Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl S/C 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
Prestige quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
The 2016 Audi Q5 brings in no changes in terms of specs and still is available for sale with multiple engine options that provide great overall performance. The Q5 is quick in the 0-60 MPH run but slightly lacking in terms of fuel efficiency when compared to its rivals. The interior features plenty of creature comforts but the technology feels dated and there are no advanced safety aids available even as an option. MSRP starts at $41,825 and the 2016 Q5 is offered in 3 trim levels.
The 2016 Audi Q5 remains unchanged mechanically this year with specs being carried forward from the previous model year. The only changes include standardization of panoramic sunroof across all trim for the 2016 model year. Other minor additions include the addition of Audi Connect Telematics in the Navigation Plus package for the Premium trim, adaptive dampers are now available as an option for Premium Plus trim onwards, and the inclusion of the Bang & Olufsen audio system in the Technology package.
With 3 engine options, the standard Quattro AWD drivetrain, impressive towing capacity, and a long list of standard interior features, the 2016 Q5 stands tall against the likes of the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. That said, the technology on offer has now started showing its age and the advanced driver safety aids are still MIA, which rivals do offer nowadays. Price starts at an MSRP of $41,825 and the Audi Q5 is available for sale in 3 trim configurations.
Though the Audi Q5 Prestige tends to get on the pricier side, it's the one we would recommend. It is powered by the more powerful V6 and features plenty more creature comforts to justify the higher cost.
The 2016 Audi Q5 is offered in three different trims namely the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige each of which is offered as standard with an all-wheel drivetrain. The MSRP ranges between $41,825 and $56,525 including destination fees. Even the base Premium trim gets a handful of features, which only increases as we go up the trim ladder.
The base Premium trim is available only with the turbo-4 engine option while the Premium Plus trim gets all the 3 engine options to choose from. The Q5 Prestige model gets the supercharged V6 and the TDI diesel engine option and the Quattro AWD drivetrain remains standard across the lineup.
Trim |
Premium |
Premium Plus |
Prestige |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (2L I4) |
$41,825 |
$43,675 |
- |
MSRP (3L V6) |
- |
$46,925 |
$54,425 |
MSRP (3L TDI) | - | $49,025 | $56,525 |
Key Features
|
Xenon headlights w/LED taillights and Daytime running lights |
Adds or replaces features of Premium trim; |
Adds or replaces features of Premium Plus trim; |
Panoramic sunroof & Power tailgate |
Electrochromic rear-view mirror |
Adaptive headlights w/high-pressure headlight washers |
|
Automatic headlights & wipers |
Auto-dimming heated exterior mirrors |
Front and rear parking sensors w/rear-view camera |
|
Three-zone automatic climate control |
Keyless ignition |
Heated/cooled front cup holders |
|
Power front seats & Reclining rear seat w/leather upholstery |
Heated front seats w/driver seat memory |
Blind-spot monitoring |
|
MMI infotainment system w/10-speaker audio system & satellite radio |
Optional Blind Spot Monitor |
14-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround sound system |
|
18-inch alloy wheels |
|
19-inch alloy wheels & S-Line exterior package |
Apart from the standard list of features, Audi offers an upgraded MMI system, navigation system with voice commands, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, Audi Connect online services, a color trip meter, and a few other features with the Technology package for lower trim for an added MSRP of 4,500. The top-end Prestige trim can also be had with the $1,500 Black Optics package, $3,000 Driver Assist package, and the $4,500 Audi Exclusive Line package based on the needs and budget of the buyers.
The engine that powers your 2016 Audi Q5 will depend on the variant you choose from. The base trim Premium uses a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 mill that produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the Premium Plus models also feature this engine, other options include the 3L supercharged TFSI V6 generating 272 hp and 296 lb-ft, and the 3L TDI turbodiesel V6 that puts out 240 hp and a whopping 428 lb-ft of torque.
All three powertrains are mated with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission as standard along with the Quattro AWD drivetrain. Regardless of the powertrain you choose, the 2016 Q5 offers refined performance and seamless shifts. The ride quality is on the firmer side, but the optional adaptive suspension setup does make a good difference to the ride quality. Handling is pretty decent for the SUV its size, but the steering offers no feedback whatsoever.
