Used 2013 Audi Q5 Premium Plus for sale 

The 2013 Audi Q5 is available in three different trims, with two engine options, both of which promise to deliver impeccable performance figures. As standard, the Q5 is available as an all-wheel-drive variant with an 8-speed-automatic transmission that shifts easily through gears. Standard features on the Audi Q5 include cruise control, premium sound system, and fog lamps. The Q5 falls in a price range that starts at $35,900 and goes all the way up to $43,900. With the 2013 iteration, Audi has also introduced the hybrid version of the Q5.

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We recommend buying the top-rack variant that at $43,900 comes equipped with a powerful V6 engine. It also includes up-to-date features like a blind-spot monitor, cooled driver seats, and a rearview camera which make the car all the more practical. However, if you prioritize fuel efficiency over power figures, the mid-level variant, the Premium Plus, with the 2.0L engine is the best bet.

The engine options on offer with the Audi Q5 include a 2.0 L inline-4 and 3.0L V6 engine respectively. While the 2.0L engine manages 211 hp of power and 258lb.-ft of torque, the more powerful V6 unit churns out 272hp and 295lb.-ft of power and torque respectively.

The Audi Q5’s V6 manages to boost the car from a still to 60 MPH in 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest car in the segment. By virtue of its quarter-mile timings of 14.1 seconds, the Q5 is also the quickest car in the segment. Its 8-speed-Tiptronic automatic transmission works efficiently and effectively and grants the car a smooth ride.

In the segment, while all three cars are channeled as all-wheel-drive variants, the Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a distinct engine and transmission setup. It uses a 3.5L V6 engine that comes mated to a 7-speed-automatic transmission and manages 5.8 and 14.4 seconds to the 60 MPH and quarter-mile mark. The BMW X3 has the maximum amount of power and torque output at 300hp and 300lb.-ft, respectively and manages similar timings in the acceleration test as the Audi Q5.

As engines become powerful, fuel efficiency is bound to fall. While the base variant engine, the 2.0L I-4 manages an average mileage of 20 and 28 MPG in the city and on the highway, the V6 engine manages 18 and 26 MPG under similar conditions. The Audi Q5 carries a standard fuel tank that has a capacity of 19.8 gallons, which is the largest in the segment. The base 2.0L engine manages to cover a total distance of 396 and 554.4 miles, which is higher than the 3.0L engine 356.4 and 514.8 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively, courtesy of its higher fuel efficiency.

In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz GLK manages similar figures as the Q5 when considering fuel efficiency.The X3 is the most economical option on the block, managing a combined mileage of 24 MPG. The X3 manages maximum distance in a single fuel refill despite its smaller fuel tank.

The cabin design of the Q5 falls in line with the uniform designing that Audi is trying to implement to all models on offer. The infotainment sits centrally, and the central console now houses the air conditioning system and has lots of storage spaces. The use of wooden accents feels luxurious. The Audi Q5 has a total seating capacity of 5 passengers. The seats feel comfortable and provide a lot of support. 

The seats are positioned appropriately and provide good viewing angles. While overall ride quality feels hassle-free and smooth, there is some engine noise that does seep into the cabin. While the ride does feel good, the steering does lack some response. In totality, the Audi Q5 has total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 39.4/57.7/41 and 39/56.4/37.4 inches at the front and back, respectively. It has an abundant cargo capacity of 29.1 cubic feet, which is adequate to hold your luggage on those long road trips.

In comparison, all cars have similar cabin space. The Q5 does have the highest amount of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The BMW X3 and Mercedes GLK have smaller cargo capacities as well. While the former has a total space of 27.6 cubic feet, the Mercedes has a total volume of 23.3 cubic feet. Some salient features on the inside include:

• · Reclining rear seats
• · Rear ventilation ducts
• · Rear seat entertainment
• · Three-zone climate control
• · Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• · Cruise Control

How intuitive is the 2013 Audi Q5’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system on the new Audi Q5 comes with a Multimedia Interface system, popularly dubbed as the MMI, which feels complicated in its usage. The touchscreen feels upmarket and comes connected to a 10-speaker sound system. As one moves higher up in the trims, the standard speaker system gets replaced with a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen speaker system.

The system comes standard with a CD Player and satellite radio. The infotainment system can be configured to include a navigation system as well by opting for the optional packages. Some salient infotainment features include:

• · CD Player (optional)
• · HD Radio
• · Satellite radio
• · Premium sound system
• · Optional entertainment system
• · Auxiliary Audio input

Athletic, muscular, and crammed with luxury appropriately define how the Q5 looks. The grille up front feels imposing and asserts a lot of dominance. The use of chrome embellishments across the body feels upmarket and opulent. The 20-inch double-spoke alloys add a lot of character to the car, making it an even sportier instance.

The Q5 has a total length, width, and height of 182.2, 74, and 65.2 inches, respectively. It is the heaviest car in the segment at 4,354 lbs. It has a total ground clearance and wheelbase of 7.9 and 110.5 inches, respectively.

In comparison, the BMW X3 is lighter than the Audi Q5 and weighs4,112 lbs. It is the longest car in the segment at 183.4 inches and has a total wheelbase that stands at 110.6 inches. The Mercedes-Benz, though minimally, is the widest and tallest car in the segment at 74.3 and 66.9 inches, respectively. It has the same ground clearance as the Audi Q5 but features a shorter wheelbase at 108.5 inches. Few salient exterior features of the SUV are-

• · Panoramic sunroof
• · 20-inch aluminum wheels
• · Tow hitch
• · Front license plate holder
• · Optional sports package

Be it a car of any segment, safety features and ratings assume utmost importance in the buying process. While the NHTSA safety ratings are not known, the Q5 scores well in the IIHS crash-test ratings. As standard, the Q5 gets equipped with driver, passenger, and rear airbags, tire-pressure monitor system, and brake assist. Other advanced features include integrated turn signal mirrors and daytime running lights. Some salient features include:

• · Stability control
• · Cornering lights
• · Blind-spot monitor
• · Traction control
• · Auto-leveling headlights
• · Child safety locks

The 2013 Q5 is the most fiercely competitive car on the block. Though its steering and infotainment system feels complicated, its fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and exuberant V6 engine are sure to please you. The Audi Q5 checks all the right boxes and is a practical and feasible buying option in the segment.