2021 Audi Q5 55 e Quattro Reviewed + Off-Road and Snow

[@gregmaher6728]

Well, i have to hand it to you. After a year of searches, test drives, and discussing features/benefits, i decided on the Q5e. Never had a hybrid before but after 3 weeks i have to admit i love my car. I have to thank you fro your supreme reporting and honesty over the past 6-8 months that i have viewed your videos. My first new car in 14+ years. Part of my final decision was the fuel economy, but also power and range. I often drive 350-400 miles and EVs just cant get me there yet. Thank you

[@JAndyW]

Could you share your experience with hybrid efficiency? What's your daily mileage, and how often do you have to go to the gas station if you're charging it up every day? Thanks!

[@gregmaher6728]

Update May 2024. Driving averages 40 mile per day. Weekends almost always E power only. Found that by using Battery Save mode provide better combined mileage daily. ?? I reserve battery on my home return every day which is approximately 14 miles office to home. Always have a few miles left. It’s been three plus years now and still really enjoy to Audi Q5E experience .

[@mn3ql]

@@gregmaher6728 Thank you for the update! Do you have any input on how maintenance and reliability has gone for you? Or has there been any issues at all?

[@topperharley8322]

The Q5 has that effortlessly classy look, the rivals all seem to have design that seems like they're trying too hard to be youthful. Great review once again.

[@jpch8814]

This is pretty much the identity of Audi, they are elegant instead of flashy.

[@teleguy5699]

@@jpch8814 I always joke when I say to my wife, "nice looking Audi". "Shit, they are all nice looking".

[@alstjr]

god finally, someone who is intellectual with car reviews than all these other goofy channels

[@nickbien]

How did you know this was the EXACT video I wanted? Also congratulations on 150k subs :)

[@dagobertojoseborretejeda4647]

What a great review this was, taking the car to the limit and see how it performs. Keep on the good work!

[@jamesm.2802]

Seriously great video! I’m impressed by how this channel is coming along. Useful info, beautiful footage, and even the music is fresh and exciting. You’ve earned a dedicated viewer.

[@JustWill99]

These reviews are some of the best, thanks.

[@rf_v6]

im new to your channel but i would say that you are one of guys out there that are really really good on reviewing cars! i love your vids man👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kilove1]

This is definitely the best review I've seen on KZbin. 👏👏

[@Bayside628]

Wow. Thank you for a stellar review and lesson on how to drive on wet snowy mountain roads safely all in one video!!

[@lobstercronut]

22:36 The hill descent control speed, in Audi’s typical elegant fashion, can be changed by tapping on the gas/brake pedals. The HDC will maintain the speed you pedal to.

[@incediery]

so let me get this straight...this PHEV gets better gas mileage than the base 2.0 smokes the previous SQ5 on WET pavement attacks the off road course like a boss and with the tax credit it's not that much more expensive than a base Q5.....another sales success for Audi

[@danI43541]

Well the PHEV only gets better mileage if you really charge it and use the battery. If you don’t do so: it’s a 2.0 with extra weight

[@CrazyWeeMonkey]

@@danI43541 I would assume it still functions as a typical hybrid after the full-ev battery range is used up (and probably it stays charged via the engine) so it still gets better mpg.

[@Incomplet_name]

@@CrazyWeeMonkey I have this vehicle and can confirm it only charges from braking. No engine charging. I was pretty sad when I found out

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

Videos are getting better and better. Good job Driving Sports TV!

[@cyprianskiba8768]

Your reviews are practical and detailed. Love it

[@harsh8426]

awesomely done! loved the slow-motion Outback shot....eagerly waiting for the A6 all-road review....Audi, please !

[@cazamerelong-bailey4102]

I'm loving these videos coming out more often

[@Alboravin]

Fantastic video, very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@TheRTPatriot]

This review has done what SUV reviews should do: include off-road tests. That Q5 plug-in ranks better than the X3 or GLC rivals

[@md8744]

I always love to watch reviews when driving on mountain trails that helps buyers more confident to think about it.

