Looking to get a 2015 Q5 2.0T

**Marlon177** · 07-27-2015 06:29 PM

Hi Guys,

I am looking to get a 2015 Q5 2.0T P+with Tech package. What is the thing you love and hate the most on this car. Any input would be appreciated.

**tgaget** · 07-27-2015 10:54 PM

Likes: Decent power, slick looks inside and out, true Audi design language in a small SUV

Dislikes: The TDI version is strikingly better in every way possible, despite a $4,500 premium (comparably equipped). 0-60 is 6.9 seconds on the 2.0T, 5.8 on the TDI. Owner satisfaction is very good for the 2.0T, but astronomical for the TDI. Owner fuel economy for the TDI is typically 7-9 mpg better than the 2.0T, and resale is better for the TDI. TDI also wins for engine refinement, hands down.

I currently drive an A4 with the 2.0T engine and can say with humility that the TDI destroys it. I used to work at Audi and spent hours driving the different models. The 2.0T and 3.0T are great engines, but the SQ5 and the TDI are in a completely different league.

**BlackSVT** · 07-28-2015 11:24 AM

To add a little to tgaget's response, you owe it to yourself to drive the 2.0T, 3.0T, and TDI before you decide. Each engine drives differently, imposing a unique character to the Q5 for every drivetrain...more-so than any other option IMO.

The TDI guys love their setups, as you see above, and it is a pretty sweet engine. Great torque and mileage with little, if any, in the way of trade-offs. The 3.0T is my choice: it's been on Ward's automotive top 10 best engine/drivetrain list for 5 consecutive years when it's damn difficult to make it for even 1. I absolutely love the 3.0T/8 speed refinement, driving character. power, tuning options, and yes, economy. The 2.0T is my 3rd place choice here, but it is a pretty tough class. It gives up a bit in refinement, but is a solid choice for many with sufficient power, and potential for decent MPG. I emphasize potential because the 2.0T and 3.0T mileage both seem to depend heavily on the user's drive style and conditions. I'm pretty confident the TDI will best them both in routine driving.

Were I to make the choice again, I'd still go 3.0T. It just "feels" better to me, the better power is a priority (good-or-bad...), and the easy tuning makes it a winner. If my wife was going to be primary driver, I'd lean towards the TDI. She likes the low end torque and it's there aplenty.

For other options? You will get many opinions, but I like the B&O stereo at the ~$800 price point. It's not fantastic, but it's good, especially compared to the base. I hate built in Nav systems, preferring Google Maps on my phone to any built-in that I've owned, but I bought it for the more full-featured MMI and backup camera (tons of little kids in my neighborhood, I needed it for peace of mind...). True to form, I never use the Nav in the Q5, but would still get it for other reasons I stated. Maybe the options have been split out tho for 2015/16...I don't know. Sport seats were well worth the money for me, if for no other reason than the pull out leg support. I've never found a more usable seat for my long-legged frame. Lumber and Side bolstering are supposed to be better than standard seating, but I can't say I've compared enough to know.

Good Luck!

**QUBE5** · 07-28-2015 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by tgaget

Likes: Decent power, slick looks inside and out, true Audi design language in a small SUV

Dislikes: The TDI version is strikingly better in every way possible, despite a $4,500 premium (comparably equipped). 0-60 is 6.9 seconds on the 2.0T, 5.8 on the TDI. Owner satisfaction is very good for the 2.0T, but astronomical for the TDI. Owner fuel economy for the TDI is typically 7-9 mpg better than the 2.0T, and resale is better for the TDI. TDI also wins for engine refinement, hands down.

I currently drive an A4 with the 2.0T engine and can say with humility that the TDI destroys it. I used to work at Audi and spent hours driving the different models. The 2.0T and 3.0T are great engines, but the SQ5 and the TDI are in a completely different league.

Excellent breakdown tgaget!

The 2.0T is a good engine, but after you drive the TDI, you won't look back. The TDI has an overall better mix of fuel economy and more torque than any of the other engine options. Also diesel is cheaper than gas in many parts of North America, so its premium price will breakeven within a few short years of ownership. The 3.0T is another great engine, which has a lot of horsepower, but does sacrifice fuel economy for its power.

TDI FTW!

However, if your set on the 2.0T price point, there are tunes available as well as a K04 turbo upgrade that can definitely boost the 2.0T's numbers into a more aggressive category.

Good Luck with your decision!

**Marlon177** · 07-28-2015 12:59 PM

Thanks for all the input.

The reason we like the 2.0T better because the price point, MPG, and of course I love turbo cars. Coming from a X5, we would like to get an SUV with better MPG. We didn't pick the TDI because we drive less than 1000 a month. It will take few years to break even.

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**tgaget** · 07-28-2015 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by Marlon177

Thanks for all the input.

The reason we like the 2.0T better because the price point, MPG, and of course I love turbo cars. Coming from a X5, we would like to get an SUV with better MPG. We didn't pick the TDI because we drive less than 1000 a month. It will take few years to break even.

