Mazda plans to overturn the luxury SUV hierarchy with its CX-60, and Audi’s long-serving Q5 could be Mazda’s first victimReview LocationMelbourne, VictoriaMazda’s push upmarket has been in full force for some time now. So, what better way to test its mettle than to pit its all-important medium SUV against one of the best Europe has to offer, the seasoned Audi Q5. The CX-60 is a significant model for the storied Japanese marque, given it rolls on a new SUV platform and employs a mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain developed in-house. Ambitious? You better believe it, although Mazda has form with going it alone. However, despite its age, the Audi Q5 presents a high watermark, one lofty enough to foil Hiroshima’s aspiration.How much do the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami cost?It won’t come as a shock, but even in its mid-tier guise, the 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport is a chunk more expensive than its rival and asks $88,315 (all quoted prices exclude on-road costs).Entry into the Q5 range starts at $73,400 for the front-wheel drive turbo-diesel-powered 35 TDI, and tops out with the performance-orientated SQ5 at $124,315 – which can be specified with either petrol or diesel turbocharged V6 engines. A new addition to the line-up is the $105,984 plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e S Line.Premium appeal demands premium pricing – sort of. The Japanese combatant might be the cheaper option of the pair, but the $73,750 sticker elevates the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami into a medium SUV price bracket Mazda hasn’t previously occupied.Mazda CX-60 G40e AzamiAudi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportIf financial values are of concern, the CX-60 G40e Evolve starts from $60,550. Conversely, the plug-in hybrid P50e Azami pushes the monetary game even further out of reach, at $86,800.Rivals in the more than $60k medium SUV segment include the likes of the BMW X3, Lexus NX and Mercedes-Benz GLC.The third generation Audi Q5 has been revealed globally, but it is unlikely to make it to our shores until late 2025 or even 2026. Although, given the Q5 is one of the brand’s most popular and important models in Australia, the push will be on to get it here ASAP.What equipment comes with the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami?While the 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport is a mid-spec variant, it still comes loaded with standard kit. It’s certainly a refreshing change, given the respected German marque once charged through the nose for popular options.The Q5 gains LED head- and tail-lights with daytime running lights, 19-inch alloy wheels (more on this later), keyless entry with push-button start, electronic tailgate with gesture control, panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats with memory (driver) and electric operation (eight-way adjustable with four-way lumbar support), tri-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.However, the Mythos Black paint isn’t standard; the metallic hue costs an extra $1990. The dark theme continues with various accents covered in Black ($450), while the Black exterior styling package is a further $1300.Other optional extras include the Colour Interior Lighting package ($520) and the partly polished, 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels. And of course, they’re gloss Anthracite Black, too. All in, the Q5 on test amassed $5560 in options.Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportThe 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami is the fanciest petrol-powered MHEV variant you can buy, and its spec level reflects this. It’s fitted with 20-inch alloys, LED headlights with LED tail-lights, keyless entry and push-button start as well as dual-zone climate control and a sunroof – albeit a smaller one than the Audi’s.The CX-60 gains a clear and informative head-up display, a feature the Q5 can’t claim.Audi upped its game in recent years to offer an industry-standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. Five years of AudiCare roadside assistance is also included free of charge.Servicing is due every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first), while a prepaid five-year capped servicing plan is available for $3520.Mazda offers the same five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance. The servicing plan mirrors that of the Audi, meaning visits to a dealership are also every 12 months or 15,000km.However, the Mazda proves only $51 cheaper for the first five years of scheduled servicing, somewhat busting the myth of more expensive running costs for Euro models.How safe are the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami?The 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport is no longer rated by ANCAP, with its five-star marker expiring in December 2023. Still, it’s fitted with eight airbags as well as dual ISOFIX and top-tether points in the back.Highlighting the active safety tech is Audi pre-sense autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, Audi pre-sense front, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, collision avoidance assist, radar cruise control with stop/go functionality, blind spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.The 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami brandishes a five-star ANCAP safety rating (2022) and packs 10 airbags as well as ISOFIX and top tether points in the back.Mazda includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.Pleasingly, the Audi and Mazda’s active safety systems display competent levels of integration. The lane keeping assistance in both is well calibrated, resisting the urge to ping pong from white line to white line.What technology features on the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami?The 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport isn’t lacking in the tech department, especially with the fitment of Virtual Cockpit. The German brand is a pioneer of digital instrument clusters, and the 12.3-inch unit stands out as one of the best. It’s customisable and very easy to use.Sitting high in the dash, the Q5 houses a 10.1-inch touch-screen for the infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and Audi’s own MMI Navigation Plus.Wireless phone charging is supported. However, it seems more like an afterthought and a by-product of the second generation Q5’s age, because it’s located on a slider tray that’s either hidden under the central armrest or covering the front cup holders.Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportAnother telltale sign of the Q5’s vintage is the use of USB-A ports, of which there are two in the back and one up front, while a more modern USB-C port sits in the central storage compartment. The audio system is of a high calibre, featuring 10 speakers, a subwoofer and an amplifier to achieve pleasing acoustics.A similar level of gadgetry can be found in the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami. Like its European rival, the luxe-focused Asian SUV employs a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but it isn’t quite as slick.Taking charge of the Mazda Connect system and general infotainment is a 10.25-inch touch-screen. Mazda only allows touch inputs for operating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the native operating system must be operated via the control wheel. What’s more, it’s a system you must scroll through myriad menus to enable – very odd.The CX-60 also runs Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and an upgraded 12-speaker Bose audio system that offers high fidelity tunes. There’s also a wireless charge pad and four USB-C ports.What powers the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami?While achieving similar outcomes, this duo goes about their business in different ways.While the 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport offers mild 12V hybrid technology, it’s the mildest of mild systems. On the plus side, the downsized German opts for the company’s venerable 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, mustering a healthy 183kW and 370Nm. That grunt is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Q5 doesn’t hang about, either, completing the 0-100km/h dash in a warm-hatch beating 6.3 seconds. The EA888 engine offers an impressively linear power delivery and rarely exhibits signs of lag.There are six driving modes available (Off-road, Efficiency, Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual), yet they only tailor the drivetrain and steering.The S Tronic transmission is quick-shifting on the run and you can flick through the ratios via the steering-wheel mounted paddles. However, it can struggle at slow speeds, especially from a standstill or reversing on an incline. The sensations are exacerbated by the lax throttle response. Sharpening this by selecting Dynamic mode helps, but then you’re left with a gearbox that becomes overenthusiastic.Being the new kid on the block, the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami gains a more modern powertrain: a 3.3-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine packing 48V mild-hybrid technology. The M Hybrid Boost unit produces a healthy 209kW and 450Nm.Not that the Q5 is necessarily lacking in Newtons, but the e-Skyactiv engine enjoys a meatier mid-range torque curve that renders it that little bit more effortless on the move – something a luxury SUV should be. The MHEV unit is smooth, too, with the inherent balance of an inline six-cylinder engine coming to the fore. Therefore, the eight-speed single-clutch automatic is slightly at odds with the impressive engine.The gearbox has been updated to produce smoother shifts. And while the improvements are noticeable, the shifting is still not perfect. Some untoward mechanical sounds and clunkiness remain.Despite packing the lusty powertrain, the CX-60 is 0.6sec slower to 100km/h than the Audi. The gap is largely accounted for by the fact the 1949kg Mazda weighs 124kg more than the Q5. Yet out in the real world, the margin between the two is minimal.If this battle is won by ear, then the Mazda takes the win. The inline-six produces a sonorous tune throughout the rev range and rarely sounds stressed. It’s vastly more appealing than the muted Audi. Has Mazda been taking a peek at BMW’s homework?Mazda CX-60 G40e AzamiAudi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportHow fuel efficient are the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami?There’s no escaping the fact that the 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport isn’t the most frugal of medium SUVs on the market with its claimed combined fuel consumption of 8.0L/100km.Buyers can garner greater efficiency within the range, those being the entry-level turbo-diesels and the recently added plug-in hybrid.The best we could achieve overall was 9.1L/100km. However, on a long highway stint we did see a constant 7.6L/100km until reaching urban areas. One feature that can grate is the stop/start technology that’s a little too slow to fire the engine on take-off.Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportThe official figure for the e-Skyactiv engine in the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami is 7.4L/100km. While the straight six does run an electric motor located between the engine and gearbox to supplement its output, the CX-60 can’t run on EV power alone.Instead, electrification is there to assist under light loads. It mainly gleans economy benefits via coasting at speed. The only sign of the system working is seeing the engine revs drop to zero while you’re at cruising speeds.Despite the MHEV gubbins, we couldn’t match the official figures on our test route, returning 8.5L/100km. Still, for a petrol-powered SUV verging on two tonnes, this isn’t a bad result and clearly bests the smaller Audi.Mazda CX-60 G40e AzamiWhat are the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami like to drive?On-road is where drivers will note the biggest difference between the pair; the 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport shows its hand with a clear dynamic advantage.Audi’s medium SUV uses the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform – the L represents the longitudinal layout of the four-cylinder engine. It’s a proven bit of kit, meaning the Q5 doesn’t shy away from corners or fall apart when the tarmac underneath does.The Q5 45 TFSI feels energetic and light on its feet, keen to turn into a corner and then exit it with traction from the quattro all-wheel drive system. Yes, there’s some body roll when you push on, but that’s to be expected from a jacked-up SUV. Overall the chassis is appreciably taut.European-centric models can fail the typical Aussie road test, however, the ride quality of the Q5 is more than acceptable. There’s an underlying firmness to the spring and damper settings, and the Michelin rubber wrapping the 