The Honest Car Review | Audi Q5 E Hybrid - the best & most economical Q5 still doesn't make sense

The latest Audi Q5 is a hybrid and it's the best one - mega MPG, mega quick and mega refined. Still doesn't make sense though.
Mark explains why.
Please sub to the channel if you haven't already. Cheers!

[@mjm052]

The best car reviews on KZbin

[@mohammedbashir1922]

i hit the like button just as i start watching it..such is the expectation of an exemplary review and you certainly live up to the expectation. Excellent review. Keep up the good work

[@evilmario6061]

Same mate

[@NigelRudyard]

Mark, you're one of the most unconventional, insightful and straight-talking reviewers out there. Appreciate the optimal mix of information and entertainment you always balance out in your reviews. I like the Q5, but if I were going to buy a hybrid, and I probably will, it will be either a Prius or Corolla --and after Dieselgate, frankly if VAG said it was going to get light tomorrow morning, I'd buy a bloody great miner's lamp. PS what the f*** are you wearing, bro?

[@davidbrearley1541]

Ambienfinity Music .....sorry mate...but you’re a fucking nob...a big one...probably sit down for piss.

[@MrTrull1]

My favourite car channel by far. Humour - yes, originality - yes, but always clever writing and insightful commentary regardless of the make of car. Watch Carwow if you must, but come here first. 👍

[@Doverbeach32]

I’ve just ordered one as a company lease car. I do a few short journeys around town daily so it’s a car that will work for me etc. I considered getting a fully electric car but I just couldn’t trust it. The Audi hybrid is a great option/compromise for my work and lifestyle etc. Great balanced review !

[@lasse007]

Best reviews ever! Don't even care about the cars, just here for the entertainment of the review

[@charliemerten2706]

You are my favourite and my best Mark Nichol. Only you could get away with that jacket! Awesome review as always and funny as!!!

[@JakupFr]

Always enjoy your review. Mostly because they are entertaining and informativ. Keep them comming :)

[@MichaelCoburn]

hilarious channel well done. Ohio USA here - thinking of getting one of these used now.

[@arribus30]

Never come across this channel before...and love it. My Tesla goes back tomorrow whilst my new one is on order and whilst waiting I have this car...and I have to say, it is lovely. Build quality is much better than my Tesla

[@leightaylor806]

Mate, your reviews are hilarious I love them all, I'm really glad I subscribed

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Thanks a lot. :-D

[@stevedawson8730]

Still my favourite car review channel, love the humour. Being an Audi suv you may just want to tailgate ... classic 😂

[@fritzmouton430]

Never miss any of your reviews!

[@grahamjones2759]

Loving the recycled duvet cover! Top review.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

That's why this review is carbon neutral. :-D

[@grahamjones2759]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 top marks for that one!

[@grahamjones2759]

Keep the reviews coming. Easily the most original and entertaining car reviews on KZbin and beyond.

[@advancelast1740]

I bought a Golf GTE and agree...if your commute is 15 or so miles then fine, you’ll get great economy. Take the car on a run the 28 odd miles of Duracell you have runs out pretty quick (der) and so you are left carrying an electric motor and 300kg of battery both of which are redundant. Or you could charge the battery while driving but you’ll only get about 28mpg. So the learn her is, buy a diesel for your long journeys eg across Europe and buy a full electric for your local journeys. As an aside, I live on the IOM (someone has to) and when visiting the mainland earlier in the year in the GTE I decided to “test” the charging infrastructure and tried to charge at various service stations etc (with a pretend range of 200 mile). My advice is buy a diesel as infrastructure just isn’t what it should be....yet

[@rgchu11]

Love it, your channel is the top gear of youtube, well done, keep it up.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Thanks a lot. One day they'll call Top Gear "the Honest John of the telly." :-D

[@MrVoayer]

Audi Q5 ! What an enjoyable place to be in ! Watching Mark's video... What an enjoyable experiance to have !

[@floor993]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos!

[@zaporida]

Another brilliant review, the best on the Internet by miles. Your unique style combines humour but honest feedback as well. I note that some other channels are attempting to copy you but they miss the mark by a long way. I even look back on some of your old reviews, the Honda Jazz was my favourite. Keep up the great work Mark. See you on the telly one day I hope.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Thanks very much, that's awesome to read. Appreciate it. Mark.

[@justinbennett6769]

This is, by a country mile, the best car review channel on KZbin. Why you’re not hitting the dizzy heights is beyond me. Have you considered talking about door pockets, works for carwow 🙉.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Thanks mate, really appreciate you saying so. I prefer cubby holes to door pockets TBH. Also have a soft spot for storage bins. SUBSTANTIAL storage bins.

[@DashCamSerbia]

World's best review... In the world. Once again.

