The 2017 Audi Q5 is offered in four trims: 2.0 Premium, 2.0 Premium Plus, 3.0 Premium Plus, and 3.0 Prestige. The two engines offered are a 220-horsepower 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, or a supercharged 272-horsepower 3.0L V6. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and both are connected to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, which sends about 60 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels under most driving conditions. When slippery surfaces are detected, or when more stability is needed, the system is able to reapportion torque as needed. With car-like underpinnings adapted from the Audi A4 sport sedan, the Q5 drives and handles much like that car, despite its relatively tall cabin. The Q5 is quite compact on the outside -- it's about as easy to park as a compact sedan -- yet there's a lot of passenger space within. Nice, supportive front seats afford a great view out, with a center console that has an adjustable armrest up top, while there's a surprising amount of legroom in back.
The Audi Q5 offers a long list of safety features that includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and hill descent control, with a special off-road mode for the electronics that allows a little more slip. The stability control system in the Q5 will recognize when the roof rack is loaded and adjust accordingly. Front side thorax bags, along with head-curtain side bags for both rows are all standard. Rear side-thorax bags are available. Premium Plus models add heated front seats with driver memory, heated folding mirrors and LED running lamps. The Premium Plus offers, as options, a hard-drive-based navigation system that accepts voice prompts and includes a rearview camera and HD radio and an amazing 14-speaker, 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Technology Package for this trim includes navigation and Audi side assist, while a Luxury Package is also available, with extended leather trim. The top Prestige trim is only offered with 3.0L V6. It brings a host of high-end luxury and tech features including heated washer nozzles, a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, Audi drive select, and adaptive cruise control, plus Audi Side Assist and a heated/cooled cup holder. A Technology Package adds things like the Bang & Olufsen sound system, MMI navigation plus, Audi connect, and parking system plus with a rearview camera. The Luxury Package adds items like perforated and ventilated Milano leather seats, while the Black Optic Package features 20-inch wheels, a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters and black exterior accents. Adaptive damping suspension and rear side airbags are standalone options. The SQ5 is Audi's high-performance version of the Q5. Offered in both Premium Plus and Prestige trims, it features a 354-horsepower version of the V6 available in the Q5. Audi has tuned the suspension on the SQ5 to be lower, stiffer and better handling, while unique interior features such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel remind drivers that they're driving something very special. Dynamic steering is also standard.
This more powerful version of the V6 commands a €2,600 premium though, so unless you need the performance, we expect the standard 231hp version to suffice. Meanwhile, the eight-speed automatic transmission eases through gear changes almost seamlessly. While there are paddles on the steering wheel to shift manually, it isn't always possible to override the gearbox, especially on downshifts. The result is a tendency to leave the auto to do its thing. One thing that made the original Touareg so popular was its towing ability. The new car remains one of the few passenger vehicles capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes (braked and up to an eight per cent gradient) thanks to its permanent all-wheel drive and generous 600Nm of torque. Volkswagen offers a factory-fit towing bracket that is electrically retractable, too, allowing it to stow away when not required. As an option, Volkswagen can fit the Touareg with an Offroad Package that is useful for those who plan on being more adventurous.
Additional driving profiles include setup for Snow, Sand, Gravel, Offroad Auto and Offroad Expect, which allows for individual configuration. The fuel tank also grows in capacity from 75 to 90 litres when this option is chosen. A reinforced underbody guard, protection for the battery and fuel tank, stone deflector and more robust bumpers set the Touareg up well. All you need to do is add some mud tyres if you're serious about going off the beaten track. The Volkswagen Touareg gets a starting price in Ireland of €65,395. It features a reasonable level of standard equipment, with many of the items customers expect to find nowadays in such a vehicle. Externally, it comes with 19-inch 'Osorno' alloy wheels, LED headlights with high beam assist and silver anodised roof rails. The Discover Pro navigation system consists of a 9.2-inch touchscreen and there's smartphone connectivity plus a wireless charging pad, so you'll be reasonably future-proofed.
