Snow, Switchbacks, and Quattro: Audi Q5’s Winter Alps Journey

[Source: Audi]

Anyone that ever said you can’t have fun driving in the snow, has never owned an Audi with quattro all-wheel drive. A group of journalists just discovered the joy of quattro firsthand. With temperatures hovering around freezing, journalists gathered at Munich Airport to kick off a winter road trip through the Alps behind the wheel of Audi’s latest Q5 lineup. Six vehicles, two SUVs and four Sportbacks, were on hand. The mix included multiple SQ5 models, along with gasoline and diesel Sportbacks, all prepped for alpine duty with roof boxes, ski bags, and plenty of cargo space.

The route stretched nearly 300 kilometers, winding from Munich through Schliersee and Spitzingsee, across the Austrian border, and up into the mountains via the Gerlos Alpine Road, with Zell am See as the final destination.

Road Conditions

Road conditions shifted constantly, from snow-covered passes to damp, partially thawed pavement. It is exactly the kind of environment that shows what a vehicle is really made of. The Q5 handled it all with ease, helped by quattro all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and Audi’s latest MHEV plus technology. Whether cruising on the highway or powering out of tight mountain hairpins, the system delivered smooth electric assist, sharp throttle response, and improved efficiency.

Inside, the focus stayed on comfort and usability. The participants highlighted the intuitive display and control layout, the AI-supported Audi assistant, and thoughtful everyday features like the sliding rear seat, generous cargo capacity, wireless charging, and USB-C ports. Audi Genuine Accessories, from roof boxes to all-weather mats, proved equally practical, especially during winter travel.

Journey Summary

A mid-route coffee stop turned into a hands-on inspection of the roof and ski boxes, with more than a few participants admitting they’d struggle to go back to winter driving without them. As one journalist put it, the Q5 shows just how seamlessly high-quality accessories can be integrated into daily use.

The journey wrapped up in Zell am See at sunset, where attention shifted to the Q5’s second-generation digital OLED taillights. Beyond their distinctive nighttime signature, the communication light function adds another layer of safety.

By the end of the trip, the verdict was unanimous: the Audi Q5 remains a true all-rounder, equally at home on snowy mountain roads, long highway stretches, and spontaneous winter adventures.