2017 Audi Q5 vs 2019

What's the difference?

Okay, this whole SUV thing is getting out of hand, and Audi is on the front line of a new car market assault that’s rapidly knocking conventional sedans and hatches into the weeds.

In March this year, at the Geneva motor show, Audi’s chairman, Rupert Stadler, was asked by our very own Matt Campbell, whether there were any more gaps to be filled in the brand’s SUV line-up.

There’s already a Q2, Q3, Q5, and Q7, with the Q8 shown in concept form and on track for production next year.

In response, Stadler simply said, “Definitely. Believe me, we will fill the gaps.” And it looks like he means business, with 2019 likely to see the arrival of a coupe-style Q4, and all-electric ‘e-tron’ Q6.

But with all this furious niche-plugging going on, the Q5 quietly remains the backbone of Audi’s determined push into the wonderful world of SUVs.

And this particular Q5 is an ‘S line Black’ limited edition. A total of 70 are scheduled to come to Australia, and a week behind the wheel gave us a chance to reacquaint ourselves with this evergreen premium mid-sizer.

The Q5 is the most popular SUV in Audi’s line-up and for good reason, or for at least seven good reasons, as you’ll see after reading this review of the 50 TDI Quattro Sport.

Yes, if you’ve been looking at BMW’s X3 or Mercedes-Benz’s GLC you need to stop and read this before you make any final decisions, because I’ve just lived with this Q5 for a week and, having handed it back, I’m missing it already. Which is really saying something, because I’m now test driving a Bentley Bentayga.