
The difference between Audi Q5L 40 and 45 lies in their engines: The Audi Q5L 40 is equipped with a low-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine; while the Audi Q5L 45 uses a high-power version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Audi determines the displacement based on the g-force generated during the vehicle's 0-100 km/h acceleration. The g-force reflects a car's acceleration capability—the stronger the acceleration, the greater the g-force, and thus the more power required. Taking the Audi Q5L 40 as an example: its dimensions are 4753mm in length, 1893mm in width, and 1659mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2908mm. It is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and has a top speed of 210 km/h.

I've driven the Audi Q5L 40 multiple times and also test-driven the 45 version. The biggest difference lies in the powertrain: the 40 comes with a 2.0T low-power engine, delivering around 190 horsepower. It offers smooth acceleration, moderate throttle response in city driving, and decent fuel efficiency, averaging about 8-9 liters per 100 kilometers. The 45, on the other hand, features the same engine but with a high-power tune, boasting over 245 horsepower. It delivers a noticeable kick when you press the accelerator, with rapid acceleration—0-100 km/h in just over 6 seconds—making it ideal for highway overtaking or driving enthusiasts. Both versions share the same chassis and dimensions, being the long-wheelbase Q5L model, offering spacious interiors suitable for family use, and come standard with the quattro all-wheel-drive system for enhanced stability. If you're on a budget or mainly use the car for daily commuting, the 40 offers great value, starting at just over 400,000 RMB. The 45 costs a bit more, and the extra horsepower might not be necessary for everyday driving, but it makes mountain roads more exhilarating. Maintenance costs are quite similar for both, with Audi's reliable quality ensuring few major issues—it ultimately comes down to personal driving preferences.

As a family car owner, I mainly use the Q5L for commuting and picking up my kids. The 40 version is sufficient, with 190 horsepower handling city traffic congestion effortlessly. It starts smoothly and has low fuel consumption, consistently staying around 9 liters, making it fuel-efficient and worry-free. The 45 version offers significantly more power, with 245 horsepower providing a more spirited drive, but unless you frequently take long trips or go off-roading, that extra power is mostly unused and pushes fuel consumption above 10 liters, especially in sports mode, which costs more. Both are based on the Q5L platform, offering spacious and comfortable interiors, with similar configurations like heated seats—the main difference lies in the engine tuning. The 45 version costs tens of thousands more, with higher insurance premiums. From a practical standpoint, the 40 version offers better value unless you truly crave that extra acceleration. Maintenance and reliability are both excellent, as Audi cars are durable. The choice between the two depends on how aggressively you drive daily.

From a budget perspective, the Q5L 40 is much more cost-effective than the 45. Both share the same chassis and exterior, but the 40 has slightly lower horsepower at 190hp, which is sufficient for daily commuting, with noticeably better fuel efficiency averaging just over 8L/100km. The high-power 45 variant delivers 245hp for quicker acceleration, but it costs 40,000-50,000 yuan more upfront, has higher insurance premiums, and fuel consumption exceeds 10L/100km. Maintenance costs are similar, though the 45's stronger performance may lead to slightly faster component wear. Economically, the 40 is an efficient daily driver, while the 45 suits driving enthusiasts better—though most users don't need to spend the extra money.