[@ruialves4965]

I've the normal V6 3lt Tdi from 2014 with 195000 km and i love it 🍺🇵🇹

[@gray1572]

Me too!

[@zogadwoe]

Very enjoyable and fun vehicle. Had our first snow on the east coast and will for the 1st time test my 2020 Subaru ascent awd. Hopefully I can do some good "snownuts" like yours hahahaah

[@jcarlton7368]

Great review! I look forward to more great content.

[@preoccupied4800]

I just took delivery of an Q5 e (the upgraded model for 2022). It has a upgraded battery now to 14.9 kW for 45 mile range on electric only. It's a really surprising car to drive; put it in e-mode to tootle around town but out on the road in sport, it's damn fast. Anyway, I'm really enjoying learning all the features but I won't be taking mine off-road anytime soon...

[@tanhansel92]

This is a great video, quality and content-wise!

[@mikecriswell9431]

Great Video! What a great looking car. AVG really has the styling down right now. I'm super impressed with how well the Quattro ultra worked. AWD systems are just getting so good and I have always thought 0000 was a little lacking compared to others ( I do own a '13 Allroad). I would still rather have the SQ5!

[@chuckdiego719]

Great review! First timer here👍

[@danielkashiktchian6496]

Wow what an incredibly made video. Really awesome, thank you

[@billtang79]

I love how you review cars.

[@jamsbong]

Excellent review on an excellent car. Being an Audi Q5 owner myself, I can say this is the best car I’ve ever owned. Rock solid build quality and makes all bad weather driving feels relax and easy.

[@thatmidlifevlogger4463]

Are you also using the 55 TFSIe?

[@jamsbong]

@@thatmidlifevlogger4463 Mine is a previous gen (B8.5) Q5. 2L TSI

[@edgarvalencia1879]

Great job. Wish your RDX review was in snowy conditions like here.

[@drivingsports]

We’re limited to the weather we get around here. It can be anything this time of year.

[@pennguino9137]

Thank you so much for this. Earned a sub. Most all reviews are "oooohh, look. Pretty". I have been running the comparisons (nerd spreadsheet) between the trims and even adding the SQ5. I decided to take a glance at the E version. So glad I did. Your vid sold me on upgrading to the P+ 55e. I just need now to figure out how I will charge hybrid side. Living in Germany but moving back to the states a a couple years. More research. Burning another day.... Oh and I have the sponsor tires on my V-Dub Golf German specs. Good tires

[@dhirajjdewan8069]

Can you drive the Audi SQ5 next? I would like to get your feedback on the difference in driving dynamics.

[@autonewstv86]

Can't wait for the audi q4 e-tron

[@vingonzal]

Great review and video. Seriously going to consider this now in the future

[@nikaarbolishvili8011]

What a good and informative video, thanks !

[@donnelson9283]

My Sis Has 2018 Q5, Luvs It ..... This Is Definitely My Next Ride !!

[@carlosrivera7274]

Great video 👍🏼👍🏼 with that money you can get 2 crostrek sport!!

[@schmoestudy]

Wow 0-60 in 4.86 seconds in wet conditions?!

[@dirkcurritzki9585]

Lol faster than the sq 5

[@schmoestudy]

@@dirkcurritzki9585 a bit of a sleeper for sure!

[@jtomtl]

Oh yeah it’s fast, until it starts to burn oil...

[@schmoestudy]

@@jtomtl something that plagued the MY 12 and older 2.0T due to piston and ring issue. You’re a decade late on news... and that didn’t affect performance just burned oil

[@jtomtl]

@@schmoestudy good for u then, buy more oil, good luck

[@ahkeen]

Hmm...my Q5 lease is coming up soon maybe I should change it for this. I still hate how they dont have the cup holder up where the MMI knob use to be. Cup holder by the armrest and a pain.

[@Fideliohoh]

lol..thinking the same thing. I love this particular color combo, he makes it look great. I wish he looked at the performance more compared to the SQ5, they claim its actually faster and the same Suspension is available.

[@zbomb33]

Would you review the new allroad? Really interested to see if it’s a worthy successor to the original!

