Distance: 2,095 km
Dates: 18-26 May 2024
Location: Texas
Up front: Mid-range Progressiv is the trim to buy with four-way adjustable lumbar support, extendable thigh support, and four-way headrests. Unlike the cluttered gauge display on the similarly-sized BMW X3, the Q5’s screen is easy enough to read that you shouldn’t need to fork out extra for a heads-up display. The car I got was white on white with real birch inlays, giving it a spacious feel and luxurious touch, but I wouldn’t buy open-pore wood and white leather for my own car.
Apple CarPlay pairs almost every time and the physical controls are logically laid out with the exception of the handbrake being digital and the volume knob being over on the passenger side. The volume knob issue could be resolved if it read hand gestures, like in BMW’s iDrive. The gear knob is great to hold, but like BMW’s automatic transmission returns to the neutral position regardless of what year you’re in making it difficult to change between drive and anything else.
In the back: Two adults can fit comfortably for longer trips and legroom is adequate for people up to six feet tall sitting being another six-foot tall person. There are adequate cupholders and charging ports for the rear as well as a third zone climate control so second-row passengers don’t need to beg the front for air. The belt line is higher than previous generations and the square front seats make it feel dark and cramped in the back even though it feels comfortable for a compact crossover. The rear doors don’t open anywhere near 90 degrees, making it difficult to install child safety seats or load cargo after the rear seats are folded down.
Speaking of storage space, the boot can hold three medium sized luggage and two carry on luggage with space for a soft bag without obstructing rear vision. It’s okay for a weeklong trip for three people, but the fourth would have to hold their cargo on their lap.
Driving: Being German, the S-line has stiffer suspension that makes the care more confident at speed. The steering is precise and the brakes are predictable and progressive. However, acceleration in the 201-horsepower turbo four is lacking when the car is fully loaded and the turbo lag doesn’t help. The parking sensors are too sensitive; they beep and bong when approaching a steep slope because the car’s radar thinks the driver will crash into it. It detects obstacles, not whether they can be driven over.
The lane rearview mirrors and good rear visibility makes the bird’s-eye view camera redundant for reverse or parallel parking. Save your money and just stick to the standard sensors and rear-view camera. It’s nimble around town, but 90-degree turns at intersections require too many turns of the steering wheel.
