Audi Q5 2019 Review

In the premium SUV market in Malaysia, the Audi Q5 has always been a popular choice among families and business professionals—it needs to offer everyday commuting comfort, the quality associated with the brand, and strong performance. This time, we test drove the 2019 Q5 Sport 2.0 TFSI quattro, whose biggest selling points include the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system across all models, abundant tech features, and the 2.0T engine's power tuning. Our goal is simple: to see if it can balance driving fun and family practicality on Malaysian roads.

Starting with the exterior, the overall style of the 2019 Q5 Sport leans toward a more sophisticated look, but with a touch of sportiness in its details. The front features Audi's signature hexagonal grille with horizontal chrome accents, providing high recognizability. The headlights are full LED, with sharp styling. Automatic headlights and daytime running lights come as standard, adding lots of practicality. The body side profile has smooth lines, with the waistline running from the A-pillar to the D-pillar, making the body appear more elongated. The 19-inch rims have a standard design but are well-proportioned with the body. At the rear, the LED tail lights echo the shape of the headlamps, while the silver skid plate below the rear bumper and the concealed exhaust design make the overall look clean and elegant. It is worth mentioning that the vehicle dimensions are 4682mm in length, 1893mm in width, and 1662mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2819mm, placing it in the mid-to-upper range in its class.

Inside the car, the interior feel aligns well with Audi's premium position. The dashboard adopts a layered design, with the top covered in soft materials, the middle accentuated with metal trim, and the bottom made of hard plastic. However, the seams are minimal, demonstrating fine craftsmanship. The instrument panel is fully digital, with a large screen size and clear display that can switch between different driving mode interfaces. A HUD (heads-up display) comes standard, allowing the driver to see information without looking down at the instrument cluster, which is both convenient and safe. The center console screen measures 8.3 inches, operates smoothly, and supports Bluetooth and CarPlay, though the lack of wireless charging is a slight letdown. For the seats, the driver's seat features electric adjustment and memory functions, while the passenger seat is also electrically adjustable. The leather seats offer good support and remain comfortable even during long drives. The rear seats can be split 40:20:40 and folded down, expanding trunk space from 520L to an even larger capacity, which is adequate for daily needs such as carrying strollers or suitcases. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents come as standard features, while the rear also includes a 220V power outlet, making it very practical for families.

As for performance, the Q5 is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum of 249PS and maximum torque output between 1600-4500rpm, paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission. Driving it feels very agile; the throttle response is quick, and the maximum torque kicks in at 1600rpm, making city driving or overtaking very effortless. When switched to Sport mode, the gearbox shifts faster, and the engine sound becomes deeper and more robust, significantly enhancing driving pleasure. The manufacturer claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.1 seconds, which is excellent within the same class. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8L/100km. During our actual test, city driving under congested conditions resulted in a consumption of about 10-11L, while highway cruising dropped it to 7L, which meets expectations.

The handling and chassis performance are also worth mentioning. The steering wheel is precise with little play, light at low speeds, and heavier at high speeds, providing a great feel. The suspension consists of a front MacPherson strut and a rear multi-link setup, tuned for comfort without sacrificing stiffness. When going over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most vibrations, minimizing the jolting sensation. While cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and with the addition of the quattro all-wheel-drive system, the grip is excellent, ensuring stability even at higher speeds. In terms of sound insulation, wind and tire noise are well-controlled during high-speed driving, with only the engine sound becoming slightly noticeable during aggressive acceleration. Overall, the cabin remains quite quiet. Additionally, its braking performance is excellent, with short braking distances and providing a solid sense of confidence when pressing the brake pedal.

In conclusion, the 2019 Audi Q5 sport 2.0 TFSI quattro has several clear core advantages: First, the standard quattro all-wheel-drive system across the entire lineup, offering greater safety during Malaysia's rainy season or on muddy roads. Second, its abundance of technological features, such as the fully digital instrument cluster, HUD, electric seats, and more, offers high value for money. Third, the balance of power and handling, which provides both the comfort needed for family use and an opportunity to occasionally enjoy the fun of driving. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC, it offers more comprehensive features at a relatively affordable price point. It is suitable for families seeking a balanced performance or young professionals needing a vehicle for both business and home use. If you are looking for a mid-size SUV with reliable brand reputation, rich features, and great driving dynamics, this Q5 is worth considering.