[@Julian-nt5wh]

very good review, you now have one more follower👍👍👍👍

[@benhaze1010]

Great, great review although you are the first person I heard not impressed by the original (2017) Audi digital cluster :) . The biggest point for me that was not verbalized though: the dual clutch never overheated like the ones from Mercedes and Kia/Hyundai do so quickly it render their vehicles unusable off-road?

[@schmoestudy]

Those details aren’t always appreciated!

[@drivingsports]

Never was an issue. Probably should have mentioned that.

[@benhaze1010]

@@drivingsports Thank you so much for responding. Until now I wouldn't have consider any SUV having a dual clutch.

[@chandler5014]

11:52 I actually own this exact vehicle (2020 instead of 2021) and the lane detect always works for me in inclement weather! Interesting the manager would tell you it doesn’t, maybe he just said that for safety reasons?

[@timjohnson5519]

Great review, very informative

[@4x4.tests.on.rollers]

I don't think that Offroad mode is engaged at higher speed. Display shows it is on but as Audi engineers say - system automatically adapts to driving situation. Like when you are driving in a sporty way - underneath the system switches to Sport mode.

[@LafemmebearMusic]

It learns your voice over time, as an audi owner just be aware it would get better over time.

[@drivingsports]

That’s good to know. Thanks.

[@showze21]

he does the best you tube car reviews

[@lindadonaldson7581]

Thank you so much! That was extremely thorough!!

[@padbender2972]

My next family car...thanks for a simply fantastic review.

[@chrisrizo6661]

I bought the previous Modell with my wife, we are really happy about it. We didn't see the point getting the Facelift for the tripple of the price. :) Also there was the idea of getting an "electric" car - but when you read about the problems with this "TFSI e" engines I guess you stay with the TDI or TFSI Options (Some people can't use their vehicle normally here in Germany because the car don't want to start and they get told Audi knows the problem, but they didn't fix it yet (read it in a forum)). The design is nearly the same from outside, a bit here a bit there - but the interior same o same .. We have VC - I don't know why Ryan says the old VC has a low resolution - I don't think so - But in times of "8k" ppl want always something newer and "better". The ergonomy with the Touchscreen was a K.O. point for me personally- just watch how you have to bow yourself forward in this vehicle to touch the touchscreen - I don't get how this should be comfortable. All in all it is a super fancy and good looking SUV - but i personally prefer the modell this facelift is based on.

[@FlameClone]

Hopefully they offer the Q5 Sportback with the e Quattro. After watching this video my mind is set on it.

[@thatmidlifevlogger4463]

From what production date is the Quattro Ultra in the production line for the 55 TFSIe. Is this Quattro ultra also build in an Audi A6 55 TFSIe?

[@groomingchief6574]

Solid! I'm in a 2018, they may lose me this year though. Without a garage in the winter I'm getting really tired of not having remote start.

[@chrisalthorp4771]

Me too. Plus it takes an age for the heat, seats and steering wheel to warm up

[@groomingchief6574]

@@chrisalthorp4771 I've always been told something about remote start being against the law in Germany and I don't know if that's the case or what but after five years of driving Audi Q3 & Q5 it's getting old when my neighbors in cheap Chevys are remote starting and I'm climbing into an icebox. BMW same thing as far as I know, it's a shame because the X3 is a nice vehicle too, and of course when leasing you technically can't have these things modded. I have seen some videos of a Mercedes app that allowed remote start but I'm not sure if it's just some models or only in some regions etc. My thought now is to look at Land Rover but wow the pricing of those things ramps up so quickly by adding basic options to them. They honestly make a Mercedes GLA or GLB look like a much better value. I dunno. I guess there's also the 'baby' bronco badlands trim to consider but I still have nightmares of my 80s Fords and how often those things broke down. I made some repair shop owners wealthy from those pieces of junk. How about you Chris, what are you leaning toward for your next vehicle?

