The prices of power in Audi’s evolving SUV lineup

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Audi became famous for its all-conquering quattro all-wheel-drive system — in the early days it decimated the World Rally circuit with its ability to hook up on the trickiest of surfaces. The company is still famous for this system, but it’s also rapidly making a name for itself for the sheer number of crossovers in its portfolio.

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Along with four all-electric crossovers in the form of the e-tron and e-tron Sportback, as well as the new Q4 e-tron in the same body styles, there are four other key offerings, each of which is offered with a choice of engine. In the end, it breaks out to over a dozen choices that are bookended by the mortal Q3 40 and manic RS Q8.

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Audi Q3

After a complete rework in 2019, the second-generation Q3 carries on into 2021 relatively unchanged. Key is the fact it represents the affordable gateway into the brand. This, however, does not mean it scrimps on the finer things in life — it shares many of the features found in the higher-end models. The list runs from a standard panoramic moonroof to the available 12.3-inch instrumentation with Audi’s virtual cockpit. The nit is many of the expected safety assistants are optional. Cargo space ranges from 671L to 1,359L.

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Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo-four. In the Q3 40 it makes 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque; in the Q3 45 it rises to 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Both drive quattro through an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the 40 takes 9.1 seconds to reach 100 kilometres an hour, the 45 chops that to 7.4 seconds.

In both cases, the handling is responsive with a solid steering feel and a degree of composure through a corner that’s a rarity at this end of the market. The crisp handling does not come at the expense of comfort — it cruises the highway in an unflustered manner.

Q3 ranges in price from $37,250 for the 40 Komfort to $46,350 for the 45 Technik.

Audi Q5

The second-gen Q5 was introduced in 2018 and gets a facelift along with a revised infotainment system this year. It is offered in five models and two body styles. The difference is the regular model’s cargo space maxes out at 1,532L; the Sportback, which is the “couped” version, tops out at 1,470L, a small sacrifice given the stylistic upgrade. All models arrive well equipped and feature a new infotainment setup with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The format is easier to use. The rest of the cabin is marked by the level of comfort and quality found throughout.

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The Q5 arrives with a 2.0L turbo-four with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. It produces 261 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque and drives quattro through a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission. It runs to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. The SQ5 ups the ante to a 3.0L turbo-V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid extension. It twists out 349 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque and drives quattro through an eight-speed automatic. It blazes to 100 km/h in five seconds. The last model is the Q5 TSFI e. The plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor and an electric only driving range of 31-km to the mix. It’s also quick with the 362 hp net output whisking the riders to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The Q5’s handling is sharp; the SQ5’s is sharper. The key take-away is all drive more like a wagon than a taller-riding crossover.

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Q5 45 starts at $46,550; the Q5 45 Sportback starts at $55,400. The SQ5 comes in at $64,500 with the Q5 TSFI e commanding $70,400.

Audi Q7

The second-generation Q7 was introduced in 2017. It pretty much carries over into 2021 after significant update last year. For those looking for a no-compromise seven-passenger crossover the Q7 might be the answer. There is plenty of room and comfort in the first two rows; the third is really best left to the kids. The cargo space ranges from 705L to 1890L.

The cabin is, in a word, polished. The material quality is excellent and the twin-touchscreen infotainment system easy to use. It works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto along with a solid sound system and navigation.

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The Q7 45 arrives with a 2.0L turbo-four with 248 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque and a run to 100 km/h of 7.8 seconds. The brawnier Q7 55 comes with 3.0L turbo-V6 that uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It generates 335 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque and has a sharp 5.9 second run to 100 km/h. The SQ7 steps up to a 4.0L turbo-V8 that pushes 500 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque, which chops the run to 100 km/h to 4.5 seconds. All engines work with an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive. For a large three-row crossover, the Q7 is nimble through a fast corner, especially when the available four-wheel steering and active roll stabilization are in place. Its real forte, however, is the quiet highway ride — the kilometres melt away.

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Q7 ranges in price from $67,950 for the 45 Komfort to $77,050 for the 55 Progressiv. The SQ7 starts at $104,750.

Audi Q8

The Q8 is offered in fast, faster, and insane models. All are marked by the sporty styling and a cabin that is a cut above the norm — from the instrumentation and infotainment system to the quality of the materials and seat comfort, it’s first-class all the way. What separates the models is the engine.

The Q8 has a 3.0L turbo-V6 with 335 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque and a run to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. Up next is the SQ8 with a 4.0L turbo V8. It delivers 500 hp, 567 lb-ft of torque and an acceleration time of 4.5 seconds. For most, this level of performance is plenty, however, for those who want more there’s the outrageous RS Q8 — the 4.0L turbo-V8 now makes 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque from just 2,200 rpm. The 3.8 second time to 100 km/h says it all.

All engines work with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It not only helps fuel economy; it supplies the juice needed for high-power items like the available active roll stabilization and four-wheel steering. When these aids are aboard the Q8, regardless of the model, it is hunkered down and more sports car than crossover — the RS Q8 decimates its peers in this regard. In the end, few uber-utes can match the Q8 for its blend of grace and pace.

Q8 starts at $82,550 for the 55 Progressiv and runs to $111,100 for the SQ8. It tops out at $126,500 for the RS Q8.