Compare performance (367 HP vs 225 HP), boot space and price (46,400 £ vs 29,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi Q5 or Citroen C5 Aircross?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The rivalry between compact luxury SUVs heats up as we compare the well-established Audi Q5 and the stylish Citroen C5 Aircross. While both vehicles shine in unique aspects, their technical performance, innovativeness, and design philosophies set them apart. Let's dive into the details of these two contenders.
Both the Audi Q5 and Citroen C5 Aircross are sporty SUVs, designed not only for style but also for practicality. The Q5 boasts a more traditional luxury SUV silhouette, characterized by sharp lines and an aggressive stance, making it instantly recognizable as part of the Audi family. In contrast, the C5 Aircross features a more playful and distinctive look with its quirky elements, such as the Airbump technology on the sides, which not only adds character but also provides protection against minor dings and scratches.
The Audi Q5 offers a range of engines, including diesel, petrol MHEV, and plug-in hybrid options, with power outputs ranging from 163 to an impressive 367 HP. Notably, the Q5 can achieve a 0-100 km/h acceleration in as little as 4.5 seconds. The Q5 also features a dual-clutch automatic transmission, which enhances performance while delivering a smooth driving experience.
On the other hand, the Citroen C5 Aircross has a more modest power range, topping out at 224 HP from its hybrid engine. Although the C5 Aircross boasts competitive efficiency with a consumption rate as low as 1.4 L/100km in its hybrid variant, its acceleration from 0-100 km/h is slower, clocking in at approximately 8.9 seconds.
When it comes to fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, both SUVs exhibit impressive capabilities. The Audi Q5's diesel and hybrid engines can achieve efficiency ratings between 5.6 and 8.4 L/100km, translating into CO2 emissions ranging from 154 to 213 g/km. Meanwhile, the Citroen C5 Aircross shines with a remarkable emissions figure of just 32 g/km in its plug-in hybrid configuration, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Inside, both vehicles offer spacious and comfortable accommodations for five passengers. The Q5 places a strong emphasis on luxury and premium materials, offering a wealth of technology features, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a virtual cockpit that defines modern driving elegance. Cargo capacity is a noteworthy attribute, where the Q5 provides up to 520 liters of trunk space.
In contrast, the Citroen C5 Aircross aims for family-friendly versatility, with its trunk space of up to 580 liters, surpassing the Q5 in practicality. The interior features a focus on comfort with soft-touch materials and advanced suspension technology designed to smooth out bumps, ensuring a serene ride quality.
In terms of innovation, the Q5 is packed with cutting-edge driver assistance systems, from adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assist, enhancing both safety and convenience on the roads. The inclusion of Audi's matrix LED headlights reflects its commitment to providing advanced technologies.
The Citroen C5 Aircross, on the other hand, introduces progressive suspension technology that adapts to road conditions, providing a unique driving experience focused on comfort. Its Ambient Light system and larger touchscreen interface bring a fresh touch to its interior tech, catering to modern lifestyles.
Choosing between the Audi Q5 and Citroen C5 Aircross depends on personal preferences and priorities. The Q5 excels in luxury, performance, and advanced technology, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium experience. In contrast, the C5 Aircross offers a more whimsical design, higher practicality, and remarkable efficiency, particularly for family use.
Ultimately, whether you lean towards Audi's sophistication or Citroen's flair, both models affirm the strength and versatility of modern SUVs.
Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.
Citroen C5 Aircross is substantially cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Audi Q5 costs 46,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 17,237 £.
Both cars consume an average of 2.5 L/100km – no difference here.
As for electric range, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers clearly more range – reaching up to 520 km, about 420 km more than the Audi Q5.
Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.
When it comes to engine power, the Audi Q5 offers clearly more power – delivering 367 HP compared to 225 HP. That’s roughly 142 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Audi Q5 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.5 s, while the Citroen C5 Aircross takes 8.3 s. That’s about 3.8 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Audi Q5 delivers substantially more torque with 580 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 280 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Citroen C5 Aircross is a bit lighter – 1,629 kg compared to 1,910 kg. The difference is around 281 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Citroen C5 Aircross offers barely more boot space – 565 L compared to 520 L. That’s a difference of about 45 L.
When it comes to payload, the Audi Q5 carries a bit more – 565 kg compared to 471 kg. That’s a difference of about 94 kg.
The Audi Q5 leads convincingly in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Audi Q5 is a refined compact luxury SUV that blends a plush, well-appointed interior with confident, composed handling suited to everyday driving. It’s a strong choice if you want a comfortable, technology-rich cabin and a practical, upscale package that feels polished on both city streets and longer trips.
details
The Citroën C5 Aircross feels like a sofa on wheels, delivering a calm, floaty ride and clever packaging that makes life with luggage and kids noticeably easier. Quirky French styling and a supremely practical, family-focused cabin mean it quietly wins hearts by prioritising comfort over showroom bravado.
details
Costs and Consumption |
|
|---|---|
|
Price
46,400 - 79,600 £
|
Price
29,100 - 43,000 £
|
|
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 8.3 L/100km
|
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 5.4 L/100km
|
|
Consumption kWh/100km
-
|
Consumption kWh/100km
17 kWh/100km
|
|
Electric Range
92 - 100 km
|
Electric Range
81 - 520 km
|
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
Battery Capacity
-
|
|
co2
56 - 189 g/km
|
co2
0 - 121 g/km
|
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Fuel tank capacity
-
|
Dimensions and Body |
|
|---|---|
|
Body Type
SUV
|
Body Type
SUV
|
|
Seats
5
|
Seats
5
|
|
Doors
-
|
Doors
-
|
|
Curb weight
1,910 - 2,245 kg
|
Curb weight
1,629 - 2,184 kg
|
|
Trunk capacity
433 - 520 L
|
Trunk capacity
565 L
|
|
Length
-
|
Length
-
|
|
Width
1,900 mm
|
Width
1,870 mm
|
|
Height
-
|
Height
-
|
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
Max trunk capacity
-
|
|
Payload
490 - 565 kg
|
Payload
446 - 471 kg
|
Engine and Performance |
|
|---|---|
|
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
|
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Plugin Hybrid
|
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
Transmission
Automatic
|
|
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
|
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
|
|
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
|
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
|
|
Power HP
204 - 367 HP
|
Power HP
145 - 225 HP
|
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.5 - 8.6 s
|
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 11.2 s
|
|
Max Speed
-
|
Max Speed
-
|
|
Torque
340 - 580 Nm
|
Torque
230 - 300 Nm
|
|
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
|
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
|
|
Power kW
150 - 270 kW
|
Power kW
107 - 165 kW
|
|
Engine capacity
1,968 - 2,995 cm3
|
Engine capacity
1,199 - 1,598 cm3
|
General |
|
|---|---|
|
Model Year
2025
|
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
|
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
|
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A, B
|
|
Brand
Audi
|
Brand
Citroen
|
Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España