[@darrenbarrow9570]

Man you always make me smile. Thanks! Your clothes are amazing too!

[@mattpreston7748]

SO many clips this week - Bravo! It's like a film/program quiz all on its own... Not enough music though 😅 Great review, I really can't fathom why you want to spend the extra £20k to get a Q5 over a Q3... But still people will/must do I guess. Are we mentioning the jacket?

[@footieballer]

Audi Q5 Hybrid: you will drive economically, and if you don’t, I will make sure you do... is there an off button for that? Do you get a stipend for your clothes? Cause for reviews are more colourful and entertaining than your jackets, sweaters and that says a lot about how good they are. 👍🏻 Agree with the real world reality of hybrids, no lion there! Still the best online review.

[@johntaylor9705]

Great review and I love the jacket.

[@vladsaghin7644]

Why would you drive around with an empty battery as you claim at 2:40? The point of a PHEV is to plug it and most owners do. Even if you have a 40 mile commute, you'll still drive around in EV mode most of the time.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Sure. If your commute is 40 miles in total (you live 20 miles from work) and you can charge the battery at work, then you're right - you'll have the battery most of the time and it works. As it did for me and my hybrid MINI (see 4:30). However, if you can't charge it at work then half of your 40 mile journey (at least) is with a flat battery.

[@RadekPogoda]

Isn’t that a case for the same positive difference between hybrids from Hyundai/ Kia over Toyota? Koreans use the dual-clutch vs Toyota’s CVT.

[@nidjo057]

eCVT's are getting better and better. And they are really reliable, very efficient. DCT is not. Try driving Camry or RAV4

[@RadekPogoda]

Nikola Milovanovic - I spent last weekend with the new Corolla Wagon 2.0 Hybrid in maximal spec and fully agree with you - eCVT’s are getting better. After I returned the 2.0 litre hybrid I took the Corolla Sedan 1.8 hybrid for a long test drive (50 minutes of mixed city, local one lane roads and a motorway with 160 km/h kept for over 20 km) and the difference towards the 2.0 was visible. But was it close enough to the dual-clutch transmission of Kia Niro / Hyundai Ioniq? Nope. In comparison the eCVT still feels unnatural - as we expect the engine’s rpm to follow the classic hydraulic automatic gearbox noise pattern. I know the Toyota’s eCVT transmissions are bomb-proof and I fully appreciate it. Would I risk buying a high mileage Ioniq? No. It’s still a stage one for Hyundai/Kia. I don’t plan being a test-monkey... Would I buy an ancient gen II Prius? Sure. Mileage is not an issue as the mechanicals are strong and batteries a known technology with some repairability.

[@ppytal]

Keep em coming Mark, another great review. look forward to them every week! EQC sounds interesting prospect, on another hybrid-related note, Have you driven a GTE yet? Similar DSG-based Hybrid system in a Golf, for half the cash of that Q5. VW played a masterstroke by advertising them massively, took loads of orders then packed up making them as the lead times were about 12 months. New one due next year though I hear....

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Thanks mate. Yeah, I did the launch of the GTE . I seem to recall thinking it was really quick but a bit wooden to drive... www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/volkswagen/volkswagen-golf-gte-2014-road-test/

[@ppytal]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 fair enough, I enjoy it round the bends but our other car is a renault Zoe... GTE is a bit firm on 18's I find. I'm swapping it for a Model 3 Long range this month. No P as need a towbar.

[@evilmario6061]

2:56 I am now semi excited

[@advancelast1740]

Really good review and picks up on the real pitfalls of a hybrid where a lot of reviews (particularly for the GTE) don’t ....just wish I had seen this before buying the Golf....lovely car and fast (when you have electricity to spare) but fundamentally flawed.

[@ppytal]

Hiya, I also have a GTE and absolutely love it... why so flawed? Charge it up every night and commute 20 miles a day for pennies, then 40-60mpg on a long run. what were you expecting?

[@jjrdias]

Always great stuff. Kudos

[@toyotaprius79]

Unfortunately with the now complicated world of hybrids, we really have to accustom ourselves to understand the different _"types"_ of hybrid. Series, Parallel, S/P and whether the primary propulsion comes from the engine crank or the engine's generator. Hybrid and Plug-in cars from Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi do crucially operate differently. Then we get to the Germans (BMW, Daimler, VW). who're in a race to ditch diesel. These are starting to become known as "bolt-on plug-ins", essentially powerful parallel-only hybrids. What their engineers say they have done is adapt plug-in hardware seamlessly to their current line up, *read; the 100ps motor adds or replace to DCT/Torque converter of the 6, 7, 8, 11-whatever speed auto, and a throw in 100s of kg of robust low density

[@mikeburke8021]

Amusing delivery though I do have to wonder if someone who does mostly local journies, i.e. less than 30 miles daily, would experience the fuel savings that are scoffed at? That, to me, is a workable scenario for a plug in hybrid though there is clearly a trade off on economy and boot space for occasional longer trips once or twice a month.