[@schmoestudy]

The PHEV version has preentry climate conditioning which is an advanced remote start so long as there is charge and you can turn on heated steering wheel, seats and modify temperature

[@groomingchief6574]

@@schmoestudy Is this done using the app, key fob or some other way? I don't have a huge interest in the PHEV at the moment but it's good info to consider. Audi does make very solid vehicles. I'm probably going to jump ship for another brand but overall I can't complain, my experience has been positive.

[@schmoestudy]

@@groomingchief6574 app. Basically an enhanced version of myAudi unlocked for EVs

[@Dispatch-One]

Really nice review brother....

[@prepperdan]

Any air suspension on this model tested in the video? or the base suspension

[@elyorusmanov7112]

Please! more videos about Audi

[@drivingsports]

Audi needs to send us more cars!

[@savageaxis7721]

You do great tests on mountain climbs, that's why I like to see cars like Audi equipped with Torsen...although the q3 with haldex also coped nicely with the climb. Greetings from Poland

[@jansolanellas]

Nice review! New Q5 hybrid ordered here

[@changounchained2648]

Here’s a question does this new version of Quattro Ultra have a mode like when you lock the diff in another vehicle? I still think Quattro with crown is still my fav...does the SQ5 have a different Quattro?

[@Rocks-rt8dp]

Audi : Quality buttons are gonna last for a while Honda : Giggles !

[@teleguy5699]

Love Audi buttons!

[@mantikhatasi]

also warning in door handle 9:25 ? cool.

[@RomaneMaticaliseGordon]

This Q5 or the RDX?

[@drivingsports]

Depends on your use case. If you commute less than 15 miles a day, the PHEV here can make real sense. If not, I'd probably get the RDX. -RD

[@RomaneMaticaliseGordon]

@@drivingsports thanks for the advice. My commute is like 70 miles combined per day. I have a 21 RDX as a loaner for two days and I’m impressed with it, it’s really quick and have a lot of tech for a base model. The SH-AWD is amazing

[@drivingsports]

To get a similar AWD system in the Audi, you have to move into the SQ5 - that adds torque “steering” like SH-AWD. Not a big deal for normal driving, but for sporty good times in the hills it’s better.

[@Av3ntur0zky]

@@RomaneMaticaliseGordonRDX for sure! the Audi can't have that many miles per day, Maintenance costs, reabilty issues + it's depreciation. Forget about it.

[@frankcosgrove9958]

Bought one based on this video , thanks very much

[@sojiroseta8393]

Mazda cx 9 pleaseeeee. I love your vids though!

[@metaljew4456]

You dweeb. You ask for THAT after watching this review? 😂

[@MaiKai_Makena_Property_Advisor]

Great video BRO ⚡️⚡️🚀

[@ipbsoft]

What inches have the wheels of that model? Thanks

[@dhirajjdewan8069]

Question: is the all wheel drive system better on the Q5 e or the SQ5?

[@prepperdan]

2022 q5 driver - i can say for sure the lane detection does not work well on a clear day. It works sometimes. Often it just forgets the lane and goes off. I drove hyundai and toyota and the lane detection works nearly 100%. If lane keep is important to you I dont recommend the q5. Since it only works for 15 seconds anyway its not important to me much at all.

[@ALMX5DP]

I'm sure this is a great vehicle, I'm just a little underwhelmed by the technical specifications when there is something like the RAV4 Prime on the market. These days I feel many associate tech and features with luxury, so while the Audi may truly feel like that type of offering, lesser cars with similar or more of one type of tech seem to retain popular opinion.

[@MGXsport]

Exactly what I was going to say. Only 19 miles of EV range? The extra cameras are nice. But then you have Audi reliability to contend with as well.

[@dmitry6472]

RAV4 is nice, but Q5 has Quattro ultra :)

[@xlthumper]

The top of the line rav4 prime still does not have leather seats. And I have never been in a rav4 and said. "This rides just like my audi". Because it it simply doesn't. tech is nice but its not everything. If all you care about is EV range than you would not be looking at this vehicle anyways.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@xlthumper I'm not saying it's apples to apples, just that the RAV still provides many amenities and features that the Audi does, while being a bit better in the EV range department (which should be rather important to anyone shopping for a PHEV) at a much better price. It doesnt have leather, but has a leatherette equivalent, has all the screens, sunroofs and safety aspects of the Audi (maybe more? not sure havent looked too indepth). Sure it may not drive the same, but it really shouldnt given the price differential. Still I believe most could look past some of those detrimental aspects given something like the RAV is still very nice.

