Audi Q5 Vorsprung - the all-singing, all-dancing take on the large SUV
This time out, we look at one of the highest-spec Q5s money can buy
When building the Q5, Audi seemed to have balanced all the scales – size, usability and appeal. Which seems the right approach considering it sits squarely in the middle of Audi’s Q range, between the Q2 and Q8.
But that’s not to say it’s only a mid-spec motor – especially not with this, the Vorsprung, anyhow.
The model’s name comes from the manufacturer’s ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ phrase, roughly meaning ‘advancement through technology’.
Quite fitting too, because this is an Audi that has just about every bit of kit imaginable.
A sore thumb, but a good-looking one
The extras have been laid on thick, inside and out. While most of the German firm’s models are smart and understated, here’s one that wants to stand out.
There’s black detailing around the windows and grille, massive 21-inch alloys and running boards along its sides – they aren’t needed for climbing in and out, they just give it a more imposing look.
And ‘imposing’ is something you’ll be channelling even more if you go for the ‘Turbo Blue’ paintjob. I wasn’t sure on it at first, as an almost-neon blue, but it must be said that it looks cracking on camera.
As good as it looks from the outside, however, the best view is from the inside.
Leather, everywhere
This is a premium interior. Granted, the price tag is on the ‘sorry, how much?’ side of things, but at the very least you can see why.
Almost everything you touch is covered in leather, from the armchair-esque seats to the surfaces surrounding the shift stick and infotainment controls. It’s lovely to sit in.
Four of its five seats are heated too, with only the middle seat in the back missing out on some rear-end warming. Throw in the panoramic sunroof and you’re covered for all seasons.
There’s also multicoloured interior lighting to add to the atmosphere, but it’s best seen in the dark.
Genuinely useful tech
It goes beyond aesthetics though, with a few bits of kit that just make driving that bit more enjoyable. As a model that’ll potentially appeal to business users as well as families, that’s a winning combo.
In front of the driver’s seat you have Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, a customisable digital display that sits where you’d usually find the analogue dials, and a head-up display that projects driving info onto the windscreen.
Compared with similar systems I’ve seen on other models, the Vorsprung’s isn’t intrusive and doesn’t distract from the road ahead.
An upgraded infotainment system also features, which can be controlled using a dial and switches or touchpad, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system with more speakers than it’d take to host a small gig.
Why do it yourself?
When it comes to self-driving cars, I’m not onboard. As someone who’s bang into driving that’s probably expected, but I can see the benefit in getting a helping hand every now and then.
Like electronic boots or parking sensors – two features this model has, by the way.
I’d still rather park myself – either to keep up the practice or for the sheer pride of executing a perfect reverse bay park – but like I say, there’s benefit to having a car do it for you.
And what the Vorsprung’s Park Assist will ‘do’ is quite literally everything bar operate the brakes and switch between forward or reverse.
Ideal for those who’d be daunted at the thought of parking a car this size, or often faff about adjusting until they’re directly between the lines. See how it works in the video review up there.
Smooth as you’d like
The Q5 comes with the S tronic automatic gearbox as standard, bolted to either a petrol or diesel engine.
My tester was fitted with the latter of those, a 2.0-litre diesel with just under 190bhp. More than enough to pull itself around, unless you want to be pinned in your seat when pressing the accelerator.
For that, there’s a petrol unit with nearly 245bhp, or the performance-spec SQ5 that fires at about 345bhp. There’s a Vorsprung edition of the SQ5 as well, if you don’t want to make the decision between all those extras or pace.
But you’ll pay nearly £10k more for that privilege, which is why the ‘standard’ Vorsprung is the best choice. There’s enough pace for most and a mpg figure that’s much easier to swallow.
It’s also impressively smooth, with excellent soundproofing and acoustic windows almost cancelling out the wind and road noise. This model had the optional air suspension too – about the only thing not spec’d as standard on the Vorsprung – that’ll have you forget about the sharing platter-sized alloys.
A car that doesn’t believe in what ifs
It must be said that the Vorsprung is a niche. The average Q5 buyer won’t be tempted with a model that has every bell and whistle currently offered by Audi, and why would they, considering how solid and appealing the standard Sport model is.
But there’ll always be someone who does want all of that. And if you’re willing to pay for it, through a personal or business deal, it’d be one of the easiest cars to live with. In fact, it might go as far as being a car you couldn’t live without.
The seats are cushy enough to sit on for any amount of time, and with four of the five being heated your passengers can enjoy it as well. Then there’s the interior lighting and Bang & Olufsen sound system to set the mood inside, and when you get where you’re going it’ll park itself.
Again, we can go back to the price but here’s a car that not just the driver will be gutted to see the back of, but the whole family as well.
Find out more about the Audi Q5 Vorsprung by getting in touch with your nearest Lookers Audi dealership and sorting a test drive of your own.
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