Audi SUV Assault Continues As Segment Accounts For Almost A Third Of Global Sales

I've had my Audi Q5 for almost 8 months now. While not the latest model (2012) it still has similarities to the current model. There are a number of things that annoy me about the Q5, mostly the laborious steps that must be taken to change the radio station, adjust the seat heaters, or using other controls. Instead of simple buttons or controls, they've buried so many things within the MMI interface, or turning other controls into multi-use, requiring pressing one button to switch function, then using the control to adjust something.

For being the same overall company, my Volkswagen Passat and Tiguan was much more user friendly. And I'm not someone who shies away from technology or complicated controls. There's just so many things that Audi didn't think through very well. I dread the day that everything is buried in a touch interface. I'm fine with interfaces like that. Just not in something that requires attention, such as driving.

I'd have to agree with atc98092. I drive a '16 A3 e-tron and there's a 2011 Q5 in the family.
I took an extended drive in the Q5 and it took some time for me to figure out the controls. Wasn't able to initially drive off and use the MMI until I understood it. At pit stops, I spent time playing with the controls, like checking to see how to change the temp and the fan speed. The setup of the newer MMI in my car was definitely easier to use. It basically took me no time to get the hang of it (the drive back from the dealer was all it took for 90% of the controls). I believe the new models all have the updated MMI.

I have a 2015 Audi Q5 3.0L diesel. Like atc98092, my main complaint is the MMI system, which looks somewhat like an old-school DOS system, and is about as unintuitive and convoluted to use. Mind you, I didn't buy the overpriced factory Navigation system, which (secretly) bundles a number of non-Nav features, including a better icon-based MMI.


But on the topic of Audi SUVs in general, I felt that my 2015 model provided outstanding value compared to BMW's and Mercedes' offerings. I got a lot of bang for the buck (Dieselgate aside).

According to the online Audi configurator, the new 2nd Gen Q5 is more expensive, but offers MUCH less value for the dollar compared to the 1st Gen. For more money that I paid, including my expensive 3.0L diesel engine option, you now get the base 2.0L gasoline engine, mandatorily bundled with the expensive (and quickly outdated) factory Nav system and the expensive and extensive panoramic sunroof. So for folks who don't want either of these two pricey options, they now have no choice but to "take the gorilla along with the banana", and pay for over US$4,000 of stuff they don't want. It's an obvious revenue maximization tact by Audi.

Audi's 1st Gen Q5 was the world's most popular midsize luxury SUV, with over 1.5M copies sold. I don't know if the 2nd Gen model will be able to make that claim at the end of its run. It certainly doesn't inspire me, like the 1st Gen model does.

Today's word: assault