don't get me wrong, the Jeep is a fantastic cruiser and a great value. But for day to day, or in and out of cities and traffic? Q5 Everytime. Also the interior quality is not worth comparing, Audi wins because the engineering is so epically perfect. Try one.
@@NONARCS coming back to this 2 years later because someone in the household just got a 2021 SQ5. Sorry, the interior is cheap. That rubber dash is the same stuff you'll find in a VW GTI. Upper door trim is the same rubber crap. In the Overland and Summit, the dash is real stitched leather and the upper door panels are soft padded leather. The armrests in the front doors...LOL try comfortably resting your elbow on that. Its a reach to say the least. I drove it for a few days. The damping of the suspension in the SQ5 and handling are far superior to the Grand Cherokee by a long shot. The SQ5 is quieter over bumps and handles far better. However, the Q5 was built with no offroad capability in mind. $60k Jeeps are mall crawlers, but the Jeep engineers still have to make them highly capable off road due to the badge. The drivetrain... The SQ5 is substantially faster at aggressive throttle, once the turbo kicks in. However it takes some time for it to kick in. You get nothing at first, then there is a non-linear burst of acceleration. This is not the power delivery a luxurious refined drivetrain. Haven't driven a base Q5 with the 4 banger, but I'd assume it would be even worse in that one. I'd take a high torque NA V8 all day in a luxury car. The Hemi is just much smoother and a ton more effortless during day to day driving. Both use the same transmission, but each has their own tuning. The Audi's ZF shifts smoother and faster. Anyway this is now a dated debate because the WL Grand Cherokee is out. Check out that interior in Overland and Summit trims and compare it to a SQ5 Prestige. There really is no comparison interior there...Audi is bargain basement in comparison. The hard plastics and button/knob feel is a few notches higher in the Audi. This is where the $30k base price of the Grand Cherokee is obvious. BTW, I don't own a Jeep nor an Audi. Family members do and I have access to those cars on a regular basis. I choose to drive cars that are fun.
Nice work on calling out tacked on screens, my pet peeve. And it's a shame as Audi used to spend the extra coin on fancy screens that recessed into the dash, etc. I remember when Mercedes first started doing it, confuzzled the minddd. At least now they have the option of the slightly less ugly dual screen display. Good on BMW for setting the right example.
Adam N thankfully I have the 2018 A6 with the screen that retracts into dash. A3 screen retracts. Not sure why on so many models they went with the goofy tacked on screens. New A6 a7 A8 are going back to the integrated screens.
Excellent review. I do think you should have called out Audi on cheapening the materials for no reason on what is essentially a raised A4 (cheapened against the A4's interior material quality). The lower dash is all hard plastic and it really is noticeable since it's where your hands can touch while using the HVAC. Same for the lower door panels where an entry level 3 series has soft touch. It should never be on an SUV of this price and trim. Likewise the paddles are black plastic. It would be fine if the others were the same, but when I compared it with the new X3's interior, it was very noticeable and I find it confusing they compromised on interior quality.
I just purchased a new 2018 Lincoln XKC FWD Premiere for $29,000...zero options, very nice. It looks more like an Audi Q5 then a PT Cruiser. Compare the (open or closed) tailgates of the MKC with the Q5...practically interchangeable.
I have a 2018 Q5 Premium Plus, my problem is with the steering feel (or lack there of), the feeling is completely loose and detached. Also, the car feels unstable when above 75mph
You didn't talk about the engine and driving experience of the SQ5 tho. New video coming? Also those fake exhaust tips are there even on the sportiest SQ5 and they look horrendous.
I am 6'3, 230 lbs and could not keep my left arm comfortable when I tested the Q5. It just kept swinging down and landing in between the door and seat. Even as a bigger guy, I had this problem and I pointed it out right away. Thank you for noticing this, great video as always. PS: second deal breaker, the flimsy and not fully opaque panoramic moonroof screen. PSS: I got an X3
Get the Q5. The engine in the Audi is a solid one, on its third iteration. Only thing is you'll have to service differently is the dual clutch transmission every 40,000 miles (fluid change) for around $300. The NX drives nowhere near as nice as the Q5, it is really is underpowered for its price.
