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2021 Audi Q5 In-Depth Review – How Does It Compare to the BMW X3 & Mercedes GLC?
The 2021 Audi Q5 sits in a highly competitive luxury compact SUV segment, competing directly with the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It combines Audi's trademark design, technology, and performance with practicality and comfort. Let’s explore its features, specifications, and see how it stacks up against its closest rivals.
Key Specifications:
Type: Compact Luxury SUV (available as gas-powered and plug-in hybrid versions)
Engine Options:
2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine
Plug-in Hybrid (Q5 PHEV)
3.0-liter V6 engine (SQ5)
Horsepower:
248 hp (Standard 2.0L Turbo)
362 hp (Q5 Plug-in Hybrid)
349 hp (SQ5)
Torque: 273 lb-ft (Standard), 369 lb-ft (Plug-in Hybrid)
Transmission: 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain: Standard quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)
Performance & Driving:
The Audi Q5 delivers a smooth and composed driving experience. The base model's 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. For those looking for added performance, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version offers a combined 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, making it significantly quicker.
The Q5’s quattro all-wheel drive comes as standard, giving it great traction in both dry and slippery conditions. The suspension is tuned for comfort, but it remains agile and capable through corners.
Battery, Range, & Charging (Q5 PHEV):
Battery Size: 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery
Electric-Only Range: Up to 23 miles (EPA rated)
Total Range: With the gas engine, the Q5 PHEV offers a combined range of around 400 miles.
Charging Time:
Level 1 (120V): Around 6-8 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 (240V): Around 2.5 hours for a full charge.
The PHEV model offers enough electric range for short daily commutes, which is beneficial for drivers who want to minimize fuel consumption in city driving.
Fuel Economy:
Gas-Only Version (2.0L Turbo): 23 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Approx. 50 MPGe (combined electric + gas)
While the standard engine provides decent fuel economy for a luxury SUV, the plug-in hybrid version excels in efficiency, making it a strong option for those looking to reduce fuel costs.
Size & Dimensions:
Length: 184.3 inches
Width: 74.5 inches
Height: 65.5 inches
Wheelbase: 111 inches
Curb Weight:
Standard: 4,090 lbs
PHEV: 4,619 lbs
The Audi Q5 offers a well-balanced size, providing enough interior space for passengers and cargo while being compact enough for easy city driving. It has a cargo space of 25.8 cubic feet (54 cubic feet with the seats down), which is comparable to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.
Cold Weather Performance:
The quattro AWD system and heated front seats (standard or optional) ensure good performance in colder climates. The plug-in hybrid variant’s electric range may drop by 20-30% in freezing temperatures, similar to other PHEVs. Nonetheless, the gasoline engine compensates for the range loss, and the vehicle maintains its strong handling and performance even in snowy or icy conditions.
Tires & Wheels:
Standard Tires: 18-inch wheels with all-season tires (higher trims offer 19- and 20-inch wheels)
Tire Sizes:
Front: 235/60R18
Rear: 235/60R18
Run-Flat Tires: Optional in certain trims
The Q5's adaptive suspension and AWD system ensure that the vehicle is well-equipped to handle various weather conditions, including cold and wet roads.
Price:
Base MSRP: Starting around $43,300 for the base 2.0L engine model.
PHEV Version: Starts around $52,900.
SQ5: The high-performance SQ5 starts around $53,900.
Pricing is competitive compared to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, but options and packages can quickly increase the price.
Production & Manufacturing:
Made In: The 2021 Audi Q5 is primarily produced in Audi's factory in San José Chiapa, Mexico. Some variants may be assembled in other locations depending on the market.
How Does It Compare to the BMW X3 & Mercedes GLC?
BMW X3:
Performance: The X3 is sportier, especially with its M40i variant, which offers 382 hp from a 3.0L inline-6 engine. However, the Audi Q5’s plug-in hybrid is quicker than the X3’s plug-in version.
Interior Quality: The Audi Q5 has a slightly more premium and tech-forward interior, though the X3 offers more customizable driving dynamics.
Price: The X3 has a starting price of around $43,700, close to the Q5.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
Luxury: The GLC edges ahead in terms of sheer luxury, with a more opulent interior and smoother ride, but the Q5 offers more technology features.
Performance: The GLC 300, with its 255-hp 2.0L engine, is on par with the Q5’s base engine, but it doesn't have a PHEV option as powerful as the Q5's.
Price: The GLC starts at $43,200, similar to both the Q5 and X3.
Final Verdict – Is the Audi Q5 Better Than the BMW X3 & Mercedes GLC?
The 2021 Audi Q5 offers a solid blend of performance, technology, and comfort. Its PHEV variant is one of the best in the segment, offering a compelling mix of power and efficiency. While the BMW X3 offers sportier driving dynamics and the Mercedes GLC emphasizes luxury, the Q5 strikes a balance between the two.
If you're looking for a high-tech, refined SUV with an efficient plug-in hybrid option, the Audi Q5 is a fantastic choice. However, if driving performance or luxury is your top priority, the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC might edge ahead in those specific areas.
