Specifications of Audi Q5 II (facelift 2020) 50 TDI V6 (286 HP) MHEV quattro tiptronic
General characteristics of Audi Q5 II (facelift 2020) 50 TDI V6 (286 HP) MHEV quattro tiptronic
Almost identical in width to the BMW X3, the Audi Q5 is, however, more than an inch shorter than its rival. A glance at the spec sheet reveals Q5 dimensions of 184.3 inches in length, 65.5 inches in height, and a 111-inch wheelbase. The width works out to 84.2 inches with the mirrors included and 74.5 inches without the mirrors. For the PHEV variant, the height differs slightly at 65.3 inches. At 4,079 pounds, the base Audi Q5 is almost 150 lbs heavier than the base X3, a variance that is partially attributed to that X3's lighter RWD layout. The Q5 PHEV weighs in at 4,619 lbs.
The Audi has quite a conservative color palette to start off with. For the non-PHEV models, there is a choice of seven shades but only two - Brilliant Black and Ibis White - come at no charge. Following these are five metallics that will each add $595 to the bill: Florett Silver, Glacier White, Manhattan Grey, Mythos Black, and Navarra Blue. If you like vibrant shades like reds or greens, you're out of luck. The PHEV versions don't offer Brilliant Black, Manhattan Gray, or Navarra Blue, but substitute these with Distinct Green, Ultra Blue, and Daytona Gray pearl - these all carry the same $595 premium.
With its latest power increase, an already nippy SUV becomes even quicker this year. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine now produces 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Every model uses Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system which enables a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds - two tenths quicker than last year's model and three-tenths quicker than the base BMW X3. Top speed is limited to 130 mph. Likewise, the base Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 is also off the pace of the Q5, with a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds. Both the BMW and Mercedes do, however, offer the availability of a base rear-wheel-drive model, whereas the Audi only offers AWD.
The more powerful Q5 PHEV produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, dropping the 0-60 time to just five seconds. It can also hit 130 mph, although while in electric-only mode, the top speed drops to 85 mph. For a similar price, BMW's X3 M40i is significantly quicker and more exciting to drive, but obviously uses a lot more gas in the process. It all depends on how much you prioritize outright power relative to efficiency.
The mild-hybrid Q5 is capable of towing up to 4,400 lbs while the PHEV has a reduced towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI turbocharged engine receives more power and the addition of a 12-volt mild-hybrid electric system this year. This system does not increase the powertrain's output, but does improve the function of the start-stop system along with overall efficiency. It now produces 261 hp (a 13-hp increase) and 273 lb-ft of torque. As before, it's paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. The PHEV uses the same gearbox but pairs an electric motor with the turbocharged engine to produce 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. This model makes use of a 14.1 kWh battery.
The power increase on the base model isn't easily noticeable on a test drive relative to last year's version, but this remains a nicely refined and responsive engine. In most scenarios, there is enough power for quick getaways and easy overtaking. Some steeper inclines can make the Q5 feel momentarily sluggish, but not so much that it becomes a dealbreaker. The dual-clutch gearbox is a good match for the engine, executing quick and smooth shifts. The extra shove from the PHEV is noticeable, as is the instant torque from the electric motor when setting off, but the price increase of this model remains up for debate as the base engine is more than capable.
The addition of a mild-hybrid system has improved the base Q5's gas mileage in city driving. Whereas last year's base model managed 22/28/24 mpg city/highway/combined, the new one is better at 23/28/25 mpg. However, the base RWD BMW X3 is more efficient with numbers of 25/29/27 mpg. On gas only, the PHEV returns a combined 27 mpg, along with 50 MPGe combined when the electric motor is taken into account. In all-electric mode, the Q5 PHEV will be able to cover 19 miles.
The gas-only Q5 has an 18.5-gallon gas tank so can cover around 462 miles before needing to be refilled. A smaller 14.3-gallon gas tank applies to the PHEV, so it has a total range of just over 400 miles. With the pre-installed wallbox, the Q5 PHEV's 14.1-kWh battery can be charged in approximately two hours. Using a basic 110-volt household socket, you'll likely need to park your Audi overnight as this setup increases the charging time to six hours.
Those exemplary crashworthiness results are no surprise considering the Q5's safety specification. All models come with a rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring. At speeds above 40 mph, lane departure warning helps the driver maintain their position in a lane. All models also get pre sense rear (rear-end collision avoidance), front/rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert. On the top two trims, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and a top-view camera system are equipped. Finally, the Prestige gets a head-up display with traffic sign recognition.
A total of six airbags include dual-front, dual-side, and front/rear curtain airbags. Every derivative can be optionally equipped with rear side airbags, taking the total count to eight.