I know I'm late to the conversation, but I had to say something. I take an exhaustive approach when researching a car before I make my purchase. This is by far the best review I have never watched. Hands down!!!
One of the most detailed and best reviews of the Q5 ever.
The Q5 is cool
Except for the fact, the guy is an idiot and doesn’t know the brand model numbers feature names and ignored have to things on the car and focused on dumb stuff
i own a 2018 Q5 and at first i thought the tablet looked ugly tacked onto the dash but i have found that is in a better place to view while driving. I really like my Q5. Even my wife loves the Q5.
I like mine too!
I love mine too. It's a great car
@@viswanathdevaram8812 Used to own a 2010 Q5 V6, fully loaded. Amazing cars
I love mine too!!
how has it held up
Am planning to get one approved used...
Regarding the infotainment screen: It's not more expensive to integrate it into the dash. They do it so that the screen is in your sightline so that you don't take your eyes off the road. If they tried to integrate it into the dash AND keep it in your sightline, the whole dash gets lifted up by 6 inches.
I agree. That was what the old Q5 went with and it definitely disrupted the continuity of the center console.
I 100% agree with you on the sightline & it makes sense not to disturb driving. but still it's more expensive to integrate the screen on the dash, which would be dumb over-engineering. I guess manufactures do that more for the aesthetic reason?... ;)
It looks cheap and retarded on every vehicle
It’s good for sight line, but cost is also a consideration. They can easily upgrade the screen to a larger one by stacking a different one on the dash. If it were integrated, Audi would have to redesign the whole dash to fit the larger screen, which would undoubtedly cost more money in development. And we all know consumers want larger and larger screens these days. They can put a 12” wide screen display if they wanted to and give consumers the wow factor.
I don't get people are so turned down by the "boring" look for it being classic and long-lasting. The lack of touchscreen is also compensated by the exceptional ergonomics that Audi has mastered for a long time (until autonomous vehicles become mainstream and drivers are legally allowed to interact with another interface).
Best reviews on youtube
Patrick Zievinger I totally agree! for a minute I actually wanted that Audi and I'm not a big Audi fan😂
I have driven all the new models on my search for a new daily driver. Your reviews are good but they do undersell these. Probably for the best so you don't seem biased. The 18 Q5 is a fucking dream machine. If you have never driven one..do so. Unless you are anti suanything or have a sports car fetish..you will be blown away. The view out the front is so good I almost burst into tears. It was a revelation to see the road so we'll. The mirrors are perfect the view out the back. The digital dash is excellent, so much I wish they made that second screen retractable. It's superfluous. You are spot on about the bezels, BMW got that part right. I couldn't track the speed with my eyes while driving because it all blends together. HUD would be perfect. The HVAC..are the best controls ever. Period it's been perfected imo. (All the a series have the same) the back seats are so much better than the X3. It's so much quieter. The engine on the Q5 I found smooth..but I was caning it on the hwy. It needs another 20 hp mid-range for me. Exterior styling is good but in the end it looks like a Norelco razor. The light blue paint helps so does the lighter interior. Finally, the panaoroof allows you to close the mesh screen when it is open creating a wind block ..so cool. Great automobile, wish it was rear biased but BMW does Excel there...
This is by far one of the most thorough reviews about the new q5 I’ve seen on UA-cam. Great job I’m subscribed
This was easily the best review that I’ve seen. You looked at every aspect of the vehicle including under the car, under the hood, and the entire. Great job!
I thought you were gonna die at 16:18
That car looked like it was SO close :)
Same here, I think it must have been indicating it was turning?
lol yeah wtf
not the first time this is happening in his reviews by the way :)
Looks like that car was turning right with the indicator on.
Where were the advanced Audi safety features?!?! No warning message or override?
Really nice review, but one nitpick: the spare tire *does* require air. It's a space-saver tire, which expands to look like a normal tire once you add air to it.
The only UA-cam Car reviewer where I will watch EVERY second of the video...
Glad to see you are up to date on your health screening! @7:30
This is by far the best review I’ve seen. Please keep up the good work!
For this back, the seating position is the single the most important factor in considering a car..and it's pass fail...if it's fail, no point in going further...savagegeese consistently does the best job of describing the plusses and minuses of the driver's seating. As always,. good job.
