Specific hallmarks distinguish the latest members of the growing Audi Q crossover family from the core range and this updated Q5 now moves more closely into step with them visually. It comes in two forms - standard SUV and trendier Sportback form. If you stick with the standard SUV version, although the width and height of this mid-size SUV remain as before at 1.89 metres and 1.66 metres respectively, you'll find this Audi now 19mm longer at 4.8 metres, primarily due to its new, larger bumpers. To emphasise this car's Q credentials from the front, its octagonal Singleframe grille is shallower and appears wider than before. And the air intakes that flank it have grown in height and are now structured by trapezoidal insets. The headlights have a new daytime running light signature and there's wider availability of Audi's intelligent 'Matrix' beam technology. In profile this latest Q5 has a more streamlined look thanks to its redesigned sill insert. And at the rear, there's now a smart chrome trim element running between the light clusters and a redesigned lower diffuser insert too.
Inside, the expansive sweep of the two-section dashboard bisected by its sculpted trim inlay will be familiar to Q5 drivers, as will the freestanding MMI display. Closer inspection will reveal that the monitor itself is now larger, measuring 10.1-inches diagonally across the range; but unfortunately, you have to do without the old lower rotary centre console controller that originally acted as the gateway to the MMI functions. Now it's necessary to either stab away at the touchscreen or use voice control. Still, the screen's processor now offers ten times more computing power than the old set-up. And the previously optional 12.3-inch fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument binnacle display is now standard. Otherwise, things are much as before. This remains a five-seat model and the rear seat is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional. In the Sportback version, rear seat passengers lose 1-2cms of headroom to the sloping roofline. Depending on the rear seat position, the basic volume of the standard SUV version's luggage compartment ranges from 550 to 610-litres. When the rear bench is folded down, this volume grows to 1,550-litres. For the Q5 Sportback, the figures are 510-litres and 1,480-litres.
