Trying to find a family car that’s practical but also has a bit of sparkle can feel like a real challenge. You often end up having to choose between sensible and stylish. But then you discover the used Audi Q5 Black Edition, and suddenly, you don’t have to compromise. This premium SUV wraps up all the best bits of German engineering and design into one seriously good-looking package.
Maybe it’s the commanding road presence that first grabs your attention, or the promise of a luxurious, tech-filled cabin that the whole family can enjoy. Whatever it is that pulls you in, choosing a second-hand Audi Q5 Black Edition means you’re getting a top-tier SUV experience without the heart-stopping new-car price. It’s a way of joining a community of drivers who believe that a practical car doesn't have to be a boring one.
The best part about shopping for a used Q5 Black Edition is that you let someone else take the biggest hit on depreciation. This simple fact makes a sophisticated and highly desirable SUV much more accessible. Whether you need a comfortable and safe car for the school run or a stylish and capable cruiser for weekend getaways, the Q5 Black Edition is more than up to the task.
Why Buy a Used Audi Q5 Black Edition?
The Q5 Black Edition takes the already brilliant Audi Q5 and dials up the style and desirability. When you browse listings for used Q5 Black Edition models, you're looking at cars that perfectly blend family-friendly practicality with a genuine premium feel—a trick that many rivals can't quite pull off.
Many SUVs in this class can feel a bit plain, but the Q5 Black Edition has a real sense of occasion. The signature black styling pack, which replaces chrome with gloss black on the grille and window surrounds, combined with larger alloy wheels and privacy glass, gives it a purposeful and athletic look on the road. It looks just as at home in the city as it does exploring the countryside.
From a financial point of view, buying a used model is a really smart move. You avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve while still getting a vehicle that feels modern and is packed with up-to-date safety features and technology. With Audi's huge network of dealers and specialists across the UK, getting it serviced or finding parts is never a worry. It’s a premium ownership experience without the premium hassle.
For families who want something that feels special but can’t afford to sacrifice practicality, the Q5 Black Edition is a fantastic solution. The interior is spacious enough to comfortably seat five, and the boot is huge, making it a brilliant all-rounder for everything life throws at you.
Audi Q5 Black Edition Overview
The Black Edition trim has been a hugely popular choice in the Q5 lineup, and for very good reason. It builds on the already generous S line specification, adding a host of desirable cosmetic and equipment upgrades that significantly boost its visual appeal and overall desirability.
The standout feature is, of course, the black styling package. This is what gives the car its name and its distinctive character. It methodically removes the chrome trim you’d find on other models and replaces it with a sleek, gloss black finish. This subtle but effective change completely transforms the car's personality, making it look more aggressive and contemporary. When paired with the standard privacy glass and larger, more intricate alloy wheels, it creates a cohesive and athletic look that really stands out from the sea of silver and grey SUVs.
Step inside, and the Q5’s cabin is a testament to Audi’s reputation for peerless build quality. It’s a masterclass in ergonomic design and premium materials. Everything you touch feels solid and expensive, from the soft-touch plastics to the cool metal trim. Black Edition models often enhance this fantastic interior with extra touches like a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, an upgraded sound system, and unique dashboard inlays. It all combines to create an environment that feels genuinely special every time you get behind the wheel.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a selection of Audi's excellent TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines. These powerplants are known for being both powerful and remarkably efficient. Most Q5 models come with the slick S tronic automatic gearbox and the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system as standard, which provides incredible grip and confidence in all weather conditions.
Generations and Trim Breakdown
The Black Edition trim has been a key part of the Q5 range for the last two generations, evolving with the car’s design and technology.
First Generation (2012-2017)
It was during the facelift of the first-generation Q5 that the Black Edition (initially called Black Edition Plus) really made its mark. It was introduced as a highly desirable trim level that sat above the S line. It bundled together features that many buyers were adding as optional extras anyway, including 20-inch alloy wheels, the black styling pack, privacy glass, and a fantastic Bang & Olufsen sound system. This generation established the Black Edition as the go-to choice for buyers who wanted the sportiest-looking Q5 without stepping up to the high-performance SQ5. These cars still look incredibly sharp today and represent fantastic value on the used market.
