Among SUVs, midsize sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in the upper 4-meter range in length are a highly preferred class. They are sized for a family of four with children to ride comfortably, and Korean car buyers tend to prefer larger vehicles.
Among domestic brands, the Kia Sorento surpassed 100,000 in sales last year to become a "national SUV," and the Hyundai Motor Santa Fe ranked within the top 10.
Among imported midsize SUVs, the Model Y sold 50,405 units, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 8,509 units, and the BMW X3 6,746 units, ranking No. 1, 5, and 7 in imported car sales, respectively.
In this class, the model that represents Audi is the Q5. First unveiled in China in 2008, the Q5 also went on sale domestically that same year.
The current Q5 is the third-generation model and, like Audi's compact sedan A5, uses the next-generation PPC platform. It features improved body rigidity and interior space utilization.
The Q5 sold in Korea comes in three trims—▲40 TDI (diesel) ▲40 TFSI (gasoline) ▲45 TFSI quattro (the Sportback is the same). I recently test-drove a diesel quattro (all-wheel drive) S line model in the Seoul metropolitan area.
The front end projects a strong impression through Audi's signature honeycomb radiator grille. The black grille, the daytime running lights (DRL) that are thinner and longer than the previous generation, and the air intakes in the front bumper seemed to hint at a sporty character.
The thick wheel arches and the roofline that appears lower toward the rear highlighted its sophistication. It emphasizes a sportier vibe than a traditional SUV with boxy lines.
Allowing the connected taillights and DRLs to be set in a total of eight patterns was a signature fun element from Audi.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the minimized physical buttons made it feel simple and clean. The center fascia (the area between the driver and front passenger with climate controls, etc.) has only the minimum buttons for hazards and ignition.
The 11.9-inch instrument cluster and 14.5-inch central display are combined into a single curved screen. Climate functions are operated through this display.
The wheelbase, which determines interior space by the distance between the front and rear wheels, is 2,820 mm—the shortest among rivals—but thanks to the PPC platform, it does not feel cramped.
In the second row, there was enough room to fit the space of two fists in front of the knees. However, the tall hump in the center of the second row suggested that seating five might be somewhat uncomfortable.
The trunk holds 520 L as standard and expands to 1,420 L with the second row folded. The Q5's dimensions are length 4,715 mm, width 1,900 mm, and height 1,655 mm.
While driving at low speeds, the Q5 moved in a way that fit the description of being quiet. That's due to being the first diesel to adopt a mild hybrid system (MHEV).
The electric motor, which produces 18 kW of output, reduced engine intervention at low speeds, creating a quieter environment than other diesel powertrain vehicles. The diesel-typical minor vibrations and noise did not feel noticeable enough to be bothersome.
Audi said this is thanks to a technology called MHEV Plus. After starting the car, it is also possible to operate electronic equipment using only the MHEV battery rather than the engine.
At high speeds, some engine noise seeped in, but not to an uncomfortable degree.
The 2.0 TDI engine, which delivers a maximum output of 204 horsepower and peak torque of 40.78 kg·m, and the 7-speed automatic transmission met with the air suspension to provide brisk yet smooth acceleration even at high speeds. It is not a tame vehicle.
Switching the drive mode to Dynamic firms up the suspension and makes the sense of speed feel more energetic. I felt it stayed well planted on the road even in high-speed corners.
This stability comes from "quattro," Audi's synonymous permanent all-wheel-drive system. However, the feeling of leaping forward exactly as you press the pedal seemed somewhat weak.
The advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) also operated at a level that offered ample help. It accurately detected and displayed vehicles ahead and to the sides on the instrument cluster display.
Unlike competitors that operate through buttons attached to the steering wheel, there is a separate lever, which actually felt more intuitive.
Functions such as lane departure warning also activated at appropriate moments, but the lack of a lane-centering function appeared to be a major flaw. Because the steering wheel must be manipulated, ordinary consumers may feel fatigue similar to when driving directly.
After driving about 55 km, the combined fuel economy displayed on the instrument cluster was 11.5 km/L. The official fuel economy of the 40 TDI quattro is 12.3 km/L in the city and 13.1 km/L on the highway. The combined figure is 12.7 km/L. The lower measured figure appears to be due to driving in sport mode.
While driving, I also benefited several times from the safety and convenience features. The rear radar sensors detected approaching vehicles and pedestrians, and additional lighting in the direction the steering wheel was turned secured a wider field of view.
In addition, this vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 150 g/km, lower than the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70. The price of the The New Audi Q5 40 TDI quattro starts from 69.68 million won (including VAT). The test vehicle costs 84.4 million won.