Audi Q5 8R (2008–2017): The lovable all-rounder I kept recommending
I spent a winter with an early-facelift Audi Q5 8R and, honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. Another premium SUV? Then I drove it across a stormy mountain pass, two kids snoring in the back, skis on the roof, and a boot full of muddy gear. It felt planted, quiet enough to hear the squabbles over the last granola bar, and it soaked up broken tarmac like it was wearing slippers. That’s when the Q5 clicked for me. If you’re looking at a used luxury SUV, the Audi Q5 8R is the sweet spot—practical, handsome, and properly engineered.
What is the Audi Q5 8R? The origin story of Audi’s bestselling SUV
The first-generation Q5, known internally as the 8R, arrived for 2008 and ran through 2017. It was Audi’s middleweight luxury SUV built on the MLB platform (shared with the A4/A5 of the era), and it nailed the brief: tidy proportions, a premium cabin, and quattro traction that made bad weather feel like a mere rumor. A mid-cycle update brought a sharper grille, cleaner lights, and improved infotainment. It’s the one that convinced many BMW and Mercedes owners to cross the aisle.
Did you know? The “8R” refers to Audi’s internal chassis code. If you’re hunting parts or accessories online, including Q5 8R car mats, that code often ensures a perfect fit.
Engines and performance: where the Audi Q5 8R shines
I noticed right away how relaxed the Q5 felt at highway speeds—2,000 rpm, 70 mph, barely a murmur. But lean on it and there’s proper shove, especially from the supercharged V6.
- 2.0 TFSI: ~211–220 hp, 258 lb-ft; 0–60 mph in ~6.8–7.2 sec; combined 21–24 mpg (US)
- 3.0 TFSI V6: ~272 hp, 295 lb-ft; 0–60 mph in ~5.8 sec; combined ~19–21 mpg (US)
- SQ5 3.0 TFSI: ~354 hp, 346 lb-ft; 0–60 mph in ~5.1 sec (feels quicker on a cool morning)
- Diesels (varies by market): 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI with stout torque and long range
Most North American Q5s use an 8‑speed automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. On rough roads, the standard steel springs feel well-damped; just know that 20-inch wheels can add a thump over sharp edges. Steering? Accurate, if a bit aloof—typical Audi of the time.
Audi Q5 8R dimensions and everyday livability
- Length: about 182.6 inches (4,639 mm)
- Wheelbase: 110.5 inches (2,807 mm)
- Cargo: ~29.1–57.3 cu ft (rear seats up/down)
- Towing: up to ~4,400 lb when properly equipped
Rear seats slide and recline, the load bay is square, and the liftover isn’t punishing on your back. The cabin is quiet—Sunday-podcast quiet—and the driving position is spot on for long hauls. My only gripe from a family road trip? Cupholders that are just shy of “American iced coffee” size.
Is the 2017 Audi Q5 reliable?
Short answer: yes, particularly the later build years. A few owners mentioned to me that their 2017 models have been drama-free with regular servicing. Earlier 2.0 TFSIs (pre-2013, roughly) had known oil consumption and timing-chain tensioner concerns; most were fixed under warranty or by now. Across the range, keep an eye on:
- Water pump/thermostat housing seepage
- PCV and vacuum leaks on higher-mile engines
- Transfer case fluid (occasional low-speed judder if neglected)
- Sunroof drains (clean them before rainy season)
- MMI quirks—occasionally laggy, but usable after the facelift
General takeaway? A pre-purchase inspection and documented maintenance make the Audi Q5 8R a safe bet. The 2017 is a particularly strong year.
Audi Q5 8R parts, ownership costs, and the bits worth knowing
Brake jobs are straightforward, coils and plugs are driveway-doable, and there’s a rich ecosystem of OEM and quality aftermarket parts. Service intervals vary by region, but my rhythm was oil every 5–7.5k miles, brake fluid every two years, and differentials/transfer case around 60k. If you’re shopping online, searching by Audi Q5 8R helps you find the exact fit—especially for interior pieces.
