Of the competition

Basically, most functions are accessible from the steering wheel mounted controls, or via voice. It’s all configurable and when not being used for interaction, like producing razor-sharp Android Auto maps, it blasts out great audio.

Even though the Q5 has always delivered on its luxury and technology, it’s the driving dynamics that really sets it apart from rivals. Nothing else in the class has the operational width of the Q5. When left to the daily grind, elements such as the dual-climate control, Auto Start/stop, Auto Hold Braking, Automatic headlights and wipers all combine with a compliant chassis to provide effortless motoring. As an SUV, there’s more than adequate off-road ground clearance and traction.

The Q5 is never tiring or stressful. Yet, for those who want to get their blood pumping, the Q5 can dip into its sporting heritage to do so. In DYNAMIC mode, the turbo-charged two-litre wakes up, giving the driver all of the 252bhp. The very same essentials that cosset so well, join in the experience. The chassis that isolates, now guides over rough surfaces at speed without disruption, while the Quattro all-wheel drive system passes nothing but confidence inspiring traction to the driver. The eight-speed transmission shifts in perfect tandem with the engine’s power band, swelling to its redline on demand for constant acceleration. With a tap of a button the Audi can go from comfortable luxury family cruiser slogging through traffic, to a rocket that can escape that very same traffic.

FINAL WORD

MODEL: 2021 Audi Q5 ENGINE: 2-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder — 252bhp/273lb/ft DRIVETRAIN: eight-speed dual-clutch/all-wheel drive SUMMARY: Audi continues to refine its top seller.

The MMI touchscreen is large, fast, and just as logically laid out as the physical buttons. Not that drivers need to use it much as the standard Audi Virtual Cockpit follows suit in terms of size and clarity.

For 2021, the Audi Q5 is more about refinement and updates rather than full out evolutionary change.

(Photos: Rory Daley) Audi Q5’s ‘light game’ continues to be above the rest with the world’s first digital OLED Matrix tail lights. Opt for these, and owners can choose from myriad programmable lighting signatures.