{"id":31208,"date":"2017-12-10T21:23:17","date_gmt":"2017-12-10T21:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bnreport.com\/a-sea-of-calm-behind-the-wheel-the-2018-audi-q5-reviewed\/"},"modified":"2017-12-10T21:23:17","modified_gmt":"2017-12-10T21:23:17","slug":"a-sea-of-calm-behind-the-wheel-the-2018-audi-q5-reviewed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bnreport.com\/en\/a-sea-of-calm-behind-the-wheel-the-2018-audi-q5-reviewed\/","title":{"rendered":"A sea of calm behind the wheel: The 2018 Audi Q5, reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"
Enlarge<\/a>Marlowe Bangeman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Q5 has long been one of Audi\u2019s best-selling models in the US. And what\u2019s not to like? It\u2019s a respectable-looking and functional mid-size crossover, slotting in between the bite-size Q3 and the three-row Audi Q7<\/a>. With a base MSRP of $42,475, the Q5 competes with stalwarts like the BMW X3, Lexus RX450, and Acura RDX, as well as upstarts like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio (look for our review soon). But the Q5 was getting a bit stale, as it hadn\u2019t seen any substantive changes since its introduction in 2008. With the 2018 model, Audi has updated the Q5, making this a good time to check in with its workhorse.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s new in 2018<\/h2>\n

Gone is the old 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, replaced by a\u2026 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. This year\u2019s model offers 252hp and 273lb-ft of torque, an improvement on 2017\u2019s 220hp and 258lb-ft of torque. That should get you from zero to 60mph in a smooth 5.8 seconds, a touch faster than last year. The all-wheel drive Q5 comes with a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. If you want more in the way of raw performance, there\u2019s an SQ5 version<\/a> with a turbocharged, 354hp V-6 and an eight-speed transmission for about $12,000 more.<\/p>\n

On the outside, the 2018 Q5 is an inch longer, two inches wider, and has a slightly longer wheelbase. The tweaks to the hood, grille, and sideview mirrors make for a more aerodynamic design. In terms of exterior design, the 2018 Q5 is evolutionary rather than revolutionary.<\/p>\n

The Q5 interior has seen some upgrades as well, most notably the MMI infotainment system and instrument cluster. Both of those have been given the \u201cretina treatment<\/a>,\u201d with the instrument cluster now consisting of a cleverly laid-out, smaller HD screen that can supplement or mirror the functions of the main 8.3-inch HD screen which protrudes unobtrusively from the middle of the dashboard. The climate control and drive select buttons are now touch-sensitive as well.<\/p>\n

The Q5 I tested was tricked out with Audi\u2019s Prestige package. This includes 20-inch wheels instead of the usual 18-inchers, LED headlights, touch-sensitive MMI interface, adaptive cruise control, a top-view camera system, and more. With all of the included options, this one would retail for $56,100. Audi rates the Q5\u2019s mileage at 25mpg (23 city, 27 highway); I saw just over 27 on the highway and in the 22.5-23.5 range for city driving.<\/p>\n

An interior Darth Vader would be proud to drive<\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s start with the interior. Trimmed out with the finishes you\u2019d expect in a $50,000 car, the cockpit is now on par with that of the Q7, and it is a very comfortable place to spend time in. I don\u2019t want to wax too much on Audi\u2019s outstanding MMI system; Jonathan Gitlin covered it in his review of the 2016 Audi TT<\/a>, and Ron Amadeo went into even more depth<\/a> in his infotainment feature. You should definitely read those articles if you want a more detailed look at it\u2014the MMI is a truly fantastic piece of technology.<\/p>\n

Much of the MMI\u2019s excellence comes from its interface. You interact with the main MMI display via a large knob, four buttons, and what looks like a trackpad. Taken together, they make fiddling with the radio, entering an address, or tweaking other settings very simple. You can even write the first letters of an address or city on the touchpad when using GPS navigation.<\/p>\n

The 12.3-inch HD display that takes the place of the usual instrument panel is also a pleasure to use. It has a tabbed interface with steering wheel controls that allows the driver to interact with the GPS, change radio stations, make a phone call, and see the usual mileage and fuel economy statistics. The two screens work together for a tightly integrated infotainment experience.<\/p>\n