Second Generation (2017-Present)
The second-generation Q5, introduced in 2017, was a huge leap forward in terms of technology, refinement, and interior design. The Black Edition trim evolved with it. It continues to build on the S line specification, adding larger alloy wheels (typically 20-inch), the full black styling pack that now includes black door mirrors and roof rails, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel. However, the biggest upgrade for this generation was the introduction of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. This stunning, fully digital instrument display replaced traditional dials and transformed the driving experience. It’s a hugely desirable feature and is a key reason to choose a second-generation model if your budget allows.
Body Style and Trim Comparison
While the Q5 Black Edition is offered as a conventional SUV, a sleeker Sportback version was introduced in the second generation to broaden its appeal.
SUV: The classic Q5 shape. It’s a handsome and practical five-door SUV that offers excellent interior space, a commanding driving position, and a large, practical boot. It’s the perfect choice for families who need a versatile car that can handle everything from the school run to a holiday adventure. Its traditional roofline ensures maximum headroom for rear passengers and the largest possible luggage capacity.
Sportback: Introduced with the second-generation facelift, the Sportback adds a dose of coupe-like styling to the Q5. It features a sloping, fastback-style roofline that gives it a more dynamic and aggressive silhouette. While this does compromise rear headroom and boot space slightly compared to the standard SUV, it’s still a very practical car with five doors and a big hatchback boot. It’s aimed at buyers who want the benefits of an SUV but desire a sportier, more distinctive look.
What to Look for When Buying
Full Service History: This is the golden rule when buying any premium used car. A complete and detailed service history is non-negotiable. Check that all services have been carried out on time, especially major ones like timing belt replacements and, crucially, the oil change for the S tronic automatic gearbox, which is due every 38,000 miles.
Gearbox Health: The S tronic automatic gearbox is brilliant when it works correctly, but it can be very expensive to fix if it goes wrong. On your test drive, pay close attention to how it behaves. Gear changes should be almost unnoticeable. Any juddering, hesitation, or clunking, especially at low speeds, could be a sign of a problem with the mechatronics unit.
Wheels and Tyres: Those big, stylish alloy wheels are a key part of the Black Edition’s appeal, but they are very susceptible to kerb damage. Inspect all four wheels carefully for scuffs, chips, and cracks. Also, check the tyres for any uneven wear, as this could indicate an issue with the wheel alignment or suspension.
Technology Check: The second-generation Q5 is packed with tech. Spend some time playing with the MMI infotainment system. Connect your phone via Bluetooth and make sure Apple CarPlay or Android Auto works as it should. If the car has the Virtual Cockpit, scroll through all the different menus and displays to ensure there are no dead pixels or glitches.
Frequently Asked questions
What is the average price of a used Audi Q5 Black Edition?
Prices for a used Audi Q5 Black Edition vary depending on its age, mileage, and condition. An older, first-generation model might start from around £16,000, while a good second-generation model from 2018-2020 will typically be in the £28,000 to £38,000 range. Nearly-new examples will cost upwards of £45,000.
Where can I find a used Audi Q5 Black Edition for sale near me?
Cazoo offers a fantastic selection of high-quality used Audi Q5 Black Edition cars. Our online platform makes it easy to browse cars from all over the UK, and you can have your chosen vehicle delivered right to your door.
What should I check when buying a second-hand Audi Q5 Black Edition?
The three most important things are a flawless service history (especially for the gearbox), the condition of the alloy wheels, and a thorough test of all the interior technology. A comprehensive test drive is also essential to get a feel for the car's mechanical health.
Is the Audi Q5 a reliable car?
Yes, the Audi Q5 has a good reputation for reliability, provided it has been properly looked after. The engines and major components are robust. Most common problems are well-documented and can often be avoided by sticking to the manufacturer's service schedule.
How can I finance a used Audi Q5 Black Edition?
Cazoo offers a range of flexible finance options to help make buying your Q5 Black Edition more manageable. We offer both Hire Purchase (HP) and Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), with clear and transparent terms to help you budget effectively.
For most people, yes. The Black Edition bundles together some of the most desirable styling and equipment upgrades for a relatively small price increase over the S line on the used market. If you value the sportier, more aggressive look, it represents excellent value for money.
What are the running costs like?
Running costs are competitive for a car in the premium SUV class. The TDI diesel engines are particularly economical, especially on long motorway runs. Servicing at an independent specialist can also be surprisingly affordable. Just be prepared for insurance and tax costs to be higher than for a standard family hatchback.
