Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide - Engine, Transmission, Interior, & Trim Options (2009-2017 Audi Q5/SQ5)

►Produced between 2009 and 2017, the Audi Q5 and SQ5 provide a middle-of-the-road option for nearly every consumer, whether that's taking the kids to a soccer match or the track rat towing their classic MINI to the track.
The Q5 and SQ5 built on Audi's renowned B8 (8R) platform are offered with many engine, transmission, brake, interior, and trim options. Because of this, no matter what you're looking for in a mid-sized SUV, there's an 8R model for you.
If you're looking for a fast, used SUV, the Q5 is one of the most customizable SUVs out there, with nearly every bolt-on modification you'd find for a car available for it as well. The best part is, there are a lot on the used market available at nearly every price point.
Follow along as Eli Ruben, FCP Euro's resident Audi Q5 expert walks us through everything you need to know about this generation of the Audi Q5.
To learn more about the Audi Q5, you can visit our Q5 hub at info.fcpeuro.com/q5.
00:00 - Intro
00:42 - Q5 History
01:14 - Models Offered
02:05 - Used Market
03:31 - B8 & B8.5 Difference
04:45 - Trim Levels & Options
06:52 - Engines Offered
09:50 - Transmissions
11:28 - Aftermarket
12:05 - Brakes
12:55 - Interior space & 1 Thing To Look Out For
13:26 - Wrap-up
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[@leslierumkorf7759]

Great vid! Do note that although Audi is saying transmission oil do not need changing, ZF themselves actually indicate an interval. Many Audi specialists in the Netherlands advise a 90k to 120k km (!) Interval. The 3.0 supercharged also has the plastic guides for the timing chain. Audi has an "upgraded" set available over here, but they do stretch and cause an annoying "rattling" sound when idle. According to Audi this will not cause engine failure, but there are 3.0T owners over here that have seen them fail. Quick check is a cold start, idle for 5 to 10 seconds and listen. The engine should be "silent".

[@jvburnes]

This is a really great summary. We had a 2014 Q5 Prestige S-SLine which got totaled which we're replacing with a low-mileage 2016. Before that my only complaint was the oil breather valve needs to be replaced at about 75k miles and while the oil breather valve in any other car (aka PCV valve) would cost $15 and $100 labor to change, in the Q5 it costs about $300 for the module and around $1500 labor to swap out because it requires the removal of the supercharger. So budget for that. Other than that we loved this car. The non-sport seats are probably the best long-distance trip solution for your butt and back. The instrumentation cluster is so professional, it's like a airline cockpit and obvious that Audi spent a huge amount of time working out the human factors engineering on it. The Bang and Olufsson stereo is fantastic. Before we bought ours we tested about 7 other cars. One dealership lot had some used Q5s in their lot which were open. We sat in them and the reaction for all three of us was "ahhhhhhh". Worth the money if you have it.

[@fcpeuro]

We love the real-world feedback on these vehicles! Thank you for watching and dropping a comment!

[@gmched52]

That is how all buyers guides should be done

[@IgnitionTube]

Hey, I know that guy!!

[@jackgray1402]

I didn't know he worked for FCP. That's awesome.

[@tytuz1994]

I have basically the same car you had. What's the best way to lower it while still maintaining a quality ride and not breaking the bank? I'm in Florida so my roads are great :).

[@fcpeuro]

Yeah he is alright!

[@23Spiziked]

Hey can you tell that guy that I am coming from Chicago out there this summer . I need my sq5 tuned like his . Thank you 🙏

[@carlosflores1102]

@@fcpeuro I have an Audi Q5 and I am in love with it

[@DWR123]

Such an impressive and information-filled video. Thank you!!

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to share some insight on the Q5 with you DOUG44022!

[@omercarrothers7537]

Great, now I want a Q5

[@Iamjustabirdinthesky]

I have a 2017 SQ5 bought it with 98.000km now i have 128.000 km the engine broke down and i had to replace it cost me €10K second hand engine with 110.000km. Now the service lights in the dash go on and off. A lot of bad luck. But this is a my second sq5 i love this cars. With the first one no problems at all

[@Kiss__Kiss]

All I needed to see was the heading/topic and automatically knew it was going to be Eli lol

[@murkinranzyz9961]

Your doing gods work thank you

[@micasa8567]

Now thats a car review..... great work

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching!

[@andrewczajkowski7001]

Where can I get the grills featured on these S/Q5s in the background. Great job Eli.

[@MrEldan3k]

Best video for people confused with the market situation with these (as I am). Would love similiar video on FY model!

[@pratbalvantsinh5555]

Hi, is possible if you can confirm if the US Model 2020 Q5 Premium Plus model should have interior ambiance light on/under the dashboard (right side of the temperature nobs and little above the Quattro embargo). I do see ambience lighting on all doors (under the door handles). I would really appreciate your reply. Thanks.

[@JoMonki]

So I know the 2.0T has the speed transmission but it's still turbo. If I wanted non turbo NA engine is my only option to go with 3.2 V6 with the 6 speed? Is that transmission bad? Or should I go with 2.0T

[@jackalmotorsports]

i dig that SQ5 ;)

[@stevenphilips683]

I'm looking at one with 85k miles with lowered suspension what should I look for or run away?

[@user-wl6sr4gj4z]

Hi , I bought a 2023 2L Turbo Q5. Can you comment on the reliability of these newer models? Thanks for the great video

[@ayewhite333]

I have a 2016 Q5 with the 3.0 supercharged engine. Do you think the standard brakes are good enough to handle some basic power mods, like a Stage 1 tune? Not doing pulleys or anything like that (yet).