In terms of performance, the Q5 2016 offers a maximum towing capacity of 4,400 lbs with all the 3 engine options. The acceleration performance varies a lot though, as the base turbo-4 engine does the 0-60 MPH run in 6.8 seconds and covers the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds. The more powerful supercharged TFSI V6 achieves the same in 5.9 seconds while the turbodiesel V6 does it in 6.8 seconds. Although, the turbodiesel has been discontinued midway through the year due to a faulty non-compliant emission system.
Model |
2016 Audi Q5 |
2016 BMW X3 |
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
2016 Volvo XC60 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$41,825 |
$41,945 |
$41,875 |
$39,095 |
Engine |
2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 | 2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 | 2.0L, Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
9-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
Power |
220 hp @ 4,450 RPM |
240 hp @ 5,000 RPM |
241 hp @ 5,550 RPM |
250 hp @ 5,400 RPM |
Torque |
258 lb-ft @ 1,500 RPM |
260 lb-ft @ 1,450 RPM |
273 lb-ft @ 1,300 RPM |
266 lb-ft @ 1,800 RPM |
0-60 MPH |
6.8 sec |
6.5 sec |
6.6 sec |
7.8 sec |
Quarter Mile |
15.2 sec |
15.0 sec |
15.0 sec |
15.9 sec |
Top Speed |
130 MPH |
135 MPH |
135 MPH |
135 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 4,400 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
In comparison, the Volvo XC60 is the slowest of the lot despite having sufficient grunt under its hood, due to the slow 6-speed transmission. The BMW is the quickest of the lot while the Mercedes GLC offers maximum engine output here. That said, the Audi Q5 isn't far behind in terms of acceleration and shows its prowess in the towing capacity section. While the Volvo is the most affordable one here, the Q5 offers the most value for money.
The 2016 Q5 manages to return 20 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on the highway, and 23 MPG combined with the base turbo-4 engine, and the 19.8-gallon fuel tank offers about 450 miles of combined driving range. opting for the gasoline V6 drops these figures to 18/26/21 MPG in city/highway/combined scenarios.
That said, for the ones who want to extract maximum efficiency out of their 2016 Audi Q5, the TDI V6 engine returns a healthy 23/30/36 MPG in city/highway/combined respectively as per the EPA. With the same large gas tank capacity, it offers almost 600 miles of highway range on a single tank of gas.
Model |
2016 Audi Q5 |
2016 BMW X3 |
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
2016 Volvo XC60 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
20 |
21 |
21 |
19 |
MPG (Highway) |
28 |
28 |
28 |
26 |
MPG (Combined) |
23 |
24 |
24 |
22 |
Fuel Capacity (gal) |
19.8 |
17.7 |
17.4 |
18.5 |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) (miles) |
396/554/455 |
372/496/425 |
365/487/418 |
352/481/407 |
The XC60 is again the sore loser here as it neither performs exceptionally nor is it frugal in nature. It has the highest fuel consumption in this comparison and also has the shortest range. Both the X3 and GLC-Class have identical MPG ratings but the marginally larger fuel tank capacity of the BMW aids it in offering a slightly larger range. The Audi Q5 falls in the middle of the pack but leads the segment in terms of the range offered.
The interior of the 2016 Audi Q5 like any other Audi offering, is crammed with luxury. The dashboard looks immaculate and is thoroughly consistent with appropriate usability. The front seats offer a commanding position that provides brilliant visibility from all angles. The solid build quality is complemented by a choice of 7 interior upholstery color options and multiple wood inlays. The standard panoramic sunroof allows a lot of light to seep into the cabin and gives the impression of the cabin having extra space.
The tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery on the seats, and the finely curated dashboard all add to the plushness on the inside. The 2016 Q5 offers space to seat all 5 passengers rather comfortably, barring the limited legroom for the rear-seat middle passenger owing to the high transmission tunnel. The 29.1 cu-ft of trunk space should be enough for most nuclear families to carry their monthly groceries but should the need arise, the split-folding rear seats can open up a maximum of 57.3 cu-ft of cargo space.
Model |
2016 Audi Q5 |
2016 BMW X3 |
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
2016 Volvo XC60 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
39.4/57.7/41.0 |
40.7/57.3/39.9 |
37.8/57.3/40.8 |
39.0/56.7/41.2 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.) |
39.0/56.4/37.4 |
39.1/56.0/36.5 |
38.1/56.2/36.4 |
38.5/55.2/36.4 |
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
29.1 |
27.6 |
20.5 |
30.8 |
The Mercedes GLC offers the smallest boot amongst the SUVs present here and also has the least impressive cabin space. That said, being the newest of the lot, the GLC-Class offers the most upmarket and tech-laden cabin. Both Audi and BMW offer similar passenger and luggage space while the XC60 has the largest cargo area to offer, which compromises a bit in terms of passenger legroom. Where Audi falls behind its rivals is the aging technology that is in dire need of an upgrade.
