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BMW M3 Touring vs Audi RS 5 Avant: the ultimate fast estates go head-to-head Auto Express

Plug-in hybrid Audi takes on pure-petrol BMW for bragging rights

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"Made to be a used car": How to buy a bargain Audi Q5 Autocar

The second-generation Audi Q5 is now a reliable used buy that's refined, efficient and classy The second-generation Audi Q5 of 2017-2025 is one of those models that was made to be a used car. An ageless design that grows with its owner and just keeps working, along with superb build quality that withstands the passing years and levels of economy that remove some of the sting of fluctuating fuel prices… For those of us despairing of the price of new cars these days, a Q5 is a keeper that will reward attentive ownership with years of loyal service. The model was built on the Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous MLB Evo platform that also underpinned the Q7 and A4. More than just a detail, it meant the new Q5 could be larger, roomier and lighter than the outgoing model, which had been very popular. It gained the latest safety and infotainment tech, too. In addition to making it even more comfortable and refined, the engineers tightened up the handling and body control – but not so much that a BMW X3 would be disturbed. Only two engines matter, both of 2.0 litres: the 249bhp TFSI petrol (renamed 45 TFSI in 2019) and the 187bhp TDI diesel (later badged the 40 TDI). Both were offered with Quattro four-wheel drive and, like all Q5s, an S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the 2021 facelift, the adoption of mild hybridisation increased outputs of both engines, to 261bhp and 201bhp respectively; the tech also improved economy and emissions. The petrol engine is punchy, will return 40mpg and is good value for money. The diesel is almost as smooth and flexible and can hit 55mpg, but it is more expensive to buy. Other engines include a 362bhp 2.0 TFSIe 55 plug-in hybrid (expensive and short on range), a stump-pulling 342bhp 3.0 TDI V6 and a 349bhp TFSI V6 in the sporty SQ5 (it was replaced by a 342bhp TDI in 2019). The most comfortable Q5s are in rare and expensive Vorsprung trim, which came with adjustable air suspension. Next best are cars in SE and Sport guise with regular suspension and 18in wheels. Sportier S Line and Black Edition Q5s look the business but have larger wheels and firmer springs. The cabin is reasonably roomy, but the back seat is a squeeze for three. It's an attractive space, though, with high-quality trim, and the boot is a good size and well shaped. Pre-facelift cars have a rotary controller for the infotainment, but later cars use a distracting touchscreen. With the facelift the Q5 also gained LED headlights (costly to replace) and digital instruments, while sat-nav came as standard. Q5s were well equipped as standard, with entry-level SE trim featuring an electric tailgate, three-zone climate control, leather seats (the front pair are heated), parking sensors and a comprehensive infotainment system. Sport added exterior styling tweaks and more supportive seats. However, despite its ride-spoiling wheels and springs, it was S Line, with its sharpened styling, privacy glass, part-Alcantara upholstery and LED headlights, that most buyers plumped for; Black Edition squared that up with black detailing. We said at the top that the Q5 was made to be a used car. At launch in 2017, the 2.0 TDI SE cost from £37,000. Today, the same model with 'one careful owner' and 70,000 miles can be yours for £14,500. What's stopping you? What to look out for... Engine: Service intervals are every 10,000 miles, with new spark plugs at 40,000. Many Q5s were business leases, so check the history for non-main dealer work where aftermarket parts and non-spec oils may have been used. In What Car?'s reliability survey, Petrol Q5s ranked eighth out of 24 in the large SUV class; diesels were 21st. Problems include emission system faults, turbo wear and chain stretch. Petrols are quicker and cheaper to fix than diesels. Gearbox: The 7-speed S tronic gearbox is a gem but, while known for its reliability, it thrives on timely fluid changes every 40,000 miles. Like all dual-clutch 'boxes it can suffer mechatronic failure, clutch pack wear and deterioration of the dual-mass flywheel. Suspension, brakes and tyres: Loose steering, irregular tyre wear and clunking suggests ball joint problems, a known weak spot. Rare Vorsprung-spec cars have adaptive air suspension; check it adjusts properly through its modes. There was a recall for the brake master cylinder (2019) and the rear brake pistons (2018). Body: Q5s can suffer water leaks caused by blocked sunroof drains and failing pollen filter seals, each allowing water into the footwells. A wheel arch liner fixing recall was issued in 2019. Interior: The cabin can take any amount of abuse, so be sure it's not disguising a higher mileage than is displayed. Check the infotainment and that your phone connects. Check all parking sensors and that the climate control maintains temperature. Also worth knowing Audi offers three service plans for cars aged three years and older. For a 2.0-litre model, the Smart plan provides two oil services, two inspection services and two MOTs. Cars up to 15 years old qualify. For our 'One we found', below, the monthly cost is £41.99 over 24 months, but for a car registered in 2020 and earlier, it is just £24.99. How much to spend £9500–£13,999 Early 2.0 TDI Sports and S Lines with high mileage, 2017-19-reg. £14,000–£18,999 More of the above, up to 2019-reg with 70,000 miles. £19,000–£22,499 Facelift 2021-reg TDIs with 60,000 miles; TFSI petrols around 45,000. £22,500–£29,999 TDIs peaking at 22-reg with around 35,000 miles and TFSI petrols with around 30,000 miles. £30,000–£39,999 More S Line and Black Edition TDIs up to 24-reg with 20,000 miles. Lower-mileage TFSIs up to 26-reg. £40,000–£50,000 Rest, late-plate cars with very low mileages. An owner's view Faye Peaching: "My 2021 40 TDI Sport is my third Q5. My husband has a Bentley Bentayga, but quietly I don't think there's a huge difference between it and my Audi. I like the feeling of solidity and security. The engine is a bit sluggish from a standing start but quickly smooths out and pulls strongly. I like Sport trim's 'bucket' seats, but I miss the head-up display of my old Q5. The 18in wheels give a comfortable ride. It's on 84,000 miles but has never put a foot wrong. My one complaint is the way Audi dealers increasingly use the vehicle health check to encourage you to spend more money – usually unnecessarily."

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Jeff Bezos was behind pushing Ferrari for building Luce EV News9live

Amazon found Jeff Bezzo had told Ferrari chairman John Elkann to consider making an EV car almost a decade before the brand brought the Luce.

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FIA: Sprint quali software issue 'human error' Espn United Kingdom

Formula 1 encountered its second technical mishap in a less than a week after an FIA official forgot to push a button needed to enable full engine power in sprint qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix.

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Ford Ranger MS-RT set to gain new special edition at Paris Motor Show Auto Express

Will Ford finally give us the performance gains the Ranger MS-RT’s looks deserve?

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