2017 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Review: 4 Modes, 610L Cargo

The second-generation Audi Q5 represents a significant evolutionary step in the compact luxury crossover segment. With its turbocharged 2.0-liter petrol engine, refined interior appointments, and advanced suspension technology, the 2017 model positions itself as a formidable competitor in a crowded marketplace. This comprehensive review examines the key attributes that define this sophisticated German machine and evaluates its suitability for buyers seeking a balance between performance and practicality.

Engine Performance and Powertrain Capabilities

The 2.0 TFSI turbocharged engine serves as the primary petrol offering for the 2017 Q5. This four-cylinder unit delivers ample torque that translates into responsive acceleration around town, making everyday driving feel effortless despite its modest displacement. The engine demonstrates superior performance characteristics compared to naturally aspirated alternatives, providing drivers with a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing fuel efficiency.

Acceleration metrics reveal that the 2.0T achieves approximately 6.9 seconds from zero to 60 mph, placing it in a competitive position within its class. While this figure may appear modest compared to high-performance variants, the engine’s broad torque curve ensures that real-world driving feels considerably more spirited. The eight-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine optimizes power delivery across the entire rev range, contributing to seamless acceleration characteristics in both urban and highway environments.

For drivers considering alternative powerplants, Audi’s 3.0-liter supercharged V6 option produces 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving the 0-60 benchmark in just 6.3 seconds. Regardless of engine selection, all Q5 models standardly feature all-wheel drive configuration, enhancing traction and stability across diverse driving conditions.

Interior Architecture and Technological Integration

The cabin environment underwent comprehensive reimagining for the second generation, maintaining conceptual continuity with its predecessor while implementing contemporary upgrades throughout. The design philosophy emphasizes quality materials and sophisticated ambiance, establishing this vehicle as a premium interior benchmark within the compact crossover category.

Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems

A pivotal advancement involves the replacement of traditional analog instrumentation with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit technology. This expansive digital display positioned directly behind the steering wheel provides extraordinary customization capabilities, ranging from enlarged navigation maps to functional information such as incoming flight notifications at proximate airports. The system represents a meaningful leap in human-machine interface sophistication.

The center console underwent complete redesign, with MMI controls repositioned behind the automatic transmission selector, which now functions as an integrated hand rest. This ergonomic arrangement reflects Audi’s continuous refinement of driver-centric design principles. However, the tablet-style infotainment screen, while visually refined, lacks touchscreen functionality, relying exclusively on the MMI controller for user input. This decision prioritizes reliability over contemporary touchscreen convenience, though some drivers may find the non-responsive display screen frustrating given industry trends toward touch-enabled interfaces.

Premium Amenities and Optional Features

The 2017 Q5 offers expanded personalization options previously unavailable on earlier generations. Buyers can now specify air-conditioned seating surfaces, integrated seat massage functionality, and high-speed LTE internet connectivity. Apple CarPlay integration enables smartphone functionality within the vehicle ecosystem, though such features appeal primarily to technology-focused drivers.

Climate control operates through elegantly designed controls positioned above the infotainment screen, contributing to the cabin’s overall aesthetic sophistication. The Prestige trim level includes specially engineered heated and cooled cupholders, demonstrating Audi’s attention to minute comfort details.

Space Optimization and Cargo Functionality

Despite modest wheelbase extension of merely one centimeter, the interior gains palpably more usable space. Front and rear passenger seating arrangements accommodate occupants comfortably, with rear passengers enjoying genuine legroom and headroom sufficient for extended journeys. The C-pillar design may require slightly more deliberate entry and exit motions, yet this represents a minor compromise in an otherwise spacious cabin environment.

Boot volume increased by ten liters to 610 liters with rear seats upright, expanding to 1,550 liters with rear seats folded. This practical storage capacity facilitates weekend getaways and extended trips without requiring external cargo solutions. The cargo arrangement system maximizes utility for drivers balancing passenger comfort with storage requirements.

Suspension Technology and Ride Quality Dynamics

The optional air suspension system represents one of the most transformative upgrades available for Q5 buyers, fundamentally altering the vehicle’s dynamic character across varied terrain types. This adaptive system provides multiple driving modes engineered for specific environmental conditions, enabling drivers to customize ride characteristics continuously throughout their journey.