THis video provides one of the most accurate descriptions in-depth of the 2018 Q5. I have a better appreciation for the Q5 after seeing this video and description of the undercarriage isolators Audi incorporated for quiet enjoyment. One thing I didn't hear was the increase in disc rotor sized front and rear over the 2017. All in all an Excellent video.
The Q5 is one of the best vehicles I have ever driven. I have a 2022. But looking at old videos I really appreciate where it has come from. The ride is so buttery smooth and the sound system is amazing. I can ride to Pluto in the Q5.
how is the reliability
I'm so confused with videos offering different perspectives ...some say theyre bad some say theyre good..
20:35 Thank you very much, I can't unsee it.
What? What did you see?
So Turbowski misses all the premium cars, the supercars, _comes back for the Hyundai Accent_ then misses this Q5 too👏
He is a man of taste.
Where I live the good drivers are in Hyundai and the fools who drive like they want to die are in the Audi!
Correction, he only shows up for truly premium vehicles.
ansaree97 Mr G is succeeded now. Manufacturers cares in casr he's gonna shit on cars so Scott's rule has to be reduced.
Hyundai, the homeless man's Audi
Nice car overall. Your production and reviews are second to none.
I like the fact that there's a car that fills the luxury/quiet segment with good performance and handling. When you think about it, that's a pretty tall order.
Best car reviewer in UA-cam to date.
Like always, your intros are just amazing.👀
My mom just got the new q5 and you nailed it about the damn left door armrest, Unless you sit really low I can near put my arm there. Another thing I don't like is the cup holders, the sliding center armrest almost knocked my coffee the other day when driving the car.
I just sat in one of these q5's and the door armrest issue is limited to you. Im 5'11" I consider myself to have shorter arms and my entire elbow fits on the armrest. In fact this is the only vehicle ive ever been in the my elbow actually completely sits on the armrest; I was very impressed.
I’m 6 ft tall with 32 inseam. In my seating position my left arm is way behind the armrest and doesn’t come close to being able to use it.
Best review I've ever seen. Thank you man.
All your videos are incredible! Thank you so much for existing!!!
The best suv on the market 👍
Do u have one? Am 99% convinced to get one but read reviews about reliability issues in first 3 years and length of time to get replacement parts?
@@physhac Unexpectedly 6 weeks ago I received a 2018 Premium with 19,850 miles. Have put around 700 mi. on it driving in town & on freeway. It had the 20K mile service already. I've had some nice vehicles, this one is a real pleasure. Fast enough, no drama turns, controls mostly intuitive, real-world 23mpg combo, fits your stuff when you need it to, my few passengers think it's pretty sweet, and that is my overall take. Seems to be problem-free, should be no maintenance until I return it March 2021. Looks absolutely showroom new after 27 months in service.
TeeGee thank you! Helpful
Rx350 will last you longer
@@Loachie90 true. But the trade-off is a less dynamic driving experience. Something to weigh. I do love the RX interior though.
Savagegeese squad in the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great video as always Mark
audi is class... less is more and the subtle refined execution of all the small things aggregated together makes it a sweet package
Hopefully you get your hands on the new RDX!
What you have described was my greatest fear. The old Q5 was an excellent CUV. Possibly the best CUV. It was small on the outside large and comfortable on the inside. The 2016 base Q5 drove like a sports sedan. It only got better from there. The steering feel was very quick and direct with good feel. The Ride quality was controlled supple wile still being firm. My Cusin purchased an "270" hp SC V6 2016 Audi Q5. It was on of the best driving experiences I have had in an automobile. It was just about flawless. When I drove the Macan I was disappointed the Sc Q5 was a better overall CUV. What does VW do? Dumb down the Q5. No one will ever say that the Q5 is as good as the Macan agin. As wonderful as the the turbo 4 with the 7 speed DCT transmission is. It may be the best overall 4 cylinder drivetrains ever made. It is no match for the Audi Q5 SC V6.
5:10 The Weeknd - Preparing for a Colonoscopy, best song on Trilogy tbh
Good eye, love the bugs in the thumbnails.
