Audi Q5 vs Polestar 4

The Audi Q5 starts from $80,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 4 opens at $78,500. That makes the Polestar 4 the more affordable entry point by $2,400.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $88,990 and $86,350 respectively.

The Polestar 4 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi Q5 and Polestar 4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 92% for the Polestar 4.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 9 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q5 and 7 in the Polestar 4.

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 4 gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Polestar 4. The Polestar 4 counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Polestar 4 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Polestar 4.

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Polestar 4 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds.

The Polestar 4 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 4 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 123mm shorter than the Polestar 4 at 4,840mm (2,999mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Polestar 4 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 526L in the Polestar 4, giving the Polestar 4 a 6L advantage.

For towing, the Audi Q5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 4). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Audi Q5)—.