[@richolishis94]

I would suggest a set of SQ5 front brakes in the future if you ever plan on a pulleys upgrade with supporting tune. The s4 with pulleys and tune are very quick. I'd imagine the SQ5 would need the bigger brakes to support the overall vehicle weight at greater speeds

[@carlosrzavala4650]

Alright hear me out, so i have a 2010 q5 3.2 thats my project car. im removing engine & trans.. i also have a 2015 a8L 3.0 donor car that im swapping the 3.0 supercharge on the a8 into the 2010 q5..... will it be compatible & if so what am i getting into lol TYA -

[@Capt1001]

About to pick up a 3.0 TDI as a daily

[@ArnaldoSantiniChristStrong]

Can I do staggered wheels on these Q5s ???

[@kelvindonald4154]

Very useful video am looking forward to buy the used Q5 2012 - 2013 2.0T or 3.0T but am concerned with the gas mileage and major issues please advise which one I should go for .... and Happy new Year 🙏🏼

[@emmanuelalva6597]

3.0 seems like the more reliable one, haven’t seen many complaints about them.

[@og12goat]

how about the long term reliability like a 2015 sQ5 with 200 000 Km should I run away?

[@accordv6er]

Sometimes a high mile car can be a better bargain, since many issues would have appeared/been fixed by then, or be obvious. Then again, what is 200k, like 126k miles? That's not bad. Suspension, axles, bushings etc are likely worn but not obvious yet. So good alignment based on tire wear and good tight drive character is important. Good CV axles. Will need to have had The trans and diff fluid kept up in addition to routine maintenance. The 3.0t is likely one of the best motors Audi made for long term use. Not too much to worry abou, cruise forums, you'll find the stuff

[@draganj7072]

What about the Q5 TFSI, 2012 Hybrid, 211hp, petrol/electric? Thinking to buy one but I’ve heard that the car jitters a lot when switching from electric to petrol mode and vice versa? And the fuel consumption is far more than what Audi says 34mpg, in normal driving it’s like 21mpg? I would appreciate any info :)

[@aaryavgopalakrishna7169]

Doesn't the 3.0tdi have a 7speed?

[@AcuraKidd]

My wife lost her 2011 Q5 in a hurricane, it was flooded :( We're shopping for a replacement but want something a bit newer. I definitely want the 3.0 supercharged engine, but due to budget constraints we're not sure which model year is most reliable. 2015? 2016? Also, I'm very much into the latest tech, which package has all the latest and greatest? Premium plus or prestige?

[@jvburnes]

Mark, the prestige generally has the latest and I think that includes the technology package. The most obvious thing is that the onboard MMI multimedia and onscreen hardware/software is pretty old. There's an Aussie company that makes a really sweet Android solution for the Q5 that retains the B&O stereo and even interfaces to the old MMI control system. It's a bit pricey at around $1000, but it gives you a completely new 10" widescreen display that smoothly integrates into the older Q5 chassis. You can get upgraded displays on the latest Q5s, but personally I don't like the control systems and integration for 2018+.

[@AcuraKidd]

@@jvburnes are you referring to RSNAV?

[@jvburnes]

@@AcuraKidd That's one of them.

[@jayrom6237]

So i have the v8 4.2 l s5 and looking to go q5 3.0t and lower it like yours. Should i

[@fcpeuro]

Both excellent vehicles!

[@jayrom6237]

I Love the s5 but seeing the 3.0t i want the supercharger whine

[@murkinranzyz9961]

2011 Audi Q5 3.2 quattro Premium Plus I’m gonna buy this maybe next week so I’m trying to learn everything I can if you can drop something in the comments to let me know

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to help where we can! Depending on the mileage, you'll want to to check if the secondary air system has been cleaned. It is one of the main areas of service on that engine that requires a special tool that only the dealership usually has. Codes for secondary air usually means this service is needed. Other than that, look for regular service with oil changes and the usual aspects of how it runs and drives. (smooth, no clunks or loose feeling in suspension, no hard shifting, etc)

[@murkinranzyz9961]

@@fcpeuro when I head to the dealership this weekend I’m gonna go check everything you show me to check out and I really appreciate your inside scoop frfr and I hope you and your family have an excellent Christmas

[@RellupNorth]

So the 3.2 that I have seems to be the most bulletproof. Got it lol

[@Howmade]

What , here in Europe Q5 comes with dual cluch 7-speed gearbox

[@Dunwelll]

Do they have stop & go adaptive cruise available any year?

[@douglastaylor8039]

If these cars come with these known problems why aren't our greedy Incompetent politicians not making these car companies fix these known problems instead of sticking it to the consumer. We need more ralph naders who care about the ripped off consumers.

[@AP-wu1rv]

So which model would you recommend because they all sound like they have problems lol

[@IgnitionTube]

I personally would be on the hunt for a 3.0T Q5, or a diesel Q5 with a warranty. Of course if money is no object, the SQ is the top dog, but the 3.0T and the diesel are better value.

[@amurikurthy]

Would definitely look at Q5 3.0T or SQ5. The supercharged engines and ZF8 transmission as a combo are basically bulletproof if you take care of their little flaws and quirks.

[@gureno19]

Have to laugh at Audi not requiring transmission fluid changes 😂 It's an automatic gearbox.... it absolutely needs fluid changed 😂

[@mouradaux]

No mention of the mecatronic issues???

[@arkeyfix786]

Zf8 transmission don’t tend to go bad so it’s unlikely to have faults

[@lonesoldierinsincity7]

*Where can you modify your Audi Q5 in the United States❓with after market Audi parts❓Can Audi dealerships Tune your audi Q5❓* 🤔

[@maorlevi2387]

I have Audi q5 and I hate noises from athe sunroof!!!!

[@Rasytojas1980]

Funny that in the US you have no DSG and no diesel. And you are obsessed with horse power not tax band like in EU 😅

[@forgodsolovedyou]

The background music is awful and distracting