@@savagegeese thank you for your review. I just got a q5 premium plus because you're review. My wife just looking for a soccer practice and grocery getter thank you again
i choose a old RX450h instead of this and never looked back ...greetings
from germany. This Audi weighs 1900-2000kg in 2019; a 10 year old RX450h with a
3,5ltrV6 plus Hybrid weighs 2150kg which i think is not so bad for a
over 10 year old Luxury SUV without having so much aluminium but
airsuspension, full interated HUD, electric adjustable wooden steeringwheel, moonroof and and and ;-)
We went with an X5 solely because I completely hated how floaty the q-series drove. X5 probably weighs about the same but has such tighter driving characteristics, especially when driving back to back. The Q felt like a minivan.
Yeah the Q5 is soft, depends on what you value. The X5 and X3 are far more nimble.
I have to say this is one of the best reviews yet. Keep up the great work! I would not have considered this car until seeing this review.
Your reviews are so complete and done very well - content, production and finesse. Thank you!!
I learned more about my Q5 from this video than I did from the dealership!
The 2018 Audi PT Cruiser. You literally nailed it.
It's a good package but styling on current Audis is meh
Thanks for all of your reviews! I first watched Alex on Autos on this Q5 and his review was more on the negative side but I told myself that it can't be really that bad. However, after watching your review, I decided to test drive it and was really impressed what $37k can buy you (2018 Q5 Prestige with cold and warm weather packages and 15k miles). I exchanged my 2015 Genesis Sedan Ultimate for this Audi and could not be happier! Thanks again for your amazing reviews!
With "Alex in Autos" he bases EVERY CUV/SUV/Crossover Solely on the fact that they must meet his stringent expectations, by that of HIS favorite vehicle, "The VOLVO."
@@Kiss__Kiss that would make sense. I have driven XC60 which is comparable to Q5 and decided to go with Q5. I love the ambient lights that Audi has and it is easier and cheaper to find the prestige package with cold and warm weather packages vs Volvo. I am not saying XC60 was a bad car but I was not willing to pay much more and miss some the features that were on my "must have" list.
@@pkocylowski Exactly!!! Well said.
@@pkocylowski the Q5 is head and shoulders above Volvo
@@Kiss__Kiss lol
Have driven the Audi Q5. Not bad at all. In fact, quite a nice driving and riding experience. At least 1,001 days in this crossover as opposed to just one day in something else like a Nissan Pathfinder or a Nissan Rogue. I will bet my super painfully hard-earned money on this one and win out big time!!
Very interesting choice of music during the entire video. Audible luxury. Excellent video as always!
Please tell me you'll be reviewing the new RDX soon
Great review on this. I want one, especially the SQ5! Perfect.
Just got my q5 thank you for the review
Can't wait to see the review for the Audi SQ5, love the review for the Audi Q5. Thinking of getting one for myself base of this review.
Great point about the infotainment screen. I'm glad that it goes up and down in my A3.
I like that you used my "in the shoppe without Scott turbowski" line 😉
Good review, I especially like that you pointed out the negatives as well as the positives. You don’t often here the negatives
Excellent review; definitely one of the best about an Audi vehicle an this is from an Audi current owner. I agree with 90% of the comments that are spot on but there are a few key points not being discussed that are big omissions IMO. LED headlamps performance is one and the technical review not even having a glance at the braking system is a big let down, especially for all the folks wanting to compare with a non-German vehicle. No mention of the B&O sound system performance either.
I never had any remote issue wit the digital cluster black lever in 1 year of ownership and I will take the Audi digital cluster over the new half-baked BMW one anytime.
"Preparing for Colonoscopy" :D
lol yeah took me less than a sec to notice it too
ua-cam.com/video/xd1N0WOcd5A/v-deo.html
Agreed. The exteriors of most Audi's leave me cold. The PT comparison was accurate. Never noticed that. Like the interior and the fact that a few manufacturers finally do a decent job with the speed of their electronics. To pay a premium price and and get dog-slow response on the infotainment is a sin.
Another great review...love the attention to detail!!!