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I love my turbo A4 but I feel that if you're choosing that engine for MPG you'll be disappointed. My car makes for an excellent daily driver and gets decent fuel economy, but the second I lay into the throttle my MPGs sink like a stone. I notice I've been going to the gas station less since I started easing off the accelerator.

I will be trading my car in next year for a Q5 TDI because it simply owns the 2.0T when it comes to powertrain refinement/engine smoothness and mileage. I don't know when I'll break even, but then again I'm not necessarily an economical buyer. I prefer it for the same reasons people prefer the RS7 to the A7.

And we know people who bought the RS7 cleeeearly didn't do it to save money, but rather because it's...well...

**Q5 Bob** · 07-28-2015 05:15 PM

We've owned ours for 2 1/2 years and so far it's all good. Nothing but routine service and no oil consumption issues either. We just returned from a 2,000 mile road trip vacation, it's a nice highway cruiser. Quiet, rattle and wind noise free, and comfortable with decent gas mileage. It has 19" wheels and the ride does get a little bouncy on certain uneven surfaces but stays planted when this happens.

Would I buy another one? Probably, but I'm not real brand loyal and rarely keep cars much beyond the factory warranty period so I may try something else, not sure. I'll need to see how things are with the new plant in Mexico before deciding. Not a big deal, but the current gen Q5 is in it's 7th, going on 8th model year and the styling is getting a little long in the tooth IMO. Good luck with your decision.

**VroomVroom** · 07-28-2015 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by BlackSVT

...It gives up a bit in refinement, but is a solid choice for many with sufficient power, and potential for decent MPG. I emphasize potential because the 2.0T and 3.0T mileage both seem to depend heavily on the user's drive style and conditions. I'm pretty confident the TDI will best them both in routine driving...

So many great points in that post, but I quoted this segment to offer a second to the motion, Your Honor. My daily commute involves a number of hills, stops, and low speeds. I average roughly 18mpg in my 3.0T, but within a given week can see that fluctuate from 16mpg to 21mpg. When I've had 2.0T loaners, that goes up, but not by a whole lot...certainly not as much as I would've guessed. Obviously a smaller frame of reference, but I'd get right around 20mpg on that commute. Over longer freeway stretches things certainly start to favor the 2.0T, and my limited experience there showed roughly 4mpg in favor of the 2.0T. My knowledge of the TDI is only word of mouth, but it does seem to better both gas engines. Not to argue the points of folks above, but it does also merit adding in the cost of urea and more expensive oil changes, as well as the higher cost of diesel fuel. The TDI is a tough-sale if you're looking strictly at the math.

The eight-speed transmission is what makes the 2.0T so viable, in my opinion. It is wonderful behind the 3.0T for sure, but it's a must for the four-cylinder. I've been very impressed with the smooth acceleration and overall driving experience from my times behind the wheel of a 2.0T Q5. Easy to see why they're popular. That said, each time I was happy to get back behind the wheel of my 3.0T. :) I also second the value in driving all three variants, but if you ultimately just confirm the 2.0T as your choice, I don't think it will have been time wasted. Good luck...

**tgaget** · 07-28-2015 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

Not to argue the points of folks above, but it does also merit adding in the cost of urea and more expensive oil changes, as well as the higher cost of diesel fuel. The TDI is a tough-sale if you're looking strictly at the math.

The eight-speed transmission is what makes the 2.0T so viable, in my opinion. It is wonderful behind the 3.0T for sure, but it's a must for the four-cylinder.

Depends on your area. I live in Southern California and it seems like everywhere I go, diesel fuel is typically $0.50 cheaper.

The 2.0T and the eight-speed transmission are a match made in heaven. I wouldn't have my A4 with any other transmission for a daily driver. A lady who works in the same building as me has a loaded A4 with Navigation, B&O Audio, Sport Package, and....a CVT

**Midnightblue** · 07-28-2015 06:13 PM

You've made up your mind to get the 2.0 and that's great. I've had my TDI for 2 months and getting 28mpg around town and 38 on the highway ( mix of freeway and hilly country road at 65 to 75mph) The price premium is worth it for me. But OMG the torque!! Puts my Hemi to shame lol. Good luck.

**tgaget** · 07-28-2015 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Midnightblue

You've made up your mind to get the 2.0 and that's great. I've had my TDI for 2 months and getting 28mpg around town and 38 on the highway ( mix of freeway and hilly country road at 65 to 75mph) The price premium is worth it for me. But OMG the torque!! Puts my Hemi to shame lol. Good luck.

Here's evidence to support Consumer Reports' 84% owner satisfaction rating for the Q5 TDI, which is strikingly higher than anything in the category, though the Mercedes GLK250 (79%) and the petrol Q5s (77%) did well.

During my first few weeks working at the Audi dealership, I lusted after an Ibis White A7 3.0T that was on their lot. But after the first fill-up of a Q5 TDI I was sold.

My dream garage is a Q5 TDI and an RS7