[TTLLAN]

Its very difficult after 10 mths to say if I like my Q5.Having had 4x4,s since 1968 I think I know what a 4x4 should do on and off road and as the quattro system has been around for almost as long, I am a little disappointed in it and Audi.I know the Q5 isn,t ment to be as good offroad as a Range Rovers I have had, never the less the inability not to be able with the automatic box to manualy take off in second in snow is a stupid mistake as you have to get up to 7mph before you can change up, this can be dangerous.In Mid Wales it,s a pain and could be easily rectified by works software technitions.The turbo lag in moving off from stationary can also be annoying but is not as bad as a previous XC90 I had.
I get the feeling talking to Audi that they are to a certain extent using the customers to find the faults which was a tactic of Range Rovers in the 70.s & 80,s and would have thought by now the quattro syatem would have been perfected. I have already had a gearbox softwear upgrade and I think I am right in saying the latest Q5,s are different again.
Long journey,s on the continent are covered with ease and gives 40 mpg on brisk journey,s.So far apart from a rear number plate that keeps coming loose no problems.I do however worry if my collapsable spare will be up to the job and I can find a new tyre if needed quickly,this remains to be seen.Why do we have to have no proper spare, where do the designers drive?
So all in all I give the Q5 7/10 ,it may grow on me as time goes on.There is more to this story, maybe I will tell you about Audi and the dealer some other time.The question is will I buy another one?

 

[Brownslate]

I have had my Q5 for nearly five months now and I am really pleased with it. I haven't had it long enough to drive it in snow or any sort of testing conditions as the weather has been generally dry since I have had it. Since mine has a manual gearbox, I may not experience the same problems as you. Being a farmer, I have driven 4x4's for years as well but the Q5 certainly offers a little more in the way of comfort than my 2006 Land Rover Defender. It will be interesting to try it around the fields as the conditions get wetter. I haven't noticed any turbo lag on mine and the only problem that I have encountered so far is the fitting of a tow hitch which has driven me completely barmy. All in all, I give mine 9/10 so far.

 

[weatherald]

Its very difficult after 10 mths to say if I like my Q5.Having had 4x4,s since 1968 I think I know what a 4x4 should do on and off road and as the quattro system has been around for almost as long, I am a little disappointed in it and Audi.I know the Q5 isn,t ment to be as good offroad as a Range Rovers I have had, never the less the inability not to be able with the automatic box to manualy take off in second in snow is a stupid mistake as you have to get up to 7mph before you can change up, this can be dangerous.In Mid Wales it,s a pain and could be easily rectified by works software technitions.The turbo lag in moving off from stationary can also be annoying but is not as bad as a previous XC90 I had.
I get the feeling talking to Audi that they are to a certain extent using the customers to find the faults which was a tactic of Range Rovers in the 70.s & 80,s and would have thought by now the quattro syatem would have been perfected. I have already had a gearbox softwear upgrade and I think I am right in saying the latest Q5,s are different again.
Long journey,s on the continent are covered with ease and gives 40 mpg on brisk journey,s.So far apart from a rear number plate that keeps coming loose no problems.I do however worry if my collapsable spare will be up to the job and I can find a new tyre if needed quickly,this remains to be seen.Why do we have to have no proper spare, where do the designers drive?
So all in all I give the Q5 7/10 ,it may grow on me as time goes on.There is more to this story, maybe I will tell you about Audi and the dealer some other time.The question is will I buy another one?

I tend to agree with you. I have had my car about a month 1200 mls 2.0 tdi s tronic. With mixed gentle driving achieving 33mpg a bit disappointing to Audi figures.
I am interested in the gearbox software upgrade and when Audi issued it if you have any information.
Have you noticed the poor bonnet alignment with the top of the wings, I have returned mine and a new hinge is on order, interesting.
Regards

 

[CrustyNoodle]

I have had my Q5 for nearly five months now and I am really pleased with it......

.... I haven't noticed any turbo lag on mine and the only problem that I have encountered so far is the fitting of a tow hitch which has driven me completely barmy. All in all, I give mine 9/10 so far.

There are a number of aftermarket tow hitches for the Q5. I fitted a Bosal hitch myself and also did the coding to suit. Please let me know if you'd like some pointers as it really is easier than you think.

 

[Rog]

Can't you put the auto into 2nd gear manually

Would you not be better getting a set of 17" winter wheels and tyres like Pirelli scorpion snow and ice

Most posts I've found on the web about driving in the snow in Canada and USA say the Q5 is very good on winter tyres.

 

[Rog]

Video of an R8 in the snow. Surely if that can do it then so can the Q5

http://www.iamaudi.com/audi-in-the-snow/

 

[Brownslate]

There are a number of aftermarket tow hitches for the Q5. I fitted a Bosal hitch myself and also did the coding to suit. Please let me know if you'd like some pointers as it really is easier than you think.

It wasn't so much the fitting of the hitch as the upgrade to the cooling system that gave me grief. I have got the factory fitted folding bar now which is first class.

