Used 2014 Audi Q5 Premium Plus for sale 

The 2014 iteration of theAudi Q5 is available in three different trims, each distinguished from the other by either its engine, set of features, or the combination of both. It falls in a price range that extends from $37,300 for the base variant and goes up to $44,400 for its top rack variant. As standard, it comes equipped with features like Bluetooth connectivity, fog lamps, and cruise control. 

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We recommend buying the Premium Plus trim of the Audi Q5 as it comes equipped with the basic features available with the base variant and also receives optional inclusions of the top-rack variant. Further, it features two engine options, depending on whether you are looking for an efficient or a powerful engine, one can opt either for the 2.0T or 3.0T.

The Audi Q5 is made available to buyers with two engine options. While the base engine is an all-new inclusion and is perhaps the biggest change with the 2014 iteration, the V6 unit remains similar to the previous year’s unit. The 2.0L inline-4 engine available as standard with the Premium and as optional with the Premium Plus is good for 220 hp of power and 258 lb.-ft of torque. It comes standard with an all-wheel-drivetrain and is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission only.

The more powerful engine option on offer is a 3.0L V6 unit that is capable of producing 272 hp of engine power and 295 lb.-ft of torque. The V6 engine available with the Audi Q5 is revered for its potency and is backed by its ability to perform. It can boost from a standstill to the 60 MPH mark in 5.8 seconds, making it one of the stiffer competitors in the segment. It makes use of a similar transmission setup and is channeled as an all-wheel-drive variant also.

In comparison, all three cars have similar transmission setups and are all-wheel-drive variants. The most notable point of distinction is the BMW X3’s inline-6 engine, while the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class is equipped with a V6 engine only. In terms of performance, the BMW X3 is the fastest and quickest car in the segment clocking 5.6 and 14.1 seconds in the acceleration test and quarter-mile run, while the GLK takes 5.9 and 14.5 seconds, respectively to achieve a similar feat. 

The usability of the Audi Q5 lies in its potential to offer average economical fuel figures despite a powerful engine. It manages to average a competitive mileage of 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Combined, the Audi Q5 is capable of averaging 21 miles per gallon of fuel, which is also the segment standard. With the base engine option, however, the compact SUV is marginally more efficient averaging 23 miles per gallon of fuel.

As standard, the Audi Q5 comes equipped with a 19.8-gallon tank, making it the largest fuel tank in the segment. While the V6 engine can cover a total distance of 356.4 miles in the city and 514.8 miles on the highway, the inline-4 base engine can cover a higher range in a single fuel stop.

In comparison, it is difficult to declare a certain winner in the segment, with all three competitors averaging 21 miles per gallon of fuel. However, in terms of fuel capacity, the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK remain marginally behind the Q5, having total volumes of 17.7 and 17.4 gallons, respectively, and consequently, stay behind in the overall range.

The beauteous cabin of the Q5 is eye-catchy and soul-pleasing. In its layout and setup, it feels straight out of the top-drawer of the house of Audi. It bears a certain resemblance to its predecessors and other models of the brands, ensuring that it is practical and opulent. The gauge cluster that sits behind the leather-wrapped steering wheel displays vital information about the vehicle, while the central display screen is striking in its appearance. The finely-drawn dashboard adds to the luxurious aura of the cabin, and the provision of important functional buttons on the central console allows for ease of access and use for the driver.

The seats on offer with the Audi Q5 accord the highest level of comfort to the occupants, with the upholstery options being sturdy and commingling easily with the overall feel of the cabin. The ride quality is supreme, and we have little to complain about even on long trips and during high-speed cornering. There is ample space for both front and rear-seat passengers. The cargo capacity is abundant, with a trunk volume of 29.1 cubic feet, which is easy to access and load. 

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:

• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Wooden trims on the dashboard
• Heated Mirrors
• Cruise Control
• Three Zone Climate Control
• Steering Mounted Controls

How intuitive is the 2014 Audi Q5’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system on the Audi Q5 may not be equally equipped across trims, but the absence of certain features on the lower trims does not translate into an ill-equipped system. As standard, the infotainment system comes equipped with Audi’s traditional Multimedia Interface and gets Bluetooth connectivity. It comes attached to a 10-speaker sound system.

As one moves higher up the trim ladder, the display screen that sits in the center also doubles up to be used with the rearview camera, and a premium sound system replaces the standard unit. The only problem we see with the infotainment system of the Audi Q5 is its complicated functionality. Some standout infotainment features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• HD Radio
• Satellite radio
• Premium sound system
• Auxiliary Audio input
• Memory Card Slot

The Audi Q5, despite falling in the compact SUV segment, looks rather athletic and bulky. In its design, it falls in line with the strategy that Audi follows, and looks like a younger sibling to the Audi Q7. The Q5 is a cohesive unification of innocence and aggression. While the front lights do look subtle in appearance, the taillights are fiercely modern. The front-grille that sports a license plate holder looks imposing, and the use of chrome embellishments that surround the grille and door panes add an upmarket aura to the Q5.

The use of 18/19-inch alloy wheels grants the Q5 a more pleasing look and sought-after stance. To increase the visual appearance, buyers can also opt for the optional packages made available at the user’s disposal. The Audi Q5 is the heaviest car in the segment and has a total curb weight of 4,354 lbs. It is 182.6 inches long and sports a wheelbase of 110.5 inches. It is the widest SUV in the segment and measures 74.7 inches. Courtesy of its total height of 65.2 inches, the Q5 has the best clearance from the ground in the segment of 7.9 inches.

In comparison, the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK are lighter than the Audi Q5, weighing 4,222 and 4,123 lbs, respectively. The X3 is the longest SUV in the segment, and consequently, sports the best-in-class wheelbase, measuring 183 and 110.6 inches, respectively. The GLK, on the other hand, is the tallest car with a total height of 66.9 inches and supports similar ground clearance as the Audi Q5. Some standout exterior features include:

• Sun/moonroof
• 18/19-inch aluminum wheels
• Tow hitch
• Front license plate holder
• Rear Spoiler
• Roof Rails

Fret not, the Audi Q5 is one of the safest and most reliable cars available on the market. Despite its 4-star rating in the NHTSA crash tests, the Audi Q5 prioritizes the safety of individuals both inside and outside the car with its long list of active and passive safety features.

As standard, the Audi Q5 makes use of a 4-wheel disc brake system and comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags, daytime running lights, and traction control. Some other safety specifications include:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• Child safety locks
• Brake Assist
• Optional Adaptive Cruise Control
• Tire-Pressure Monitoring System

The Audi Q5 is efficient, effortless, and exotic from the get-go. It is efficient in its performance and is to be lauded for its class-competing power figures despite a bulkier stance than its competitors. The cabin is thorough in its build and is consistently luxurious, making it a perfect family hauler for both city drives and highway sprints. The minor flaws we found with the Audi Q5 are its finicky infotainment control and synthetic feedback of the steering wheel, which when rectified, would make the Audi Q5 the best-in-class. But even with its drawbacks, we feel that the compact SUV is a formidable machine and would satisfy the needs of the traditional buyers in the segment.