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The Five Best Audi Q5 Models of All Time

audi-q5

Ever since it first debuted for the 2009 model year, Audi's Q5 has been one of its most highly acclaimed and popular vehicles. The compact crossover sports a sleek look and integrates great technology and excellent features. Plus, the luxurious touches and amenities included with the car typically make it stand out above other SUVs in its class. There have been a number of iterations of the Q5 throughout the years, with some being outstanding due to their engineering and performance. Here are five of the best Audi Q5 models ever created.

2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro - $41,850

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This model was Audi's answer to BMW's X3, and it really packs a punch. Not only does it look great, this car's performance and design are top notch. The 2009 Audi Q5 3.2 Quattro features all wheel drive, an V6 engine that produces 265 hp, and a great range of optional equipment. The body of this model sports a muscular profile and it's definitely on the sporty side.

Inside is a very roomy interior with plenty of leg room for backseat passengers. There's even a split folding bench in the back that can move backwards or forwards to adjust the available legroom along with a reclining backseat. As far as performance goes, this Audi Q5 has an electronically limited top speed of 130 miles per hour and it can go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds.

2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro Hybrid Drive - $53,425

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When Audi released this hybrid in 2012 it essentially bested its own 3.2 liter V6 engine that had become a Q5 standard. Inside the car is a turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 208 hp along with an electric motor assist that produces 44 hp. In total the power rating of this car is 241 hp, and combined with 354 lb-ft of torque and an eight speed automatic transmission it has plenty of power.

This was the SUV touted to the driver who resisted hybrid technology and didn't want to let go of having a car that's fun to drive. Not only is getting behind the wheel of the 2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Quattro Hybrid Drive a pleasure, having good fuel economy is definitely a plus. There are three different driving modes with this hybrid: D is the default that maximizes fuel economy; S is for sportier driving and boosts the battery; EV is the fully electric driving mode with a speed that's limited to 62 mph. When driven in D, this Audi Q5 can reach a max of 138 mph and go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds.

2013 Audi SQ5 TDI - $54,250

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This Audi Q5 started as a concept that later got the green light to go to showrooms after being shown at the Worthersee GTI. And three years before it was first made available for sale, the Audi SQ5 TDI was unveiled as the Q5 Custom concept. Fortunately for fans of crossovers with high performance and awesome features, this car exceeds expectations and drives even better than it looks.

The car notably has the distinction of being Audi's first S model with a diesel engine, and its twin turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 diesel is beyond impressive. With features including direct fuel injection, an iron block, and aluminum heads, it's able to produce 313 hp. The 2013 Audi SQ5 TDI can also go from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 4.9 seconds and it has a governed top speed of 155 mph. Its stiffer suspension makes road-holding a breeze, as does the models' direct steering.

2014 Audi SQ5 TFSI - $51,900

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Not long after the 2013 SQ5 TDI became the first S model with a diesel engine, there was public demand for the brand come out with something that had the same power and performance, this time with a standard gas engine. Audi has never been one to disappoint or ignore its fans, so thus came the 2014 SQ5 TFSI. This iteration of the Audi Q5 wasn't available in Europe, but drivers in the US, Canada, and China were able to pick one up and enjoy it.

The car featured a 3.0 liter V6 engine that produced 354 hp, as well as an eight speed Tiptronic transmission and a maximum speed of 155 mph. This Audi Q5 wasn't quite as fast as its predecessor, but being able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds is nothing to sneeze at. The styling of the car is definitely luxurious, with 20 inch triple spoke wheels, quadruple exhaust tips, and a platinum toned radiator grille.

2017 Audi Q5 - $40,900

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The Audi Q5 got a completely revamped look for the 2017 model year. In addition to a gorgeous new interior the model now features even more room inside -- fans of the line will appreciate that this detail wasn't sacrificed, as the 2017 Q5 includes more interior space than ever before. Audi also managed to improve the car's already nice handling to make the first model of the Q5's second generation an all around winner. With this facelift, Audi has shown that they know how to take a great thing, improve it in key ways, and make it all the more efficient and attractive. The Q5 still has a sporty edge, just with a different profile

Interestingly enough, switching the car's platform from the MLP to the MLB, which it shares with the Audi Q7 and A4, made it stronger yet lighter. The combo of high strength steel and aluminum fortifies the car's body and also helps it weigh less than the first generation Q5s. This model was made with five different upgraded powertrains in all, but in the US the one option available is the TFSI. This particular powertrain includes a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with a total of 252 hp. The new Q5 is also fairly fast, going from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

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Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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