Production Models

This Car Review checks out the Audi Q5 S Line TFSI, the brand's entry to the local luxury mid-size SUV segment.

The mid-size SUV segment is perhaps the most crowded in the local automotive market.

It is even crowded atop the segment where premium luxury brands hold sway.

In this exclusive summit of high-class mid-size SUVs is the Audi Q5 S Line TFSI.

It just fits into the segment, sitting 4,682 millimeters long, 1893mm from shoulder to shoulder, and 1662mm tall at its highest point.

Audi touts its entry into segment as a benchmark-setter in cutting-edge design, intuitive technologies, and dynamic performance.

The octagonal radiator grille, the high air inlets, the Matrix LED headlamps, the side sill inserts, the sleek trim between the rear light clusters, a more prominent rear diffuser insert with a horizontal fin, and the S Line roof spoiler, all work to create an elegant, smooth, and sporty exterior.

Emphasizing the sporty cutting edge look of the Audi Q5 are the 21-inch, 5-twin spoke aluminum wheels.

Other notable exterior features include power adjustable and folding exterior mirrors that are heated and come with memory function, headlamp washer system, side and rear windows featuring in-heat insulating glass, and the stainless steel loading edge protector.

The Audi Q5 cabin made available locally is outfitted with premium sporty accents and trim, highlighted by a sculpted trim strip that runs across the entire width of the dash and instrument panel.

A nice touch is the set of S Line aluminum illuminated scuff plates

There's ample head- and leg-room front and back for five.

The sport front seats are upholstered in premium leather with heater function and four-way lumbar support. This provides both great comfort on long drives while keeping driver snug in seat while aggressively attacking curves and corners.

The multi-function 3-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel is also wrapped in leather.

The rear seat backrest comprises three segments that can move fore and aft as well as recline and fold.

The Audi Q5 comes with intuitive technologies like the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus that provides infotainment and vehicle function displays in high- resolution, full-color graphics.

It also features the Audi Multi Media Interface with touchscreen response that controls navigation, climate, and various driver-assist functions, including the parking aid plus, and the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 3D Sound.

The Audi MMI is complemented by Audi smartphone interface with Bluetooth.

The Audi Q5 also doesn't lack for comfort and convenience features expected in high-end SUVs.

These include push start/stop system, three-zone climate control system, air quality package, cruise control system with speed limiter, electronic parking brake, power windows, USB charging interface for rear seat passenger, ambient LED interior lighting package, manual sunshade for rear door windows.

The Audi Q5 is both a comfortable and fun drive, powered by a 2-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine with mild hybrid system and mated to 7-speed S-tronic Transmission.

There's 265 horsepower and 370 Newton-meters of torque available, all smoothly transferred via Audi's quattro All-Wheel Drive.

The Audi Q5 is also offered with a turbocharged diesel. This is the Audi Q5 S Line TDI.

The transmission and Audi's permanent all-wheel drive system, aided by an Electronic Stability Control System, help guarantee control and traction over different terrains and driving conditions.

This is complemented by the lightweight multi-link suspension with damper control and Audi's drive select system that allows driver to set five different settings to adapt to various road conditions.

The Q5 comes with Park Aid Plus and a Rear View Camera System that not only makes parking easier. It can even help driver find safe parking spots.

The Audi Q5 has been cited as a Top Safety Pick from the USA Insurance Institute for Highway Safety based on its crashworthiness, crash avoidance systems, and lighting technology.

For safety and security, Audi equipped the Audi Q5 with full size airbags with front side airbags and head airbag system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-theft alarm system and anti-theft wheel bolts.

The Audi Q5 is touted as setting benchmarks for cutting edge design, intuitive technologies and performance in the luxury mid-size SUV segment. The Audi Q5 S Line TFSI can be said to live up to that claim.