 

[TTLLAN]

Hi everybody
Thanks for your replies re ? do I like my Q5 . With regard to the gearbox whoever has a mulifunctual box try and put it into second to start off it doesn,t work.For most of the year all is well but when we get snow and ice in Mid Wales you need an ability to drive off without to much wheel spin.I agree that 17 ins or snow tyres is possibly the answer, but should I put them on for 5 days a yr.What I am saying is Audi has lost the plot and don,t think people in the UK have unexpected bad weather.
My first service is due in Sep.Do I use my local garage whose owner has a degree in physics and and is expert in modern car electronics and mechanics or my Audi dealer who gives me a comfortable chair, soft drinks but no access to the service or an ability to look under or into the mechanics of the car.There is no choice its the local garage.We own the cars and need to know what is going on.How many of you have seen your car,s oil changed let alone a more major service?If you have a problem put marks on your engine parts and see if they have been moved, a few yrs ago with another make I did this and found filters etc hadn,t been changed hence the local garage.

 

[TTLLAN]

Just seen ? about tow hitch. I have a factory fitted one and it is the best I have had for 40yrs. All the previous ones wear factory or dealer fitted and the ability on the Q5 to move it out of the way and ensure my trousers are not covered in grease is great.My wife thinks its the best thing since sliced bread.So there is something on the car I can give 10/10.
If you are buying a new car get it factory fitted, not only is it cheaper but if it goes wrong Audi have to put it right. I tow with mine and use a bike rack on the hitch for thousands of mls in France and its great.Just in case you think I,m a super cyclist I only ride on the flat as being in my mid 70,s has its limitations.

 

[Rog]

TTLAN,

I guess the alternative to putting winter tyres on for only a few days is to stay home for those days until it clears. How about a pair of Autosocks from www.roofbox.co.uk

I've just bought a pair for that occasional couple of days.

Did you try turning the DSC off

I've got no working knowledge of the Q5 yet. But I came from two RRSs which were fantastic in the snow over the last few years. And I learnt to drive in LR/tanks etc whilst in the Army for 13 years (I also crashed a tank into a tree 40 feet into someones garden as a result of driving on packed snow/ice on cobbles!

).
But I've heard of many people in all manner of 4x4 including LRs who can't drive in the snow without loosing control......a lot of it is down to lack of knowledge and experience and too fast..... but also to somehow thinking that 4x4 makes you invinceable.
Last winter I had loads of people in lesser 4x4s and cars than the RRS overtaking me in the snow

Madness...

So yes LRs may be better than the Q5 in the snow but they are also heavier and when they loose control they go quicker into that ditch.

I know someone who has one of those huge 4x4 double cab pickup things who thought it was invinceable. When he told me he couldn't get any traction I said I'm not surprised there's no weight on the back wheels because of the flatbed. Told him to get a few bags of sand to weigh it down.

 

[robp]

TTLLAN,

Seems you have an interesting problem - before you bought the Q5 what comparison's did you do against other 4x4's ? You seem an experienced 4x4 driver as you say and I would be iinterested to hear what thought's you had on shopping around the different manufacturers. On the service front - aren't we not getting the opportunuity now to watch our mechanics in action via this new Audi headcam ??!!??

 

[TTLLAN]

TTLLAN,

Seems you have an interesting problem - before you bought the Q5 what comparison's did you do against other 4x4's ? You seem an experienced 4x4 driver as you say and I would be iinterested to hear what thought's you had on shopping around the different manufacturers. On the service front - aren't we not getting the opportunuity now to watch our mechanics in action via this new Audi headcam ??!!??

Previously had 7 RR,s from new had problems with all of them but stayed with RR,s because having local dealer in a rural locality was convenient. BMW X5 not to bad but had problems on continent. XC 90 had 4 faithful yrs but a bit slow.
Thought that as my friends and sons Audi,s wear reliable would try an Audi 4X4 in my old age think I expected to much.Have to admit long journeys are much easier on the old bones drives more like a car than previous 4x4 ,s. Went for SE not sport as ride is softer and my wife couldn,t get on with the hard ride.
Finally fed up with trying out various 4x4 to make my mind up and Q5 against XC90 was the best deal and only waited 3 mnths for delivery.Maybe I should realy up it to 8/10 but so fed up with Audi dealer since it clouds my judgement.

 

[Roberthe]

It wasn't so much the fitting of the hitch as the upgrade to the cooling system that gave me grief. I have got the factory fitted folding bar now which is first class.

Hi There,

I note that you have had the cooling system upgrade in teh past.

I have just discovered - too late to get a factory fit towbar - that this might be necessary for my Q5 which is coming in a couple of weeks time.

Any pointers on why it gave you grief and what sort of cost please?

I am so hacked off for Audi not making this clear in their details.....

Also if anyone has a view on whether it is really needed that would be helpful.

Thanks
Roberthe

 

[TTLLAN]

Thought I would give you an 18 month update.
Yes I now think its a good 4x4 especially with winter tyres on it. Went everywhere in the bad weather and long trips, now engine has bedded in, are very comfortable. Would I change it for another one YES but probably the 3 litre as driving in Europe can be a little tricky with slight turbolag and slow automatic changes at roundabouts and junctions.
Problems none.I did however prang the back passenger door against a carpark bollard but thanks to Saga insurance had a very speedy new door with a perfect match from Audi. Silly me first dent in 20yrs.
Hope you are all as happy.
TT