20-inch Audi Sport alloys offers less sidewall, but it’s never uncomfortable. The Q5’s passive damper set-up feels sophisticated, too, as the Q5 recovers well from large undulations.The steering is lighter than the Mazda’s and doesn’t offer ultimate feel, but it remains pleasing to use and there are shift paddles to play with if you’re so inclined.It’s hard to avoid the fact there have been some well publicised updates to the suspension tune of the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami. And while the revised rear damper setup has helped the situation, it hasn’t cured all ills.The ride quality with the Azami’s 20-inch alloys remains overly firm; sharp potholes are felt and heard through the cabin. Go for the entry level CX-60 Evolve with its 18-inch alloys for improved ride comfort. Additionally, the CX-60 Azami’s dampers lack rebound control, resulting in the Mazda’s inability to retain composure through mid-corner undulations – especially from the rear axle.It’s a shame, because all the right ingredients are present – those being the powerplant and rear-biased all-wheel drive system. And to be fair, through open-radius bends where the CX-60 has time to settle into the weight transfer, it handles a little better. Even more so if the surface underneath is flat.The CX-60 offers three driving modes via the Mi-Drive selector, including Normal, Sport and off-road. However, like the Audi, you’re better off sticking to the cruisier settings, as neither has adaptive dampers.Overall, there’s a reassuringly tangible feel of solidity at play in the Mazda and it makes for a decent long-distance highway hauler. However, the Audi ticks more boxes both in and out of city limits. It’s simply a far more resolved experience.What are the Audi Q5 45 TFSI and Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami like inside?In a world eschewing function for form, it’s refreshing to jump inside either of this pair and be greeted with ergonomically sound cabins – and they don’t skimp on style, either.The 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport is a beacon of quality and understated class. Yes, the overall aesthetic is starting to show its 2017 origins, but there’s tangible quality and upmarket appeal. It’s all about the finer details, like the climate controls with their reassuring action.The full-length glass roof does add light to a cabin that’s filled with informed by muted tones during the day, but bathed in the hue of your choice at night, courtesy of the optional coloured LEDs.Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportBack-seat passengers are treated to rear air vents, map pockets, a 12V outlet, twin USB-A ports as well as suit hooks and map lighting. Headroom is sufficient despite the full-length glass roof, but legroom is compromised due to the wheelbase and 4.6-metre overall length – both dimensions beaten by the Mazda’s.Flicking open the electric tailgate reveals a large 520-litre boot – plenty of room for a designer pram. Folding the 40/20/40-split rear seats liberates 1520 litres of cargo capacity.Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro SportThe ‘premium push’ mantra is beginning to sound like a broken record, but that ethos is evident inside the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami. Closing the door comes with a newfound and reassuring thud, the materials are pleasingly tactile and the overall build quality is rock solid.The addition of nappa leather adds to the premium feel while the ‘Kakenui’ stitching is a nice touch, too. It’s a bit of a shame the CX-60 tested isn’t fitted with either the SP or Takumi packages for a dose of flair – either can be selected for an additional $2000.The only real ergonomic flaw is the over-styled gear selector that requires patience to engage – if the traditional way ain’t broke and all…Amenities in the rear are covered off by air vents, dual USB-C ports, auxiliary 240V AC power outlet and controls for the outboard seat heating. Given the Mazda’s longer overall length and wheelbase, there’s slightly more legroom for back-seat passengers while headroom is comparable to the Audi’s.Interestingly, while the CX-60 is dimensionally the bigger SUV, it has a smaller boot. Its capacity comes in at 477 litres, which expands to 1726 litres with the rear 60/40-split folding seats stowed.Both medium SUVs use a space-saver spare wheel instead of a full-size item. Neither are likely to go off-roading.Should I buy an Audi Q5 45 TFSI or Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami?We’re all encouraged to set goals and shoot for the stars. In this regard, Mazda is no shrinking violet, and has wagered a great deal on a new platform and powertrains to lift its medium SUV into the big league.The problem the 2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami faces is the overwhelmingly strong and established competition. Positive signs abound, but Mazda still needs to hone the formula further.It’s hard to ignore the fact that the 2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport is palpably more expensive. And for this reason, the easy-to-like Mazda would be a suitable option for myriad buyers looking to save some cash and bank on the brand’s strong reputation Down Under.However, the Mazda doesn’t win this battle. That honour goes to the one with four rings sitting proudly on its bonnet and boot. Audi’s badge cachet can’t be ignored, but the quality of the offering from Ingolstadt is more than just the badge. The Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport doesn’t merely ride on the coat tails of its reputation. It ultimately justifies the extra outlay as a well-rounded luxury medium SUV.2024 Audi Q5 45 TFSI quattro Sport at a glance:
Price:?$88,315 (plus on-road costs)
Available:?Now
Engine:?2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mild hybrid
Output:?183kW/370Nm
Transmission:?Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel:?8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2:?182g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating:?Not rated2024 Mazda CX-60 G40e Azami at a glance:
Price: $73,750 before on-roads costs
Available: Now
Engine: 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol mild hybrid
Output: 209kW/450Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic single-clutch
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 171g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five star (ANCAP 2022)Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