[@nosleeppete5146]

Hey Mark. Do you know what the 0 - 60 time is if the battery is flat?

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Hey. Audi doesn't quote it but the Q5 45 with the same engine does 62 in 6.4, so I guess with the extra weight you could add a few tenths to that.

[@nosleeppete5146]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 Thanks Mark. Seems like folks would be best off with the cheaper petrol version unless their work commute is very close and down a good and empty road. Enjoyed the review as always bud.

[@jsmoker10]

0-60 in 4.7 seconds! It’s faster than the SQ5, and it is a dream to drive. I have 2022 Q5 hybrid, and in US we get $6500 tax credit because it’s a plug in, so it’s actually an incredible value. You should watch a better review of this vehicle, this one was god awful. Audi uses S-Line badging, instead of Hybrid, because this is a high performance SUV. No, it’s not going to get 50mpg like a Toyota or Honda hybrid, that’s not what Audi was going for.

[@bethanywright4868]

Hi Honest John, what about the new Q7 hybrid??

[@agordonforme6797]

Great reviews as always Mark. Don’t know how car companies get away with the CO 2 figures they quote for hybrids. My Euro 6 diesel pumps out less .....

[@swanblake]

The future is cars that aren't affordable. It will be either a lifeless EV that costs a buttload or a Hybrid that costs a buttload. Very exciting times

[@mikeholden1717]

Another top review, honest when saying personal opinion, and can’t argue with the hybrid lies over fuel economy

[@markusdahmann4107]

Your concerns about compensation for the hefty price tag are completely right - objectively. Subjectively it's the german taxation system for company cars that makes Hybrids appealing: If they are able to go more than 25 miles on battery alone, the private use of a company car is taxwise only half the price. The petrol one: 1 % of the list price per calendar month (plus what the daily commute is). Hybrid: 0,5 % of the list price. All of a sudden the "Nonsense hybrid" becomes reasonable. But: Taxes never lead to objectively reasonable decisions, do they?

[@danielocallaghan8201]

Another top review, Mark, thank you. Good to hear a clear explanation of why hybrids are, generally speaking, rubbish. I had a Lexus NX hybrid as a loaner while my Boxster was being serviced. Fine while bimbling along slowly, but noisy and strained when pushed and fuel economy appeared poor over two days and 200 miles. A real disappointment, particularly given Toyota's long experience in this area.

[@riccccccardo]

I remember two years ago a 10 year old Lexsus hybrid saloon was going for 10k 😪

[@nyc863]

the RAV4 hybrid appears to be “making sense” in most scenarios?

[@t2stu]

As cheeky as ever.

[@bojantenja]

Cant agree with just one thing from video, an that is that I see Q5's interior as better than Q3's...it is much more elegant than that little spaceship has, and this is premium after all...Audi must play safe here, others can experiment with design.

[@youssefaldebaran6848]

9:11 Ahahhaaa 😂😂😂 definitely Audi or other german car drivers !!

[@MishaAutos]

weird accent steering on the wrong side....but a top review thank you

[@antwonefernandez7554]

Monies. I like that header and would like to see more.

[@oxysz]

You’re leaving out a big equation . The 6700$ the government gives you . So it’s almost the same cost as a normal q5. So looking to lease one I’m going hybrid , it would be stupid not to try it

[@RambleStorm]

*Nice comment below the video. PS.Most entertaining car reviews on YT subjectively , for me at least.

[@williamingram8028]

