A Subtle Shade, A Strong Impression
Few cars have caught my eye quite like this Audi Q5 in its striking District Green finish. The near-military hue stands out refreshingly from the usual palette of white, silver, and black seen on most luxury SUVs. If I were buying one, this would undoubtedly be my pick.
This particular Q5 isn’t the newest kid on the block — the current generation debuted in 2018 and received an update in 2021. With the next-gen model already on sale abroad and set to reach India in 2026, our goal was simple: to see if this outgoing Q5 still holds merit today.
Road Trip Ready
My first real outing with the Q5 was a family trip to Vaitarna Dam near Nashik, complete with baby gear, dog supplies, and all the usual travel paraphernalia. Despite the long checklist, the boot swallowed everything with ease, even if the lack of a spare wheel lurking beneath the floor gave me pause.
Inside, the Q5 proved every bit as accommodating. The ISOFIX child seat anchors are thoughtfully positioned, and despite a bulky baby seat, there was ample space for my wife and our dog to sit comfortably in the rear.
Comfort and Practicality Over Flash
From the driver’s seat, the Q5’s cabin doesn’t overwhelm with flashy displays or gaudy lighting. Instead, it impresses by getting the basics right. The driving position is spot-on, visibility excellent, and the seats large and supportive.
I especially appreciated the physical climate and audio controls—simple, tactile, and intuitive. In an age of touchscreens and gesture controls, the Q5’s rotary knobs feel refreshingly user-friendly. Sadly, the next generation is expected to adopt a fully touchscreen setup.
One clear sign of its age, however, is the absence of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Having to keep my phone plugged in throughout long drives isn’t ideal, but the convenience of Google Maps navigation makes it hard to complain too much.
Ride Quality That Stands Out
The Q5’s ride comfort remains one of its biggest strengths. Despite rough stretches and pothole-ridden roads on the way out of Mumbai, the suspension soaked up every imperfection with ease. There’s none of the harshness typical of some European SUVs — instead, it delivers a beautifully balanced, supple ride.
Out on the Samruddhi Mahamarg, the Q5 truly came into its own. It’s a serene cruiser, effortlessly holding 120kph with barely a sound intruding into the cabin. Coming from a Hyundai Creta, I could immediately tell where the extra money goes — into refinement, silence, and effortless long-distance ability.
Effortless Performance
The final leg of our journey wound through narrow, twisty roads where the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine showed its strengths. It’s not a car that encourages spirited driving, but its smooth power delivery and composed handling make every overtake seamless.
Of course, the scenic backdrop demanded a few photo stops — after all, how often does a car blend this well into its surroundings?
Efficiency and Everyday Ease
A quick glance at the trip computer upon arrival revealed 10.9kpl, impressive considering the full load of passengers, luggage, and the terrain. Around Mumbai, however, mileage has hovered between 6–8kpl — expected for a luxury petrol SUV.
The return trip was calm until Thane’s chaos returned — cratered roads and dense traffic. Yet inside the Q5, serenity prevailed. The cabin’s insulation and suspension tuning kept the urban madness firmly outside.
Verdict: Luxury That Speaks Softly
After 7,500km, one thing is clear — the Audi Q5 doesn’t shout luxury; it simply delivers it. It may lack the showiness of newer rivals, but it excels where it matters: comfort, refinement, and composure.
The Q5 is not about flash or flair. It’s about quiet confidence — a strong, silent type that continues to make a compelling case for itself, even at the tail end of its lifecycle.