Should you buy one?

Premium SUVs are big business, but the Audi Q5 is beginning to feel its age among talented opposition. In many ways it’s impressively accomplished, effortlessly covering comfortable cruising or practical family duties with no fuss. The problem is, its rivals can do the same – and in most cases manage this with greater efficiency, more generous levels of standard safety equipment, and more fun driving dynamics.

The BMW X3 is a shining example of this, with its excellent chassis capable of showing the Q5 a clean pair of heels on a B-road. The Lexus NX feels even better-built than the Audi, and offers a raft of clever tech features – plus a more accomplished plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Q5’s straightforward cabin will no doubt appeal to some, though, as will its good looks, comfort, and ease of use. There’s also something to be said for the standard quattro all-wheel drive, too.

What we like

Comfort is the overriding appeal of the Q5, but with age comes wisdom, and we appreciate the sheer amount of physical switchgear and sensibly-sized screens in an age where a car’s interior can feel more like a giant iPad than a dashboard.

What we don’t like

If you want a sporty SUV, look elsewhere. The flagship SQ5 is a bit of a disappointment when compared to cars such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. A firm ride is supposed to give the SQ5 a bit of focus, but really it makes it unsettled on all but the smoothest roads, and it doesn’t reward with an engaging drive.