Audi’s Q5 is a fine premium SUV, but until now we haven’t tested it in 3.0 V6 TDI form, with the range limited to just 2.0 TDI turbodiesel and 2.0 TFSI petrol versions. While most models in this class are still sold with a smaller, cheaper and more efficient 2.0-litre diesel, a larger V6 makes plenty of sense in already refined cars like the Q5. It serves up easy, effortless cruising ability and adds smoothness to the package. There might be a financial penalty to pay on the purchase price and running costs, but these cars still add up with bigger diesels under their bonnets. The Jaguar F-Pace 3.0d Portfolio has proven this for a few years now, and is our current favourite premium SUV with a big diesel. So, does the Audi’s larger engine edge it ahead of the Jaguar? For: Engine feels muscular, cabin quality and tech, smooth and controlled ride. Against: Performance not quite as impressive as F-Pace’s, trails the Jag on load space slightly. When Audi launched its all-new second-generation Q5 back in 2017, a 3.0-litre V6 TDI was always in the product plan.
But the firm said this engine would follow at a later date. That time has now come, and it’s been worth the wait, because this larger, smoother TDI enhances the Q5’s natural characteristics even further. At the forefront of that is refinement. The V6 pulls smoothly, and it’s hooked up to an eight-speed automatic and Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system as standard. It produces 282bhp and 620Nm of torque for effortless performance. This output is some way down on the Jaguar’s, but the Q5 is 74kg lighter, which offsets the F-Pace’s extra oomph. This meant it was quicker from 0-60mph at our test track, taking 6.2 seconds to the Jag’s 6.9-second effort. The Audi offers superior ride comfort, though, because our Q5 was fitted with the £2,000 adaptive air suspension. That’s a costly option, but the Q5’s price advantage gives you headroom to delve into the extras. Besides, with the system fitted, in Comfort mode it floats serenely over all but the harshest, most torn tarmac.
Riding on 20-inch alloys (a £900 extra), it feels compliant but controlled, and exhibits nearly as much agility as the sporty F-Pace. The steering doesn’t deliver any feel, but the set-up is direct, although exploiting this and being aggressive with your inputs causes the car to roll. You could always switch the dampers to Dynamic mode, but the Q5 feels harsher here, with that forgiving ride reduced, as with body lean. Sportier S line trim has a slick, sumptuously trimmed cabin, with great build quality and expensive-feeling materials that bolster the air of sophistication. On top of that, our car had the £1,395 Technology Pack, which adds the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display and a larger 8.3-inch screen on top of the dash. You also get wireless charging and three years’ connected services. • Display: Larger 8.3-inch screen on top of the dash is part of our test model’s £1,395 Tech Pack, and it’s controlled through the MMI rotary dial. • Transmission: Eight-speed auto box shifts smoothly and transfers power to quattro four-wheel drive. • Quality: From leather seats to metal and plastics on dash, materials used have a high-grade feel.
For: Surprisingly agile handling, refined engine, strong space and practicality that don’t affect styling. Against: Lacklustre infotainment system, interior quality no match for the Audi’s, pricier than Q5. The F-Pace marked new territory for Jaguar. Under the skin the car uses much of the aluminium know-how Jag gained through the development of its current XE and XF saloons. It feels more dynamic than the Q5, thanks in part to the four-wheel-drive system. In Dynamic mode especially, you can feel the F-Pace shuffling torque to the axle that needs it most, boosting agility and traction. Another area where it trails the Audi is ride quality. Our F-Pace featured Jag’s £1,185 Adaptive Dynamics Pack, which has a system that constantly adjusts the adaptive dampers within the parameters determined by the driving mode you’ve selected (these include Normal and Dynamic, plus settings for adverse weather). In the default comfort setting the Jaguar rides sweetly on 19-inch alloys, but it still doesn’t have the plusher, more fluid-feeling suspension control of the Audi. You notice this over bigger bumps in particular.
