Audi Q5 Review
2017-2023
The second-generation Audi Q5 (FY Series) is a leading midsize luxury crossover imported into Kenya. Built on Audi's MLB Evo platform, the Q5 combines 208 mm ground clearance with Quattro ultra all-wheel drive, Virtual Cockpit technology, and a punchy 2.0L TFSI turbo engine (252 hp), delivering outstanding all-weather highway and rough-road capability. A highly successful mid-size luxury SUV option.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- High 208 mm ground clearance: Easily clears deep potholes, tall speed bumps, and unpaved estate roads.
- Sub-2,500 cc duty advantage: 2.0L engines qualify for KRA's 25% excise duty rate.
- Quattro all-wheel drive traction: Instant torque distribution for wet asphalt and murram roads.
- Audi Virtual Cockpit & Bang & Olufsen audio: Premium 12.3-inch digital cluster and 3D sound system.
What’s not so good
- S tronic fluid service requirements: Demands genuine Audi dual-clutch fluid replacement every 60,000 km.
- Firm ride on 20-inch S Line wheels: Transmits minor road vibrations on corrugated gravel tracks.
Most popular: Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro S Line
5 doorsPetrol, DieselAutomatic
At a glance
- Model
- Audi Q5 (FY Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Executive Crossover SUV
- Seating capacity
- 5 seats
- Fuel types
- Petrol (TFSI), Clean Diesel (TDI)
- Engine sizes
- 1,984 cc / 1,968 cc / 2,995 cc
- Transmission
- 7-speed S tronic / 8-speed Tiptronic
- Drivetrain
- Quattro All-Wheel Drive
- Ground clearance
- 208 mm
- Source market
- Japan / UK (RHD)
Fuel consumption
Manufacturer / import-market figures: 14.0 km/L (2.0T Petrol) / 18.2 km/L (2.0T Diesel). Tank: 70 L (about 980 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,974 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,376 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 16,211
- Full tank (70 L)
- KES 15,887
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Trims & variants
Design / Sport / S Line / Black Edition
- Setup
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol (252 hp / 370 Nm), 7-speed S tronic, Quattro AWD, returning 14.0 km/L combined.
- Why it gets shipped
The core Q5 import variant in Kenya, delivering 6.3-second 0–100 km/h acceleration with 25% duty rate.
- Local consideration
Requires 95 RON premium petrol and VW 502 00/504 00 spec synthetic oil.
Package tiers
Q5 grade tiers progress from elegant Design packages to aggressive S Line and Black Edition models.
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Design / Sport | Executive base | Leather seats, 18-inch alloys, MMI navigation, tri-zone climate, parking sensors |
| S Line | Sport luxury | S Line bumpers, Matrix LED headlights, Virtual Cockpit, 19-inch alloys, Milano leather |
| Black Edition | Bespoke luxury | Black exterior styling package, 20-inch dark alloys, Bang & Olufsen 3D sound, panoramic glass roof |
About the Audi Q5
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Audi Q5 models sit comfortably in the direct import window, while 2018 units face month-by-month age cutoff deadlines.
A major fiscal advantage of the Audi Q5 (45 TFSI / 40 TDI) in Kenya is its 1,984 cc / 1,968 cc engine displacement. Sitting strictly under 2,500 cc, it qualifies for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket, keeping landing costs lower than 3.0L SUVs.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