Driving Modes and Suspension Adjustment

The suspension offers four distinct settings catering to diverse driving scenarios:

• Comfort Mode: Prioritizes occupant comfort through maximized suspension compliance, absorbing minor imperfections while maintaining composure over significant road disturbances
• Dynamic Setting: Firms suspension response for spirited driving, reducing body roll and enhancing cornering precision
• All-Road Configuration: Elevates the chassis to an intermediate height, navigating unpaved surfaces and moderate obstacles while maintaining usable velocity
• Off-Road Mode: Raises the suspension to maximum height, accommodating severe terrain at restricted speeds not exceeding 30 km/h

On conventional road surfaces, Comfort mode delivers subdued, forgiving suspension characteristics that some drivers may perceive as excessively soft. The Dynamic setting offers noticeably firmer response without sacrificing passenger comfort, providing the optimal compromise for enthusiasts preferring engagement without harshness.

On unpaved terrain, the All-Road mode demonstrates exceptional competence, absorbing irregular surface variations and permitting substantially faster transit than conventional suspension systems would safely accommodate. Even in the stiffest Dynamic configuration on rough surfaces, the suspension maintains composure, smoothing minor undulations while preserving forward momentum.

Cornering Dynamics and Body Control

The suspension geometry actively stiffens the exterior suspension during cornering maneuvers, actively countering body roll and maintaining flat attitude through direction changes. This active management system allows the Q5 to balance comfortable cruising with genuinely competent handling dynamics.

Overall Driving Experience and Practical Performance

The 2017 Q5 establishes itself as an exceptional travel companion through the synergistic combination of refined powertrain, sophisticated interior environment, and technologically advanced suspension system. The vehicle excels at extending long journeys across variable terrain without fatiguing occupants.

Handling characteristics place the Q5 among the segment’s finest, offering quick steering response and controlled body motions that inspire confidence in cornering situations. The ride quality strikes a deliberately calibrated balance between comfort and engagement, avoiding the excessive firmness that plagues certain competitors while maintaining composure through dynamic driving.

Comprehensive Feature Comparison

Pricing and Value Proposition

The 2017 Q5 demonstrates solid value retention characteristics typical of premium German automobiles. Starting specifications position the vehicle competitively against BMW X3 and Lexus RX alternatives, offering superior technology integration and interior refinement relative to competitors in comparable price brackets. The optional air suspension, while adding cost, substantially enhances the ownership experience and justifies the investment for drivers valuing ride quality customization.

Notable Considerations and Limitations

While the Q5 excels in most respects, certain characteristics warrant consideration. Audi’s inconsistent infotainment control logic across model lines creates occasional confusion for drivers accustomed to alternative configurations. The non-responsive tablet screen, though visually sophisticated, proves less intuitive than conventional touchscreen interfaces for certain functions.

Some drivers may perceive the standard suspension as overly firm, particularly in Dynamic mode on rough surfaces, necessitating deliberate mode selection for optimal comfort. Additionally, certain trim levels omit USB connectivity, requiring aftermarket solutions for drivers utilizing hardwired charging protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2.0 TFSI engine provide sufficient performance for highway driving?

Yes. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers ample torque for responsive highway acceleration and maintains cruising composure at sustained velocities. The eight-speed transmission optimizes power delivery, making this engine suitable for daily highway commuting and extended road trips.

What distinguishes the air suspension system from traditional setups?

Air suspension provides active ride height adjustment and customizable stiffness profiles through driver-selectable modes. This enables optimization for specific driving scenarios—comfort-focused highway cruising, spirited cornering, or challenging terrain navigation—adapting continuously to environmental conditions.

How does interior space compare to previous Q5 generations?

The second-generation Q5 expanded in all dimensions while maintaining proportional design. Despite modest wheelbase extension, interior volume increased meaningfully, providing noticeably more rear legroom and expanded cargo capacity (610 liters base configuration).

Which engine option suits budget-conscious buyers?

The 2.0 TFSI petrol engine balances performance with fuel efficiency, making it ideal for buyers prioritizing operational cost reduction. The supercharged 3.0T suits drivers willing to accept reduced efficiency for enhanced acceleration capabilities.

Can passengers comfortably fit in rear seats during extended journeys?

Absolutely. Rear seating provides genuine legroom and headroom, accommodating adult passengers comfortably for multi-hour journeys. Climate control and optional massage seating enhance rear-seat comfort during extended travel.

Conclusion: A Refined Middle Ground

The 2017 Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI positions itself as a thoughtfully engineered compact luxury crossover that prioritizes refined driving dynamics and practical functionality. The turbocharged petrol engine provides adequate performance for daily driving while maintaining efficiency consciousness. Advanced technology integration—particularly the Virtual Cockpit and adaptive air suspension—elevates the ownership experience beyond segment expectations. While certain infotainment quirks and suspension firmness characteristics require conscious mode selection, these minor compromises pale against the vehicle’s overall accomplishment in blending luxury, performance, and practicality into a cohesive package that appeals to discerning buyers seeking sophisticated transportation.