Very good video.Trying to decide between the Q5 and the BMW X3 just afraid of the repair bills😱
Thanks for reminding me again on what I have to go through when I first had my Q5 2017. I had to have 3 dealership visits to fix the squeaking and rattle noises. I got it from Chicago. I moved to the Bay Area and my 3rd visit was at Burlingame Audi. They provided excellent service. They were the once who fixed the last noise that my 2 previous shop visits weren't able to fix. They found out that the noise was from a loose speaker bracket in the back passenger door. So kudos to them. On the other hand, every now and then I still get the rattling noise on the moon roof.
To the point you are making, for a luxury and brand new car one should not have to deal with these inconveniences. I did not experience this when I bought a Honda car.
My lease is due is seriously reconsidering if I have to get another Audi or not.
Great video but just a warning for some looking into this vehicle...a friend of mine has a 2016 q5 and loves everything except one thing...this thing burns through oil like a starving man at a buffet. She has told me she goes just around town and is almost empty at around 2000 miles...she has taken it back to the dealer too many times and the mechanic says Audi is working on a fix but nothing has turned up...now she has a warranty so she's not super worried about it but she did say if she did some research and found out about the issue she would have e never gotten one. Now this issue maybe fixed with newer models but I would just wait for some long term reviews to see if the oil burning issue is still there or not.
Mike Mac This problem goes back a long way for Audi TFSI engines. Although it has been said that the problem got fixed from 2012 vehicles and forward... I guess it hasn’t been fixed and Audi just made a cheap temporary solution to tell the press that the problem has been solved. It’s all about that revenue.
I have read that Cayennes do this as well, at least they did at one time. My brother has had a bunch of BMWs, and while he hasn't reported any oil problems, he says that you should get rid of it once the warranty runs out.....or else.
I’m driving one of the first mk2s that arrived in 2017 with the petrol engine. While the oil level has dropped slightly on the dashboard level display, I certainly have no oil issues with the car. As mentioned before, the oil burning issue was addressed years ago. Of course, driving style and conditions will determine oil usage in any car. How much oil is required every 2000 mls to get it topped up again ? Are there lots of drag racing episodes at traffic lights in the day to day driving of the car ?
you are so right about the Tablet looking Info screen. it looks cheap and looks like an after thought.
I really appreciate your honesty! I was really considering this car but your review gave me a different perspective...
I think the infotainment console screen looks sleek and clean. I find the screens that are built in look super cheesy like in Volvo and rdx
If I ever do Car reviews I want to be like this guy.
Have you ever seen the ad for this car where the guy has to go into witness protection or something and the agents are like here's your boring house, your boring job, and your boring car and they show him a Lexus RX but the guy decides it doesn't look exciting enough so he picks the Q5 over his own safety? It gets a chuckle from me every time
Review an SQ5!
Awesome detailed reviews. You provided informative answers to consider between the differing vehicles. Thank you in helping us decide on the X3.
X3 is great, but it's got massive wind noise, and nowhere near the view out the front. Also the rear seats in the new X3 are flat garbage and the Q5 is world's better there. The 18 X3 looks so much better on the outside but cheaper by far feeling doors and hard plastics inside.
I complete agree with what you said about the laziness when it comes to dash design (screen integration) and copying. Honda Accord, later followed by the new Altima as examples.
Thanks savagegeese, I bought Q5 for wife after watching your video. As you said it is quit, simple , clean interior and premium ride quality. Great cruiser. Test drove x3 and Rdx , didn’t like interior of both cars.
Keep doing what you do, love you videos and will keep supporting you!
I had a 2014 Q5 3 litre diesel. Superb 4 wheel drive traction but no soul in driving feel. It felt like a box on rails. Rear wheel drive cars feel much more entertaining.
Absolutely disagree about the position of the infotainment panel. It makes less sense integrated into the dash where it takes your eyes away from a natural road sight line. It makes much more sense located where it is, reducing the need to correct your gaze constantly from up to down.
Maybe everyone is doing it because ergonomically it's correct?
You can design it higher in the dash without making it look like they just stuck it on with with velcro. Look at how Alfa Guilia does it for example. And the concept of moving the screen higher to avoid distraction is an oxymoron. The screen is the distraction.
We just had a Q5 loaner while my A4 was in the shop and this review is so spot on. The armrest thing is so accurate and frustrating.
