Audis have a way of aging more gracefully than their competitors.
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Audis have a way of aging more gracefully than their competitors. As proof, take a look at the 2016 Q5, which is pretty much identical to what first rolled off the Ingolstadt assembly line way back in the summer of 2008. A new one is likely coming soon, but in the meantime we wouldn’t kick this one out of the garage for resisting change.
Changes for 2016
• Standard panoramic sunroof
• Q5 Premium model’s Navigation Plus option package adds Audi Connect services
• Q5 Premium Plus model’s Technology option package adds a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
• Q5 Premium Plus can be fitted with an adaptive damping suspension as a separate option
• Optional turbo-diesel engine is on hold while parent company Volkswagen Group sorts out its messy emissions scandal
2016 Q5 Highlights
A 5-passenger luxury crossover SUV, the 2016 Audi Q5 is available in 2.0T, 3.0T, Hybrid, and SQ5 model series. Please see our separate reports about the Q5 Hybrid and the performance-oriented SQ5. Also, note that Audi planned to offer a 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel model in 2016, but that version of the Q5 is on hold due to the emissions scandal that has engulfed the Volkswagen Group family of brands, including Audi.
With that understanding, let’s talk about the Q5 2.0T and 3.0T models. They are available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim packages, each of which adding extra equipment and expanding the list of available options.
The Q5 2.0T is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It generates 220 horsepower from 4,450 rpm to 6,000 rpm, and 258 lb.-ft. of torque beginning at 1,500 rpm. An 8-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive are standard, and Audi claims this version of the Q5 accelerates to 60 mph in seven seconds while returning 23 mpg in combined driving.
The Q5 3.0T commands a premium of more than $5,000, and features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It develops 272 horsepower at 4,780 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque starting at just 2,150 rpm. Quattro and an 8-speed automatic are also standard with this engine, but Audi adds automatic engine stop/start technology in order to maximize fuel economy. In combined driving, the Q5 3.0T should get 21 mpg, and it can accelerate the SUV to 60 mph in six seconds.