As you can see from the pictures, we tried the new Off-road mode too. The Q5 isn’t really meant to go off the tarmac, but on you command it does and doesn’t disappoint. As we drove this Rs 57.60-lakh SUV over surfaces I shouldn’t have, the mode monitored and controlled the yaw and pitch movement and encouraged us to take it to locations we wouldn’t have dared otherwise. With support from the quattro and newfound lightness, we went over some small sand dunes rather gracefully. Moreover, it now gets hill-start and hill-descent control to help matters further.
Bringing the mid-sized SUV to a halt are disc brakes on all four wheels which have a progressive feel and strong bite. They brought the mid-sized SUV from 80 km/h to zero in just 2.36 seconds, covering a distance of just 25.65 metres.
As we wrap up our test drive, let’s jog over the pros and cons of the new Q5. Perhaps, some buyers might find the design a mite unpretentious but it clearly is more practical than before with generous cabin room, enviable craftsmanship and quality, and has ample storage space. A frugal diesel engine, supple ride, and compact proportions make it great for daily use too. And the long list of convenient features pretty much ticks all the right boxes. The new Q5 has the makings of yet another best-seller for Audi India.
