7 Reasons Why the 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus Stands Out

The 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus is here and it's packed with features. This is the SUV for you if you're after performance luxury and practicality all in one package. Whether you’re cruising through the city or exploring the open road this vehicle is bound to impress. But like any car there are a few quirks that some might find amusing or annoying depending on how you look at it. So let's dive in and see what makes the Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus a strong contender for 2023.

First Impressions: The Audi Look

Audi’s design language is unmistakable and the Q5 S Line Premium Plus is no exception. With its bold Singleframe grille sharp LED headlights and sporty body lines this SUV oozes confidence.

Exterior: Sleek but Not Overly Aggressive

From the outside the 2023 Audi Q5 looks athletic but it doesn’t shout about it. You’ve got 19-inch alloy wheels as standard and S Line accents that make it stand out without going overboard. It’s kind of like that guy at the party who's super fit but doesn’t feel the need to tell everyone about his workout routine. It's classy understated and definitely good-looking.

Headlights That Follow You Around

One neat feature is the adaptive headlights. They turn with the steering so you can see around corners a little better. It’s like having a friend who's always trying to make sure you don’t bump into things. Some might say it’s a bit much but when you’re on a dark road it’s hard to complain about extra visibility.

Humor Note: Or Maybe The Lights Are Just Nosy

On a funnier note though it's kind of like your headlights are spying on you. Every move you make every turn you take... your lights are watching you!

Interior: Plush but Not Too Flashy

Once inside the Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus you'll find a well-designed and luxurious cabin. Audi’s always nailed interiors and this is no different. The seats are leather-trimmed with heated front seats coming standard and there's plenty of soft-touch materials around the cabin. The dashboard layout is clean but not too minimalistic – just the right balance of high-tech and user-friendly.

Infotainment System: Packed with Features

The 10.1-inch MMI touch display comes standard along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Audi Virtual Cockpit is also available making the driving experience just a bit more futuristic. You can customize the instrument cluster display to show your navigation media or performance stats right in front of you. Some people love this tech-forward approach though others might find it a bit overwhelming at first.

Alex Collantes' Take: Keeping it Simple

Alex Collantes a long-time Audi enthusiast mentions "I love the tech in this car but sometimes I miss the good old days when you just had a speedometer and a gas gauge. This virtual stuff is cool but I don’t always need to know my G-forces when picking up groceries."

Annoyance: Fingerprints Galore!

A word of warning – with a touchscreen this big you're going to get fingerprints. Audi does try to minimize this but let’s be honest you’re going to be wiping down your screen a lot more than you’d probably like. It’s not a dealbreaker but something to keep in mind especially for the neat freaks out there.

Performance: Power That Won't Break Your Neck

The 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and of course quattro all-wheel drive comes standard.

Smooth Yet Sporty Driving Experience

Behind the wheel this Q5 delivers a smooth and refined drive. The S Line package adds some sporty flair with paddle shifters and a sport suspension that tightens up the handling. But don’t worry it’s not too stiff – you won’t feel like you’re driving a racecar every time you go over a speed bump. It’s fast when you need it but chill when you're just cruising.

Alex Collantes' Opinion on Power: Just Right

"As someone who enjoys spirited driving every now and then I think the power in the Q5 S Line Premium Plus hits the sweet spot. It’s fast enough to have some fun but you’re not going to accidentally get a speeding ticket just by merging onto the freeway" says Alex.

Critique: Turbo Lag or Just a Coffee Break?

One slight hiccup though is the turbo lag. It’s not terrible but when you really stomp on the gas there's a brief moment where the car seems to pause and think "Are you sure?" before finally taking off. It's like when you ask someone a question and they hesitate for just a split second too long. Nothing to ruin the experience but noticeable if you're paying attention.

Technology: High-Tech Without Being Over the Top

Audi has always been at the forefront of automotive technology and the Q5 S Line Premium Plus is no different. The SUV comes loaded with advanced tech features.

Safety Features: Because Safety Matters

Standard safety features include Audi pre sense city which can help avoid low-speed accidents by detecting obstacles and braking for you. There’s also adaptive cruise control lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera which helps with parking. The traffic sign recognition feature is pretty cool too.

Alex’s Humor Take: Almost Too Helpful?

Alex had a lighthearted take on the safety tech "I swear sometimes it feels like this car's more cautious than my grandma when crossing the street. It’s a good thing but also a reminder that I should probably be paying attention myself."

Practicality: Space for Life's Adventures

Let’s face it one of the biggest reasons people buy an SUV is for the practicality. The 2023 Audi Q5 delivers on that front.

Cargo Space: Enough Room for Everything... Almost

You get 25.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up and 54 cubic feet with them down. It’s plenty for groceries weekend bags or even a couple of big suitcases. But compared to some other SUVs in this class the space could feel a little tight. If you’re planning on hauling large pieces of furniture maybe call a friend with a pickup truck.

Downside: Not a Moving Van

Here’s the thing though – while the Q5 is spacious it’s not going to win any awards for being the biggest in its class. You can fit a lot in here but if you’re the type who tends to move houses on the weekends you might find yourself playing trunk Tetris a bit too often.

Fuel Economy: Decent for the Class

Fuel economy is rated at 23 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. For an all-wheel-drive luxury SUV this is pretty solid.

Hybrid Option: A Greener Choice

For those wanting a bit more efficiency there’s also a plug-in hybrid option which bumps up the power to 362 horsepower and gives you some electric-only range. The plug-in hybrid is a nice middle ground for those wanting a bit more eco-friendliness without going full electric.

Charging Time: Grab a Coffee

Charging the hybrid's battery takes around 2.5 hours with a 240-volt outlet. If you're just plugging into a standard outlet though expect a longer wait – around six hours. So if you're planning on charging up you might want to grab a good book or binge-watch a series while you wait.

Pricing: Competitive for What You Get

The 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus starts at around $53,000. Given the luxury features performance and practicality on offer this price is competitive especially compared to other luxury SUVs like the BMW X3 or Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Options Can Add Up Quickly

One thing to keep in mind is that the price can climb pretty fast once you start ticking the option boxes. Want that Bang & Olufsen sound system? That’ll cost you. Panoramic sunroof? That’s extra too. Before you know it you could be pushing $60k.

Humor Note: Death by Options

It's almost like shopping for a pizza. You start with the basics and then suddenly you've added extra cheese mushrooms and oh why not throw in some bacon? Before you know it you're left wondering how a pizza got so expensive.

Conclusion: Is the 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus Worth It?

In short if you’re looking for a luxury SUV that blends performance technology and practicality the 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus is a fantastic choice. It’s got plenty of power it’s loaded with tech and it looks sharp too. Sure there are a few quirks – the turbo lag the touchscreen fingerprints and the cargo space might not be perfect – but those are minor gripes in an otherwise top-notch vehicle.

Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on a weekend adventure the Audi Q5 is built to handle it all with style and grace.

Alex’s Final Thoughts

"I’d say this Q5 is one of the most well-rounded SUVs out there. It’s not perfect but honestly what car is? For me it's about enjoying the ride and this one definitely delivers on that front."

So is the 2023 Audi Q5 S Line Premium Plus the right SUV for you? That’s something only you can decide but it’s safe to say it should be on your shortlist.

Note: Always test drive before you buy and make sure to compare with other options in the luxury SUV category.