Q5 2.0 tdi / XC60 B4 diesel

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

Ownership experiences of either of the above?
Looking at 2021/22 models with under 50k miles.
Both will be the mild hybrid versions (unfortunately, just adding additional complexity more to go wrong!)
Ideally long term ownership planned, 5 - 8 years.
Anything to avoid?

[Neil-nvaua]

I've owned both - 2021 Q5 and 2022 XC60 - though did many more miles in the XC60 than the Q5.

Q5 - pros were it was a better drive IMO with sharper handling and better acceleration, though could be a little harsh over potholes and I found the autobox had an annoying change point into top gear around motorway speed limits, so to avoid the box hunting up and down you end up driving at 60 or 80. Sold as I hated the seats in the Sport model, though my nephew assures me the S Line seats are far superior. Infotainment was class leading I thought.

XC60 - pretty hard to fault as an all rounder, so much so I replaced it with another albeit a petrol T6. Comfortable, reliable, wore the miles well, the only negatives are the diesel likes to fail DPF regens and dump fuel into the oil which results in dealer visits once it exceeds the max (and I did lots of miles, the DPF regen is just dumb as it can attempt to start it just before you reach home and switch the engine off), and having to use the touchscreen for climate control.

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

What did you dislike about the seats in the Q5 Sport? I would prefer this model over the S line for the smaller wheels and softer suspension.

[Neil-nvaua]

LightweightLouisDanvers said:

What did you dislike about the seats in the Q5 Sport? I would prefer this model over the S line for the smaller wheels and softer suspension.

They seemed comfy enough on the initial test drive of their demo, but on long journeys my hips and lower back would ache - I'm average height and build and I've never experienced that in any other car.

Hence the switch to Volvo as their seats are superb, even in the base Momentum level cars (some actually think they're better in the base models).

Like I say however, that was the Sport model, my nephew swears the S Line seats are great and he's on his second Q5 now. I didn't go for S Line because as you say usually bigger wheels/less sidewall and stiffer suspension.

[Neil-nvaua]

Do you need a diesel? Oil dilution/DPF issues aside the Volvo was a great car (as is my current one), a B5 petrol XC60 from what I read on the Volvo forums is a pretty solid reliable car if you're looking for a keeper.

[ZX10R NIN]

Both are good cars but want a nice ride with a quality interior, I'm going to suggest taking a very good look at the Genesis GV70, the 2.2d drivetrain is well proven & all models were setup for comfort.

You'll get a 22 plate with a years warranty as well as free servicing until 2027 & it'll see 10+ years, I'm now trading out the Infiniti's (which are now 9-10 years old) from friends & family for the Genesis range.

That free service also includes them collecting & dropping the car back to you:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610106...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609045...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610197...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610096...

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

Neil-nvaua said:

Do you need a diesel? Oil dilution/DPF issues aside the Volvo was a great car (as is my current one), a B5 petrol XC60 from what I read on the Volvo forums is a pretty solid reliable car if you're looking for a keeper.

I need a 4x4 that can tow a twin axle caravan, diesel is naturally the best option. The lower torque and significantly lower mpg are what put me off.
Not worried about oil dilution, id be doing my own services and oil changes anyway.

[LightweightLouisDanvers]

ZX10R NIN said:

Both are good cars but want a nice ride with a quality interior, I'm going to suggest taking a very good look at the Genesis GV70, the 2.2d drivetrain is well proven & all models were setup for comfort.

You'll get a 22 plate with a years warranty as well as free servicing until 2027 & it'll see 10+ years, I'm now trading out the Infiniti's (which are now 9-10 years old) from friends & family for the Genesis range.

That free service also includes them collecting & dropping the car back to you:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610106...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202609045...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610197...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202610096...

No thanks, that is a 'challenging' car to look at and the interior is no improvement.

[AddyT.]

Had a 2019 SQ5 diesel until a couple of years ago and did a lot of miles. Not the same car being asked about I know but can say the suspension was rock hard on it and you just couldn't ignore it. It had the 8 speed auto and it was a bit dimwitted. Fast in a straight line due to all the torque but had its limitations/compromises and hence didn't feel I missed it when it was gone.

[RammyMP]

I had a 2.0tdi S-Line Q5, the comment regarding the gear change at motorway speed is true, it always felt awkward if you know what I mean?!? Mine was a 21 reg face lift version. I generally liked it and had it for 4 years but it had a few electrical / software issues but nothing major. I found the ride firm and there was a recall for the rear axle that Audi fked up so mine needed 4 new tyres and the wheel alignment always felt slightly out (for example if you drove over a metal bridge movement joint that was angled the car would move to one side then the other, every other car I’ve drove has never done this).

I had a 68 reg A6 with the same engine in before the Q5 and that was much nicer to drive.

I wouldn’t get another Q5 but don’t let that put you off!

[hmg]

Mrs has had 2 longterm 2.0 TDi S Line Q5s and probably done 100k miles over the last 10yrs or more. Other than a couple of suspension bushes and routine servicing they’ve largely been faultless and cheap to run..

Comfortable ride..plenty of torque and very useable as a reliable family waggon,

Go for a nice spec with the latest infotainment or one of the better specced black series Ltd editions as most don’t even come with full leather nowadays..