15:57 Sebring convertible on Bluetooth ❤️
That intro tho......damn your on a whole other level
Makes me feel more confident that going VW Alltrack is a better option...VAG's interior lighting is 1 reason why I was cheering for Belgium in the world cup...I like the Q5, but prefer their Avants more as they seem easier to live with on a daily basis...still a lot of money for something that doesn't really have a personality.
Wonder if the front bumper, grill, and lights, needs to come off to change the fan belt tensioner like previous models?
Please tell me you'll be reviewing the Audi SQ5 vs BMW X3 m40i soon
I've been eyeing a Q5 for a while. Cannot tell you how many times I've come back to this review. Would love to see what you think of the update SQ5. Maybe it'll convince me to part with the cash in the new year.
Please buy a normal Q5 with a diesel
Test drove a Q5 last month and generally liked it except for that Digi-Stick. Living in SW FL and not needing AWD, I wound up leasing a RWD GLC. Much more of a fun driver.
Can't wait for your take on the new A6, A7, or A8 HVAC controls. The LCD display touch controls seem deemed to be a disaster
Please....after XC60, X3, and Q5. Time to review Mercedes GLC.
Excellent review Geese, in the uk the Q5 is an extremely popular SUV, but the petrol engine is virtually non existent apart from the SQ5, fuel economy is very poor in the petrol models, so people opt for the 2.0 Diesel which is an excellent engine, it will be interesting to see IF and WHEN Audi decide to ditch the Diesel engine.
WET - Convertible Chrystler muted on the audio system; maybe the best part of this video that most people will miss.
You know what else comes out to $56k? A 2018 Grand Cherokee High Altitude with the 5.7 and HK audio. This Q5 interior, namely the dash and door panels look cheap in comparison to the asking price and to the Grand Cherokee Overland and above. The Jeep uses more expensive, higher quality leather everywhere (including the stitched dash and door panels) than the Audi and it is obvious just by looking at the two side by side. That $56k Jeep also comes standard with height adjustable air suspension, pano roof, acoustic glass, radar cruise, self park, blind spot, lane keep, active noise cancellation, acoustic glass, tons of sound deadening, POWER tilt/telecoping wheel, cooled seats, heats front and rear seats, heated wheel, power outlets galore etc etc. The Audi has a more refined powertrain, but the 5.7's torque combined with the ZF tranny makes for a relaxed and refined ride too. Even in the Q7 they use the rubberized dash. For the kind of money that those can go for it looks very cheap. The virtual dash in these are the best in the industry though. The Jeep's gas mileage numbers are abysmal, but enthusiasts will gladly pay the price at the pump for an NA V8 torque monster.
Yep its a nice car to drive but there is too much plastic being used inside to warrant the high price. Plastic door cards and plastic door close pulls really cheapen the interior. A late mk1 was a much stronger and better built car. Audi have not moved forward with this car
Hi. I have driven both and you are comparing something that drives like a semi truck with something that drives like an orgasm. The Q5 practically walks you down the road in teleportation compared with the JGCOverland. Don't get me wrong, the Jeep is a fantastic cruiser and a great value. But for day to day, or in and out of cities and traffic? Q5 Everytime. Also the interior quality is not worth comparing, Audi wins because the engineering is so epically perfect. Try one.