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The 2021 Audi Q5 sits in a highly competitive luxury compact SUV segment, competing directly with the likes of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. It combines Audi's trademark design, technology, and performance with practicality and comfort. Let’s explore its features, specifications, and see how it stacks up against its closest rivals.
Key Specifications:
Type: Compact Luxury SUV (available as gas-powered and plug-in hybrid versions)
Engine Options:
2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine
Plug-in Hybrid (Q5 PHEV)
3.0-liter V6 engine (SQ5)
Horsepower:
248 hp (Standard 2.0L Turbo)
362 hp (Q5 Plug-in Hybrid)
349 hp (SQ5)
Torque: 273 lb-ft (Standard), 369 lb-ft (Plug-in Hybrid)
Transmission: 7-speed S Tronic dual-clutch automatic
Drivetrain: Standard quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)
Performance & Driving:
The Audi Q5 delivers a smooth and composed driving experience. The base model's 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine provides 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, delivering a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds. For those looking for added performance, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version offers a combined 362 hp and 369 lb-ft, making it significantly quicker.
The Q5’s quattro all-wheel drive comes as standard, giving it great traction in both dry and slippery conditions. The suspension is tuned for comfort, but it remains agile and capable through corners.
Battery, Range, & Charging (Q5 PHEV):
Battery Size: 17.9 kWh lithium-ion battery
Electric-Only Range: Up to 23 miles (EPA rated)
Total Range: With the gas engine, the Q5 PHEV offers a combined range of around 400 miles.
Charging Time:
Level 1 (120V): Around 6-8 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 (240V): Around 2.5 hours for a full charge.
The PHEV model offers enough electric range for short daily commutes, which is beneficial for drivers who want to minimize fuel consumption in city driving.
Fuel Economy:
Gas-Only Version (2.0L Turbo): 23 MPG city / 28 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Approx. 50 MPGe (combined electric + gas)
While the standard engine provides decent fuel economy for a luxury SUV, the plug-in hybrid version excels in efficiency, making it a strong option for those looking to reduce fuel costs.
Size & Dimensions:
Length: 184.3 inches
Width: 74.5 inches
Height: 65.5 inches
Wheelbase: 111 inches
Curb Weight:
Standard: 4,090 lbs
PHEV: 4,619 lbs
The Audi Q5 offers a well-balanced size, providing enough interior space for passengers and cargo while being compact enough for easy city driving. It has a cargo space of 25.8 cubic feet (54 cubic feet with the seats down), which is comparable to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.
Cold Weather Performance:
The quattro AWD system and heated front seats (standard or optional) ensure good performance in colder climates. The plug-in hybrid variant’s electric range may drop by 20-30% in freezing temperatures, similar to other PHEVs. Nonetheless, the gasoline engine compensates for the range loss, and the vehicle maintains its strong handling and performance even in snowy or icy conditions.
Tires & Wheels:
Standard Tires: 18-inch wheels with all-season tires (higher trims offer 19- and 20-inch wheels)
Tire Sizes:
Front: 235/60R18
Rear: 235/60R18
Run-Flat Tires: Optional in certain trims
The Q5's adaptive suspension and AWD system ensure that the vehicle is well-equipped to handle various weather conditions, including cold and wet roads.
Price:
Base MSRP: Starting around $43,300 for the base 2.0L engine model.
PHEV Version: Starts around $52,900.
SQ5: The high-performance SQ5 starts around $53,900.
Pricing is competitive compared to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, but options and packages can quickly increase the price.
Production & Manufacturing:
Made In: The 2021 Audi Q5 is primarily produced in Audi's factory in San José Chiapa, Mexico. Some variants may be assembled in other locations depending on the market.
How Does It Compare to the BMW X3 & Mercedes GLC?
BMW X3:
Performance: The X3 is sportier, especially with its M40i variant, which offers 382 hp from a 3.0L inline-6 engine. However, the Audi Q5’s plug-in hybrid is quicker than the X3’s plug-in version.
Interior Quality: The Audi Q5 has a slightly more premium and tech-forward interior, though the X3 offers more customizable driving dynamics.
Price: The X3 has a starting price of around $43,700, close to the Q5.
Mercedes-Benz GLC:
Luxury: The GLC edges ahead in terms of sheer luxury, with a more opulent interior and smoother ride, but the Q5 offers more technology features.
Performance: The GLC 300, with its 255-hp 2.0L engine, is on par with the Q5’s base engine, but it doesn't have a PHEV option as powerful as the Q5's.
Price: The GLC starts at $43,200, similar to both the Q5 and X3.
Final Verdict – Is the Audi Q5 Better Than the BMW X3 & Mercedes GLC?
The 2021 Audi Q5 offers a solid blend of performance, technology, and comfort. Its PHEV variant is one of the best in the segment, offering a compelling mix of power and efficiency. While the BMW X3 offers sportier driving dynamics and the Mercedes GLC emphasizes luxury, the Q5 strikes a balance between the two.
If you're looking for a high-tech, refined SUV with an efficient plug-in hybrid option, the Audi Q5 is a fantastic choice. However, if driving performance or luxury is your top priority, the BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC might edge ahead in those specific areas.
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