Audi’s Q5 35 TDI makes long distance a luxurious experience

With a tank that claims it could take you from Canberra to Adelaide, via Melbourne, Audi’s Q5 35 TDI is a heavy-duty SUV that’s the most affordable of their Q5 line-up.

Audi Q5 35 TDI Limited Edition.

One of the biggest, and loudest, criticisms of electric cars is their inability to drive long distances, given the limited range the technology currently offers, and the even more limited recharging facilities in this vast country of ours.

Sure, I could point out that the majority of Australians don’t spend the majority of their time trekking from Perth to Brisbane, or even Melbourne to Sydney, but for those who do, an electric car is the wrong vehicle for their needs. A bit like a family man who needs a seven-seat people-mover buying a two-seat Ferrari, or someone who lives entirely in the urban jungle driving a kerb-crushing Land Rover Defender.

So what if you are one of those people that does undertake the occasional long-distance drive, and wants to do so in luxury? Well, Audi has the answer for you, the Q5 35 TDI and, it has two key selling points – it’s the cheapest member of the stylish Q5 range, and it can drive a very long way.

The Q5 35 TDI is stylish and suited to your roadtrip needs.

How far? Well, Audi claims it can carry you a whopping 1458km, which is enough to drive from Canberra to Adelaide, via Melbourne (whether anyone would want to do that is a moot point).

It achieves this remarkable feat by combining a very efficient 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with a relatively large 70-litre fuel tank. Supported by a 12-volt mild-hybrid system, which includes an advanced start-stop function, the engine is able to use just 4.8 litres per 100km, according to Audi’s figures.

There are some other concessions to efficiency, with the 35 TDI being the least powerful member of the Q5 range. The engine produces a modest but more-than-adequate 120kWand 370Nm.

Another means of reducing fuel consumption is ditching Audi’s trademark ‘quattro’ all-wheel-drive system in favour of a more efficient, front-wheel-drive layout, transferring the engine’s performance to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Q5 35 TDI uses innovative transmission to increase fuel efficiency.

It’s hardly a rocket ship, but the Q5 35 TDI does feel sprightly and responsive on the road. It has the kind of easy going and relaxed nature that you want in a long-distance cruiser, with the engine able to tick along at low revs to save fuel while keeping you effortlessly rolling.

It’s also got that typical, quiet and relaxed ride that you expect from an Audi, as you’d hope; when you pay a premium price you should get a premium driving experience.

It’s not the kind of sporty and dynamic SUV that the four-ring brand has been pushing so hard in recent years, but that’s not the point of the Q5 35 TDI, and there are plenty of other options in the Audi showroom if shouty performance is your thing.

As mentioned earlier, the other key selling point for this model is the price. It’s the most affordable member of the Q5 line-up, starting at just $68,350 (plus on-road costs). In the current climate of rising costs and the still-expensive nature of electric cars, the Q5 35 TDI represents a strong value argument.

The luxurious interiors of the Q5 35 TDI.

Just take a look at what similar money will get you in EV world – the Tesla Model Y retails for $68,900; the entry-level Hyundai Ioniq 5 starts at $69,900; and the Kia EV6 Air is priced from $72,590.

So if you’re looking for efficiency, reduced emissions and a bit of luxury without wanting to spend more than six-figures, the Q5 35 TDI certainly has appeal.

And it’s not as if this is a stripped-out, budget model. It’s still generously equipped, with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, power tailgate, keyless entry and ignition, leather-appointed upholstery, tri-zone climate control and an eight-speaker sound system with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay.

While it may not be the most powerful, dynamic or the most luxuriously appointed member of the Audi family, the Q5 35 TDI will still find plenty of fans.

In a world of increasing focus on efficiency, it plays to its strengths as a turbo diesel SUV, which is its ability to sip fuel at a restrained rate – especially for sustained periods.

For those feeling the pinch as airline prices rise, or even those who just want something capable of taking them far, far away in splendid isolation, the Q5 35 TDI may be just the answer.