[@xlthumper]

@@ALMX5DP maybe we haven't been in the same Rav4. Its simply not nice. I have a highlander. I like it. But it is not a Q7 in any way shape or form. And its not trying to be. Again if EV range is whats important. And price point. You are looking in the wrong manufacturer

[@michtur6347]

You deserve way more subs

[@nickbien]

Is rear auto braking available?

[@drivingsports]

Not sure. I do know that our test car did not have it.

[@nickbien]

@@drivingsports I feel like I heard another review mention that it had it but I don't remember where that was or what trim level it was on. Maybe the prestige has it with the automatic parking package that comes standard on the prestige.

[@chaule5135]

A lot of good informations thanks

[@ЛукаМијушковић]

*Does the battery charge while driving normally without hybrid?*

[@moganrrd2047]

I would love to see an off Road comparison of Q5 vs XC60

[@Peregar4ik]

those excessively quick windows wipers are triggering me 0.o

[@khristopherjones4695]

I thought I was the only one 😂😂. Wiper replacements are too expensive to be killing the rubber like that lol

[@schmoestudy]

Haha yeah, you can reduce the rain sensitivity on the stalk

[@danielvelardo635]

Really need some ADVICE!! My girlfriend has a 2018 Audi Q5 (Standard 2.0 T - Quattro). She travels almost every day on the highway (MassPike 65MPH) and with a winter weather advisory currently in effect, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT DRIVE MODE IS BEST FOR DRIVING ON SNOW AT 30 mph+ ON THE HIGHWAY. Any Advice would be great! (I think OFF-ROAD but in this video he talks a lot about COMFORT being great too)

[@drivingsports]

I’d stick to comfort. But stopping is the biggest concern and drive mode doesn’t affect that. Hopefully she has snow tires or at least three peak all-weathers.

[@emmanuelboadi7842]

Awesome presentation

[@leopolddouglas5363]

that's so weird... my lane detect in my 17 Q7 works when its raining... I actually turn it off when there is quite a bit of rain

[@sammyjsaad]

What's the name of the color of the Q5 you tested? Thanks

[@teleguy5699]

Looks like the Quartz Grey on my A4.

[@josedecalasanzbernalbarros1869]

Hi! Great video of the Q5! One question: What is the size of the wheels of the 2021 Audi Q5 55 TFSIe Quattro shown in the video? Many thanks!!

[@md8744]

perfect review. Like❤

[@deyvi7781]

This is already excessive, these are not conditions to use all-wheel drive, no snow, no back, and the terrain is not bad for that. I've got Q5FY, 286ps and I've seen it in much worse conditions where I've also not used all-wheel drive, it's all about how good a driver you are and whether you know how to handle bad conditions. One thing I want to write is, this is the best SJV model ever launched by Audi, its system is used by european manufacturers!

[@7spower998]

22:11 Did you doubt it at all? It's quattro with Motorsport proven credentials.

[@drivingsports]

Yes, i did doubt because it seems every manufacturer dumbs down their systems as they're going towards electrification. Glad to see this one didn't. (Sad about that towing capacity, tho.)

[@schmoestudy]

Really appreciate the detailed off road ascent and descent portions of the review! Well done

[@WatchTheJoeChannel]

Is it worth the splurge over the Outback?

[@drivingsports]

If you can afford it, and it fits your lifestyle, i would say it is.

[@abdulrahim52]

Sorry but when you said it's complicated about the cup holders in the back arm rest I have to disagree cause that little extra flap is a good idea. I've seen cars without, imagine when you go to resting your arm and your elbow keeps falling in where the cups would sit not very pleasant.

