2014 Audi Q5 TDI: 7.3 litres per 100 kilometers on the highway

The Car Guide is currently enjoying an extended test drive of the Audi Q5 TDI. One of this SUV’s defining characteristics is its fuel economy: just 7.3 L/100 km on the highway, as proven in one of the photos shown here. And its engine purrs at less than 1,800 rpm while the vehicle flies at 120 km/h. For an SUV with all-wheel drive that weighs in at 2,605 kg (the TDI is heavier than the gas-powered models), this fuel consumption rate is very impressive! It’s explained in part by the fact that the Q5 TDI is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which makes this vehicle an excellent choice for covering long distances or carrying lots of gear.

Our Q5 TDI also stands out with its equipment level. In fact, it’s a Technik model, which is the most star-studded in the line up. It’s got a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. You can even heat or cool your cup holder by simply pressing a button. That should give you an idea of the multitude of features and quality of life this model offers passengers (for $53,200). Our test vehicle is not without options either. There’s metallic paint ($800), adaptive cruise control ($1,700), a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 14 speakers ($1,000), satellite-assisted navigation system and parking assist ($3,200), Milano leather upholstery on the front seats ($2,500) and ash wood trim ($500). All together, this added luxury comes at a cost of $9,700, pushing the total price to $62,900.

• Also: 2014 Audi SQ5: The Family Race Car
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428 lbs.-ft. of torque

In the same segment, Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel version of its GLK and BMW has just released a diesel X3. Both of these two direct rivals are powered by four-cylinder engines, while the Q5 TDI can be equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that produces 240 horsepower and—wait for it—428 lbs.-ft. of torque at 1,750 rpm. Now you know why the Q5 TDI is able to sprint to 100 km in just 6.7 seconds, which is just half a second more than the Q5 TFSI, whose supercharged V6 takes super unleaded. Just know that there is a slight hesitation at take-off, before the turbocharger kicks in. Meanwhile, the diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz GLK gets left behind in the dust by the Q5 TDI.

On the highway, the Q5 TDI impressed us with its pleasant handling and more precise steering. Plus, its brakes are easier to modulate than those on the GLK. The quattro all-wheel drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission form a team that literally laughs at winter—even the nasty weather we got this year.

In the Q5 TDI, you get abundant torque to facilitate passing manoeuvres on secondary roads and merging onto the highway. We also appreciated the incredibly quiet ride; the diesel engine only made itself heard at start-up, while the automatic gearbox is easily forgotten thanks to its imperceptible gear changes. And to continue with our comparison of the Q5 TDI with GLK, the Audi is in a whole other category when it comes to quality of materials and interior finish—but that’s what Audi is known for, isn’t it? So far, our extended test drive is off to a great start. More to follow after another few thousand kilometres.