Best accessories: make your Audi Q5 8R easier to live with
Floor mats that actually fit (and don’t curl)
Floor mats are boring until a muddy dog and two rainy school runs later. Then they’re everything. I run tailored mats in my test cars because they save the carpets and the resale. If you want a set sized specifically for this generation, the AutoWin lineup is built to the Q5 8R’s exact floorpan, with deep edges and easy-clean surfaces.
- Custom fit for the Q5 8R generation
- Raised sides to trap slush, sand, and kid crumbs
- Easy wipe-down material—two minutes at the car wash and they’re new again
If you prefer a more understated look, AutoWin’s got that too:
Browse more options here: Audi Q5 8R car mats, the broader Q5 collection, or all Audi floor mats.
Side tip: After a beach day, pop the mats out and give them a quick hose-down before that sand glues itself into the carpet. Your vacuum (and sanity) will thank you.
Audi Q5 8R vs rivals: how it stacks up
| Model (Gen/Years) | Engines (approx hp) | 0–60 mph (best) | Cargo (cu ft) | Length (in) | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q5 8R (2008–2017) | 2.0T (211–220), 3.0T (272), SQ5 (354), diesels | ~5.1 (SQ5) | ~29.1–57.3 | ~182.6 | Quietly premium, great all-weather composure |
| BMW X3 F25 (2011–2017) | 2.0T, 3.0 I6, diesel; M40i later | ~4.8 (M40i) | ~27.6–63.3 | ~183–184 | Sportier steering, firmer ride |
| Mercedes-Benz GLK X204 (2010–2015) | 3.5 V6, 2.1 diesel | ~6.4 (V6) | ~23.3–54.7 | ~178.3 | Chunky, upright, old-school Benz feel |
Specs vary by market and options, but the story stays the same: the Audi feels the most refined day-to-day, the BMW the most athletic, and the GLK the most “mini G-Wagen.”
What I love about the Audi Q5 8R (and what I don’t)
- Pros
- Timeless design that still looks sharp
- Cabin quality and highway refinement
- All-weather confidence with quattro
- Strong V6 punch; SQ5 is a stealth rocket
- Cons
- Early 2.0T models had known oil-use issues
- MMI and Bluetooth feel a generation old now
- Ride can get busy on 20-inch wheels
Conclusion: why the Audi Q5 8R still makes sense
As a used buy, the Audi Q5 8R nails the brief: premium without shouting, comfortable without being soft, and capable year-round. With the right service history, it’s a luxury SUV you can just live with. Throw a set of tailored AutoWin mats in there and it’ll handle school runs, ski weekends, and late-night airport pickups with the kind of calm confidence that made me recommend it to friends—again and again. The Audi Q5 8R may have bowed out in 2017, but its appeal hasn’t aged a day.
FAQ: Audi Q5 8R (2008–2017)
How long is the Audi Q5 8R?
About 182.6 inches (4,639 mm). Wheelbase is roughly 110.5 inches (2,807 mm). Perfect for city parking, big enough for family duty.
What’s the best engine for the Audi Q5 8R?
The 3.0 TFSI V6 is the sweet spot for performance and refinement; the 2.0 TFSI is efficient and adequate for most. The SQ5 is grin-inducing fast. Diesels (where available) deliver long-legged economy.
Is the 2017 Audi Q5 reliable?
Yes. It’s one of the safer picks of the generation. As with any used premium SUV, prioritize cars with documented maintenance and get a pre-purchase inspection.
How does the Audi Q5 8R compare to a BMW X3?
The BMW is sportier, the Audi is quieter and more cosseting. If you value cabin finish and long-trip calm, the Q5 has the edge.
Which floor mats fit the Audi Q5 8R best?
Look for Q5 8R-specific mats. The AutoWin Q5 8R collection offers tailored fitment that keeps the interior cleaner and protects resale.
