Audi e-tron GE vs Audi Q5 FY

Audi e-tron

GE · 2018 – 2025

The first-generation e-tron (GE), Audi’s first all-electric SUV.

Audi Q5

FY · 2016 – 2024

The second-generation Q5 (FY), on MLB Evo.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Audi e-tron

Pick the GE for the 55 quattro’s 408 hp and 150 kW DC charging — ideally a post-2019 car with the coolant recall done.

Best engine: The 55 quattro (larger battery).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Audi Q5

Pick the FY for the 3.0 TDI’s 620 Nm and quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with MIB3 touchscreen.

Best engine: The 40 TDI (diesel) or 40 TFSI (petrol).

Read the full guide

Performance

55 quattro · Electric vs EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol

	Audi e-tron	Audi Q5
Power	408 hp Winner	245 hp
Torque	664 Nm Winner	370 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,7 s Winner	6,3 s
Top speed	200 km/h	237 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	159,1 hp/t Winner	136,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	183 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	8,1 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Audi e-tron	Audi Q5
Boot	660 L Winner	550 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.725 L Winner	1.550 L
Wheelbase	2,93 m Winner	2,82 m
Length	4,90 m	4,66 m
Ground clearance	17,2 cm	20,0 cm
Turning circle	12,2 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.800 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Audi e-tron	Audi Q5
Platform	MLB Evo (electric)	MLB Evo (longitudinal)
Drive	All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	Electric motors · 50 quattro / 55 quattro	EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	7-speed S tronic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Audi e-tron

Software/electronics gremlins on 2019–2020 cars
Coolant leak into the high-voltage electronics (recall on early cars)
Battery and charging-system health check recommended before buying used

Audi Q5

S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early cars
AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
Early MMI infotainment quirks

Pros

Audi e-tron

150 kW DC fast charging
55 quattro: 408 hp and up to 664 Nm in boost mode
95 kWh battery in the 55 quattro

Audi Q5

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
3.0 TDI (50) has 286 hp and 620 Nm
Air suspension optional

Cons

Audi e-tron

55 quattro uses ~23 kWh/100 km in real-world driving
Early software quirks

Audi Q5

55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts boot space from 550 down to 465 litres
Pre-facelift MIB2 infotainment has no touchscreen

Driving experience

Audi e-tron

Smooth, silent and effortlessly luxurious. The e-tron rides with genuine isolation, steers lightly and accurately, and accelerates strongly from its dual-motor quattro with none of the fuss of a combustion engine. It is heavy, which shows in corners and in real-world range, but the payoff is a hushed, relaxed calm that suits long journeys. Regenerative braking is strong enough for one-pedal driving in traffic. It was the first large electric SUV from Audi, and it drives more like a luxury saloon than a tall, heavy crossover.

Audi Q5

Refined, effortless and supremely polished. Steering is light and accurate rather than talkative, the ride is supple and isolating, and the Q5 settles into a calm, confident lope. quattro ultra shuffles torque seamlessly for all-weather security, though it favours safe, neutral grip over playful engagement. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed and hushed on rough roads. The 40/45 TFSI petrols are smooth and willing, the 2.0 TDI pulls strongly and sips fuel, and the 55 TFSI e plug-in glides on electric power. The 7-speed S tronic is quick and smooth; the V6 8-speed tiptronic even more so. Overall a quiet, tech-rich SUV that puts long-distance comfort and easy confidence ahead of outright driver involvement.