@@NONARCS coming back to this 2 years later because someone in the household just got a 2021 SQ5. Sorry, the interior is cheap. That rubber dash is the same stuff you'll find in a VW GTI. Upper door trim is the same rubber crap. In the Overland and Summit, the dash is real stitched leather and the upper door panels are soft padded leather. The armrests in the front doors...LOL try comfortably resting your elbow on that. Its a reach to say the least. I drove it for a few days. The damping of the suspension in the SQ5 and handling are far superior to the Grand Cherokee by a long shot. The SQ5 is quieter over bumps and handles far better. However, the Q5 was built with no offroad capability in mind. $60k Jeeps are mall crawlers, but the Jeep engineers still have to make them highly capable off road due to the badge. The drivetrain... The SQ5 is substantially faster at aggressive throttle, once the turbo kicks in. However it takes some time for it to kick in. You get nothing at first, then there is a non-linear burst of acceleration. This is not the power delivery a luxurious refined drivetrain. Haven't driven a base Q5 with the 4 banger, but I'd assume it would be even worse in that one. I'd take a high torque NA V8 all day in a luxury car. The Hemi is just much smoother and a ton more effortless during day to day driving. Both use the same transmission, but each has their own tuning. The Audi's ZF shifts smoother and faster. Anyway this is now a dated debate because the WL Grand Cherokee is out. Check out that interior in Overland and Summit trims and compare it to a SQ5 Prestige. There really is no comparison interior there...Audi is bargain basement in comparison. The hard plastics and button/knob feel is a few notches higher in the Audi. This is where the $30k base price of the Grand Cherokee is obvious. BTW, I don't own a Jeep nor an Audi. Family members do and I have access to those cars on a regular basis. I choose to drive cars that are fun.
2018 mazda 6 turbo review coming soon?
Nice work on calling out tacked on screens, my pet peeve. And it's a shame as Audi used to spend the extra coin on fancy screens that recessed into the dash, etc.
I remember when Mercedes first started doing it, confuzzled the minddd. At least now they have the option of the slightly less ugly dual screen display. Good on BMW for setting the right example.
Adam N thankfully I have the 2018 A6 with the screen that retracts into dash. A3 screen retracts. Not sure why on so many models they went with the goofy tacked on screens. New A6 a7 A8 are going back to the integrated screens.
Excellent review. I do think you should have called out Audi on cheapening the materials for no reason on what is essentially a raised A4 (cheapened against the A4's interior material quality). The lower dash is all hard plastic and it really is noticeable since it's where your hands can touch while using the HVAC. Same for the lower door panels where an entry level 3 series has soft touch. It should never be on an SUV of this price and trim.
Likewise the paddles are black plastic.
It would be fine if the others were the same, but when I compared it with the new X3's interior, it was very noticeable and I find it confusing they compromised on interior quality.
What do you consider a better choice between the Audi Q5 2018 and the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
100% agree with the hand rest. For us in Australia it’s a problem for the right hand. Very very annoying and uncomfortable.
I just purchased a new 2018 Lincoln XKC FWD Premiere for $29,000...zero options, very nice. It looks more like an Audi Q5 then a PT Cruiser. Compare the (open or closed) tailgates of the MKC with the Q5...practically interchangeable.
I have a 2018 Q5 Premium Plus, my problem is with the steering feel (or lack there of), the feeling is completely loose and detached. Also, the car feels unstable when above 75mph
You didn't talk about the engine and driving experience of the SQ5 tho. New video coming? Also those fake exhaust tips are there even on the sportiest SQ5 and they look horrendous.
Great review. Wanted the Q5 to suck because a friend spent way too much money she doesn't have on it, but can't argue with the goose.
at work and had to hold myself together when he made the pt cruiser comment @20:38 😂
Highly enjoy the content but I'm missing more exterior b roll shots. More b roll with driving car please. Good job and keep it up !
Uhhh...I need more details on the spare tire.
It does require air, I mispoke
Watching this is like watching a Hollywood director reviewing tech alongside John Ivy. Cinematically technical.
I am 6'3, 230 lbs and could not keep my left arm comfortable when I tested the Q5. It just kept swinging down and landing in between the door and seat. Even as a bigger guy, I had this problem and I pointed it out right away. Thank you for noticing this, great video as always.
PS: second deal breaker, the flimsy and not fully opaque panoramic moonroof screen. PSS: I got an X3
When referring to the infotainment system "... it's fast, it's quick, it's readable, it's legible..."
New RDX on upcoming list???
would love to see the direct comparison to the 2019 RDX.
Ditto
Thank for the excellent review.
How about realiablity ? Im deciding betweent q5 and nx, but is concerned about q5s realiablity.
Get the Q5. The engine in the Audi is a solid one, on its third iteration. Only thing is you'll have to service differently is the dual clutch transmission every 40,000 miles (fluid change) for around $300. The NX drives nowhere near as nice as the Q5, it is really is underpowered for its price.
Man, I wish I got preatige. Want that hud and ambient light adjustment