I love your reviews in general John, but I disagree with the conclusions on this one. Here's why... Let's be real. This car is a luxury 'chariot' for soccer Moms (and Dads) as opposed to a car built to excite snarky, 30 something car reviewers : ) Looking at their daily driving habits over the course of a year, most of them are driving under 25 miles/day. That means 70-90% of their miles can be done in elecrtric mode, save for the occasional ski weekend, airport run, etc. That represents a HUGE potential gas savings and equally important, a lot less time spent pumping gas over the next year. Also, since they've got a gas engine as a back up, they can always bypass increasingly overcrowded charging stations. They can instead charge at home using cheap off peak electricity from a regular 110V outlet. (since it's a small battery). Also, the $10k hybrid premium you mention? Hold on. Actually, it's closer to $3300 in the US when you factor in the $6700 federal tax credit. So, that's a extra cost of $1100/year for the hybrid (over a three year lease) MINUS whatever is saved on gas. Considering the average American spends about $2k/year on gas, for many there will be a small net savings if they get the hybrid. As an aside, I recently rented a Tesla for a week to see what all the fuss is about and help me decide whether 'all electric' was right for me. Most people are familiar with the 'positives' on Teslas. Here are some real world negatives I discovered for myself: 1. 'Fast Charging' is a misnomer as there are sometimes waits to use public charging stations. Particularly in the areas they're most needed, busy highways/rest areas, etc. So, there are sometimes lines to use the charges but ALWAYS wait times to charge. Say 2-3 hours to get from 20-80% charge in some cases. No Starbucks is that interesting.... 2. While there are many available chargers which appear free/open on your app, you'll sometimes need to drive to a deserted industrial twenty minutes off the highway, or maybe a hotel where you find out they're 'only available for hotel guests'. 3. After I 'floored it' 5-6 times and did 0-60 in three seconds, it started to make me a little queasy and the novelty wore off. Not to mention, anyone driving that fast on a public road will always be driving irresponsibly, IMO. 4. While Tesla's do have some very good tech and thoughtful innovations, they haven't near the build quality of luxury cars, like an Audi. 5. While I don't really need 'flash' in my car, I'd like to think my $100k plus would buy something with a little more pizazz than I found in the Tesla. They generally have VERY dull and unremarkable exteriors and Blah interiors. 6. Any new, shiny product typically comes with a certain amount of 'hype' which inflates it's value. Tesla is no exception. 7. The estimated (buyer) cost for 'gull wing' doors on the Model X....I read $30-35k. Waaaaay overated. Is this Q5 hybrid a perfect alternative to a Tesla or a competing hybrid? Absolutely not. But I think the real world benefits are underestimated and overlooked in this review. For me it represents a smooth entry into the world of green, electric cars; all while keeping my fat American Ass envoloped in the luxury it doesn't deserve.

[@garethbradley9461]

William Ingram I’m in this group. Sub 15 miles a weekday. I run a diesel Q5 now and get 20 mpg (I know, I know) so I’m looking forward to my savings. Also, I paid FAR less than the quoted price here. I’m done in the £47k’s for it which puts a big dent in the financials AND this type of review that’s based on them. Makes perfect sense to me.

[@saintetienne755]

In years to come we will accept that electrification was a silly overreaction to the 'Save the planet' dramatics.

[@mix2636]

So do you think that porsche cayene turbo s e Hybrid is bad

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

You've hit my blind spot...I have one coming in soon though. No doubt it'll change my mind. In fairness the new Corolla (higher powered one) is pretty good too, but that didn't fit the narrative so... :-D

[@mix2636]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 thank you for your answer greetings from croatia sorry if my english isnt the best.

[@astrogaming3083]

Giving that i find Audis pointlessly expensive, I think the XC60 T8 twin engine is also a better hybrid SUV, better lay-out with great 50-50 weight distribution, more character, cooler styling, more power, and most importantly, REAL EXHAUST PIPES. How hard is it Audi, why fake pieces of plastic, is it cheaper ?

[@paulsmith4314]

I bought a Lexus NX (in a moment of madness) in march. It lasted until June. That CVT gearbox sucked the soul from my body. The racket it made under acceleration was embarrassing. To top it off, it had THE worst infotainment of any car I've ever been in. I must have been comatose on the test drive

[@bonzobanana1]

It's a shame the CVT is ruining good Toyota and Lexus models I can't help thinking Mazda are better nowadays if you want reliability and drive-ability.

[@38MBH]

Love it =). . . the review that is, not the car.

[@bri77uk1]

Funny, I love my hybrid and hate Audis so... :-P My Lexus IS300h also regularly gets around 50mpg on my motorway slogs to the office.

[@blicknessraven]

That steering just sounds like classic Audi...

[@ricco123tube]

I’m one of those lovely people 🤗

[@NZsarge1]

Nah, SQ5

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Firs...DAMMIT!

[@williamingram8028]

These hybrids are perfect for those doing most of their driving around town everyday.

[@yassirabou]

Review is fine but Audi need to do better on Q5 when it come to design.

[@thebigcheese6606]

Nice 1988's top.

[@russellgilchrist3951]

Just leaving you a nice comment

[@millipekmez577]

full size female leia lying lion! now i want electric future more.

[@DashCamSerbia]

No female lying, no buy!

[@DashCamSerbia]

VWJohn co uk. :(

[@templar777able]

6700 USD federal tax credit.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

You want Google mate. 😁

[@daseteam]

Hmm, this obsession with supine corpulent females and large ravenous felines....is this your penchant for cougars seeping through the cracks of your facade? Insatiable kitties.

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

More a fleeting reference than an obsession. That's quite a basic misunderstanding from someone with such a clear penchant for verbosity.

[@daseteam]

@@HonestJohncouk2000 Oh, okay.

[@davepax982]

Have you pierced your tongue Mr Nicol? I'm noticing a slight difference to your voice...

[@HonestJohncouk2000]

Nope. I'm probably just allergic to my jacket.