This is the latest generation of Audi’s five-seat family SUV, the Q5. It’s a rival for the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. We’ve been driving the diesel version in sporty S line specification, the Audi Q5 TDI 204PS Quattro S line.

What are we looking for in the Audi Q5?

We want to see if the Q5 offers something that less upmarket SUVs for towing a caravan don’t. We also want to know if diesel power is still worth considering.

Towing ability of the Audi Q5 TDI 204PS Quattro S line

For a mid-size SUV, the Q5 is seriously heavy. A kerbweight of over two tonnes means a wide range of caravans would make sensible matches, something which could make it an attractive prospect when choosing the best caravan tow car.

As you’d hope of a diesel, the towing capacity is very high. A maximum of 2400kg gives a huge ceiling above the 85% match figure of 1726kg. The towing limit beats that of any similar hybrid or plug-in hybrid we can think of.

To put the Q5 to the test, we matched the Audi to a Swift Conqueror 580 with a Mass in Running Order of 1503kg.

The Audi’s 2.0-litre diesel puts out 204hp and 295 lb ft of torque. These are strong figures, although some alternatives such as the Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi ‘3’ diesel have more mid-range pulling power. So, while the Audi pulled the Swift up to speed confidently, there was not a huge amount of muscle in reserve for decisive overtaking.

The Audi Q5 from the rear
It’s not the longest SUV and is an enjoyable place to be when used as a daily driver

Stability is far more important than having pace to spare while towing, and in this respect there’s nothing to criticise. The Q5 feels resolutely secure, whether travelling at 60mph on the motorway (the speed limit when towing a caravan on a motorway) or making good progress on A- and B-roads.

The S line model comes with sports suspension, which does a fine job of controlling unwanted movements without making the car’s ride seem harsh.

So many SUVs these days look like 4x4s but send power to just two wheels. This Q5 is a proper 4×4 with Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system.

In the dry conditions of our test this wasn’t as noticeable as it would be in the wet, but suffice to say we had no trouble with traction. Whether making a hill start or pulling away briskly from a junction the car had no difficulty putting its power to the road.

Low-speed manoeuvring is straightforward, and the rear-view camera is useful when hitching up. The towbar drops down at the push of a button inside the tailgate, although it must be locked in place by hand. The towing electrics are on the side of the bar, so it’s easy to fit the 13-pin plug.

The maximum download on the towbar is 100kg.

Solo driving the Audi Q5 TDI 204PS Quattro S line

The S line has sportier suspension than the entry-level Q5, but Audi’s engineers haven’t stiffened the car too much. The Q5 can tackle a rollercoaster country road with poise and control, while staying on the firm side of comfortable around town.

Colleagues who have driven the car with the optional air suspension (£1725) say this improves the car further. However, as the sports suspension is so good it’s by no means an essential upgrade.

The cab in the Audi
Audi quality interior is a given but it’s not as exclusive as before. Infotainment screen is relatively easy to navigate

The diesel engine can sound gruff if revved hard, but there’s rarely any need. While it can’t match the whisper-quiet progress of the best hybrids around town, the 204hp engine offers ample performance in solo driving.

Besides, motorways and A-roads are where the Q5 is most at home. It’s relaxing and quiet on a long drive, with modest levels of wind and road noise.

Perhaps a BMW X3 is more engaging to drive on a favourite back road, but the Audi is a very satisfying car to drive. Its wide range of talents should keep most drivers happy.

Space and practicality in the Audi Q5 TDI 204PS Quattro S line

There’s plenty of space for the driver in the Q5 and a good range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. However, only the lumbar adjustment on the seat is electrical with other adjustments by hand. That seems a bit penny-pinching on a car that costs over £56,000.

The dashboard design is understated and clean, but there’s not the same uplift in perceived quality there used to be when choosing an Audi.

Vents and charging points in the back seats
Passengers in the rear seats get their own vents and USB charge points

Directly in front of the driver is a configurable display with plenty of scope for customising the look and information shown.

Next to the driver’s display is the infotainment screen, measuring 14.5 inches across. The graphics are sharp and the system is reasonably easy to use. As you’d expect, it’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The boot of the Audi
SUV boots often promise more than they deliver and the Q5 is no exception

The rear seats offer enough room for adults, although if a lanky passenger sits behind a tall driver there won’t be much space to stretch out. Air vents with their own temperature controls sit between the front seats, along with a couple of USB-C ports.

Boot space is good rather than class leading, with a capacity of 520 litres with the rear seats in the upright position.

Buying and owning

The Audi Q5 is priced within a few pounds of the equivalent BMW X3. However, you can buy better equipped or roomier SUVs for similar money if you are happy to consider a less prestigious badge.

Safety kit on the Q5 is comprehensive, however, and the car has achieved a five-star rating from Euro NCAP.

The back seats
For a big car, legroom in the back is nothing special, but the seats are comfy

The official combined economy figure is 44.6mpg, which we found to be broadly realistic in day-to-day driving.

While towing with the Q5, we saw 26.8mpg. That compares with the likes of the Nissan X-Trail hybrid, which achieved 21.4mpg while towing a 1300kg caravan when tested in 2023.

Alternatives to consider

You could take a look at the Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDI GT-Line S AWD, a facelifted range-topping 4×4 which tows well, has a good cab, and provides decent boot space.

Or how about the Mazda CX-80 3.3D AWD Exclusive Line? It’s a seven-seater car which provides driver-focused handling and stable towing.

Technical spec of the Audi Q5 TDI 204PS Quattro S line

  • Model tested: Audi Q5 TDI 204PS Quattro S line
  • Price: £56,610
  • What Car? Target Price: NA
  • Retained value after three years: NA
  • Kerbweight: 2030kg
  • 85% of kerbweight: 1726kg
  • Gross vehicle weight: 2595kg
  • Max towing limit: 2400kg
  • Gross train weight: 4995kg
  • Towball limit: 100kg
  • Price of towball and electrics: £1155
  • Boot size: 520-1473 litres
  • Payload: 565kg
  • Test conditions: Dry
  • Engine capacity: 1968cc
  • Power(hp)/rpm: 204/3800-4200
  • Torque (lb ft)/rpm: (295)/1750-3250
  • Official fuel economy: 44.6mpg
  • Towing economy: 26.8mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 166g/km
  • First year car tax: £1410
  • Second year car tax: £640
  • Insurance group: 39E
  • Euro NCAP rating: 5/5

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