[@caduazen]

Awesome video!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Great video Ryan. Do you know if the allroad is going to be getting the same drivetrain? Otherwise I am really liking this Q5. As I have been looking at the SQ5. Coffee with them SnowNuts please?

[@drivingsports]

Nothing official, but given Audi's move towards electrification I would be shocked if it didn't hit the Allroad. Mmmm coffee and snonuts.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@drivingsports Thanks for keeping my dream alive Mr. Ryan Douthit.. lol Honestly, I really want this to trickle down to the allroad... IF not, I am okay with the Q5( I prefer the looks of the allroad though).

[@drivingsports]

I'm right with you on that.

[@schmoestudy]

There’s a A7 PHEV variant too if the sportback design appeal to you. Slightly bigger than the A4 allroad but slightly smaller cargo capacity than A6 allroad

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@schmoestudy Much appreciated!!! But, I like the styling more so than the capacity of the allroad... Thanks again..

[@TallRider101]

Great review, just wondering did you do a MB GLC 350e or 300e?

[@hollymewis2829]

I"d love to see an Audi Q5 vs Subaru Outback comparison with similar tires. I cross shopped them. I bet others do too.

[@mojaby1988]

Would be cool to see the new Tiguan with the R line

[@chrisalthorp4771]

Good review. I have to say my 2018 has been disappointing. Haldex system doesn't work very well imo. We just had 15" snow and it didn't want to know! Also long term its been a little unreliable. Beautiful fit and finish though.

[@willworthoberg6818]

Just the opposite experience here. My 2018 Q5 got me from downtown Denver back to Evergreen in the bomb cyclone snow storm 2 years ago. All the roads were closed by the SP other than up the canyon. I was breaking tracks in 18-24 inches of snow up the mountain road leading to my house, with a Vred Quatracs. I used allroad mode all the way. I am always amazed just how well this car performs in deep and slushy snow.

[@teleguy5699]

What's gone wrong? I there are buyers here, it would be helpful. I'm an Audi guy and thinking of buying a '22 model.

[@ev1650]

Are those wheels 19's or 20'?

[@scottwhyte6020]

how to turn the hill descent control on Audi?

[@drivingsports]

Button right next to the aircon.

[@scottwhyte6020]

@@drivingsports I just bought a 2021 Audi Q3 45 TFSI Quattro I turn the button on but the light does not turn on so it's not activated.

[@drivingsports]

The light in the dash for our didn’t illuminate until we started the descent. Did you try that?

[@scottwhyte6020]

@@drivingsports The light on top of the button like when you turn the button on it turned red mine turns red for a second then turn off and no indication on the dash

[@jon-seattle]

I love seeing it off road in the Northwest. Can you give a more specific location? We’re you in the cascades off I-90?

[@drivingsports]

This was shot in several places around Snoqualmie.

[@idea999]

I want to buy one but the only thing stopping me is Audi doesn’t do remote start on any of their vehicles.

[@bruceeverett5372]

I think that may apply to all German vehicles, pretty sure it's illegal there to have an unoccupied vehicle idling, so they just don't engineer them for that. I Could be wrong though.

[@idea999]

@@bruceeverett5372 bmw is German and they have remote starters.

[@loristitt1836]

Absolutely agree I have the 21 Q5 premium plus and it’s embarrassing going out to my car and starting it up when I look over and see a car that is half the price of mine with the car starter going Mercedes has car starters in them and they are a German car trying to find an off market one to get installed also the interior of the Q5 for any type of storage or cupholders is just the most ridiculous concept I’ve ever seen

[@koji.m4014]

I'll be honest, the capability surprised me.

[@philipc239]

👍👍 Want one!!

[@wootwoot5032]

Push it to the limit!

[@Fideliohoh]

This is an awesome review, you rock. This q5ehynrid is beautiful and capable. How fast does the hybrid recharge? Do you always need to plug in to recharge?

[@drivingsports]

To charge the main pack. Yes. On a L2 charger it will fill in 2.5 hours. If empty, it operates like a standard hybrid. (kind of defeating the purpose.)

[@jojoyamat508]

Try it on uphill with snow on 30%grade