Audi Q5 FY vs Renault Arkana ARK

Audi Q5
FY · 2016 – 2024
The second-generation Q5 (FY), on MLB Evo.

Renault Arkana
ARK · 2020 – 2026
The Arkana (ARK), a coupé-SUV on the CMF-B platform.
Audi Q5
Pick the FY for the 3.0 TDI’s 620 Nm and quattro — ideally a post-facelift car with MIB3 touchscreen.
Renault Arkana
Pick the Arkana for a striking coupé-SUV with a roomy boot and an efficient hybrid.
Performance
EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs 1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol
| Audi Q5 | Renault Arkana | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
245 hp
Winner
|
140 hp
|
| Torque |
370 Nm
Winner
|
260 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
6,3 s
Winner
|
9,8 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
136,5 hp/t
Winner
|
105,3 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
183 g/km
|
132 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
8,1 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi Q5 | Renault Arkana | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
550 L
Winner
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.550 L
Winner
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,82 m
Winner
|
2,72 m
|
| Length |
4,66 m
|
4,57 m
|
| Ground clearance |
20,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,8 m
|
10,9 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
2.000 kg
Winner
|
750 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi Q5 | Renault Arkana | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | CMF-B |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 2.0 TDI · 45/50/55 TFSI e PHEV | 1.3 TCe mild hybrid · E-Tech Hybrid 145 |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic | 6-speed manual · EDC7 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early cars
- AdBlue/SCR issues on 2.0 TDI diesels
- Early MMI infotainment quirks
- Infotainment: freezes and lag
- Electrical gremlins (12V battery)
- E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain
Pros
- 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid does ~50 km electric
- 3.0 TDI (50) has 286 hp and 620 Nm
- Air suspension optional
- Striking coupé design
- Roomy boot (480–513 L)
- Efficient E-Tech hybrid available
Cons
- 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid cuts boot space from 550 down to 465 litres
- Pre-facelift MIB2 infotainment has no touchscreen
- Sloping roof limits rear headroom
- No diesel offered
Driving experience
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.
Renault Arkana
A comfortable long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, and body control is reasonable, but the ride is firmer than many rivals — especially on larger wheels — and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the E-Tech hybrid prioritises efficiency and can feel less linear under hard acceleration because of its multi-mode transmission. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder.
Belgian taxes & LEZ