The infotainment system on the Audi Q5 isn't of the highest resolution or the most responsive and feels quirky to use. Opting for navigation sees an upgrade to the MMI system and adds enhanced Google Maps satellite imagery and Audi Connect services to the mix. As one moves higher up in the trims, the standard 10-speaker system gets replaced with a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen surround sound system. The system comes standard with a CD Player and satellite radio. However, like some other Audi cars, the Q5 2016 also misses out on USB ports.
The 2016 Audi Q5 looks beautiful with striking design elements. The curves and lines that run through the body of the Q5 cohesively unify at the rear which adds to the depth of the design. Upfront, the Q5 gets dominated by a large grille that gets wrapped around by a set of Xenon HID headlights. The 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome bits here and there make the Q5 look more premium.
While the Prestige model upgrades the wheels to a set of 19-inches, the optional Black optics package offers 20-inch black wheels with gloss-black exterior trims and matte-black roof rails for an added cost. Audi offers a total of 14 paint color options for the buyers to choose from and the 7.9-inch of ground clearance on offer makes sure that the paint shall remain intact even with some light off-roading.
Model |
2016 Audi Q5 |
2016 BMW X3 |
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
2016 Volvo XC60 |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
4,200 |
4,150 |
3,947 |
4,251 |
|
Length (in.) |
182.6 |
183.8 |
183.3 |
182.8 |
|
Width (in.) |
74.7 |
74.1 |
74.4 |
74.4 |
|
Height (in.) |
65.2 |
66.1 |
64.5 |
67.4 |
|
Ground Clearance (in.) |
7.9 |
8.0 |
5.9 |
9.1 |
|
Wheelbase (in.) |
110.5 |
110.6 |
113.1 |
109.2 |
|
All 4 SUVs are somewhat similar in terms of their dimensions but all of them offer different traits to better suit their customer base. The XC60 has a wagon-like design with high ground clearance while the GLC looks more modern and car-like with its low stance. Both BMW and Audi SUVs look the closest to being an SUV but it is the Mercedes that will attract the most attention on the streets.
The new 2016 Audi Q5 upholds Audi’s values of luxury, refinement, and practicality. Safety is of paramount importance for this European manufacturer and the solid 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and 'Good' ratings in almost aspects of the safety tests from IIHS, are a testament to that.
The Q5 2016 comes loaded with a number of safety features that make the car an embodiment of reliability and dependability. The Audi comes loaded with features like a brake assist, electronic stability control, optional blind-spot monitoring, and auto-leveling headlights. That said, the lack of collision avoidance systems and modern driver safety aids does affect its reputation.
Both Audi and BMW carry a similar MSRP, but both offer very different traits. While the Audi Q5 is a more comfortable and practical SUV with impressive towing prowess, the BMW X3 is more agile and quick off the mark. The X3 is also more fuel-efficient and has better technology to offer. That said, the Q5 has a spacious cabin to offer with a marginally larger trunk. That said, the high cost of ownership and bad market reputation due to the diesel gate scam makes the BMW feel like the safer choice.
Similar to BMW, the Mercedes GLC also carries an almost identical MSRP as that of the Audi Q5 with the difference being just $50. The Mercedes is also quicker off the mark and more frugal, but it loses out in terms of interior and cargo space. Where it really shines is the available technology, driver safety aids and the premium cabin feel. The superior reliability and stylish exterior design make the 2016 GLC-Class the preferred choice.
While the Volvo is far more affordable than the Q5, the lackluster performance, low fuel economy figures, and lower towing capacity make it difficult to pick over Audi. The 2016 Q5 also offers more creature comforts and more passenger space. Although the XC60 has a marginally larger trunk and higher ground clearance to offer, the Q5 is the better looker of the two. Though Volvo is safer and more reliable, the Q5 offers more value for money.
The 2016 Audi Q5 is the epitome of practicality and luxury and is by far the best offering in the luxury compact SUV in the segment. Although it leads the segment in some aspects, the diesel-gate scam and the lack of safety aids have raised concerns over its reliability. If these don't bother you, then the premium interiors, spacious cabin, and impressive list of standard features make it a difficult option to overlook.