After 15 years of production, Audi’s Q5 has been revamped into its third generation. This latest model, like the updated A5, is built on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) framework, which it shares with the fully electric Q4 e-tron.
The new Q5 retains traditional petrol and diesel engines but now incorporates Audi’s MHEV plus mild hybrid system. This 48-volt technology, standard across all models, includes an electric motor that provides up to 24 PS and 230 Nm of torque. It supports limited electric-only driving at low speeds and in reverse, and can recover up to 25 kW during regenerative braking to charge a 1.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.
At launch, the Q5 will be available with three powertrain options. The base models feature a 204 PS 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI petrol engine and a 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine, producing 340 Nm and 400 Nm of torque, respectively. The top-tier SQ5 is powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 petrol engine, generating 367 PS and 550 Nm. All versions come with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, replacing the previous ZF eight-speed automatic in the SQ5. Plug-in hybrid versions will be introduced later.
The Q5 is equipped with new passive frequency selective dampers that adjust damping force for a smoother ride on rough surfaces while enhancing cornering stability. The SQ5 features a sportier setup, with optional adaptive air suspension offering a more distinct difference between comfort and sport modes. Standard features include a more responsive front axle and variable-ratio steering.
The Q5’s design showcases a rounded aesthetic, including trapezoidal headlights, pronounced fender bulges, and full-width taillights. It features large vertical air curtain inlets and a distinctive singleframe grille with a prominent honeycomb mesh. The rear incorporates a full-width “air vent” and genuine exhaust tips, addressing previous issues with fake exhausts.
Audi has also upgraded the lighting system, offering optional matrix LED headlights with customizable daytime running lights and second-generation OLED taillights that enable car-to-x communication for safety alerts. The Q5’s wheel sizes range from 17 to 21 inches, with aerodynamic designs up to 19 inches.
Inside, the Q5 follows Audi’s tech-forward approach, featuring up to three displays. The “Digital Stage” includes an 11.9-inch instrument panel and a 14.5-inch infotainment OLED screen, with an optional 10.9-inch front passenger touchscreen. It also offers an upgraded voice control system with ChatGPT AI, an Android Automotive OS-based MMI infotainment system, and an optional 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with active noise cancellation.
The cabin features Kaskade fabric or Dinamica microfibre and a dynamic interaction light strip above the dashboard. The center console includes an illuminated L-shaped spar, a 15-watt Qi wireless charger, and two 60-watt USB-C ports, with rear ports capable of delivering 100 watts for high-power devices. The rear seats are sliding and reclining, providing up to 1,473 liters of cargo space when folded.
Built in San José Chiapa, Mexico, the new Q5 will be available for order in Germany starting this month. Prices start at €52,300 (RM252,000) for the 2.0 TFSI petrol model, with quattro all-wheel drive increasing the price to €54,650 (RM263,400). The 2.0 TDI diesel starts at €57,100 (RM275,300), while the SQ5 is priced at €82,900 (RM399,700).