The cheapest new Audi Q5 starts from £49,950, SQ5 from £74k

What’s this? A new premium SUV that’ll be released into the world in 2025 that deploys… internal combustion? Naturally, because this is the third-generation Audi Q5, and it sits on something called the ‘Premium Platform Combustion’, which is a platform. For combustion engines.

So what you get come 2025 when this thing actually lands in the real world is a choice of either a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine Q5, or a 2.0-litre TDI Q5, or a V6-engined SQ5.

Further down the line, we’re promised a plug-in hybrid version of this popular big Audi, though each of the launch spec cars will of course feature mild-hybrid tech in the form of a small battery and something called a ‘powertrain generator’.

This 48V system provides a little power bump, betters efficiency, reduces CO2 emissions and gives you this week’s winning lottery numbers. Also we’re not 100 per cent sure about the whole lottery thing.

We are sure the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel Q5s, which start from £49,950 and £51,600 respectively, provide an adequate 201bhp to play with. That’s harnessed by a standard-fit seven-speed gearbox and something called ‘quattro’, to return 0-62mph times of 7.2s (petrol), 7.4s (diesel), and top speeds of 140mph.

Both of these cars are available in what Audi calls ‘Sport’, ‘S line’ and ‘Edition 1’ specification, which add goodies as the price progresses. Standard stuff on Sport trims include 19s, LEDs, leather, contrast stitching and some aloominum.

S line adds a schportier bodykit, 20s, a multifunction steering wheel, ‘S’ badges and a fancier rear bench. Naturally Edition 1 gets everything thrown in, including ginormous 21in alloys, digital light signatures, sports seats, an additional 10.9in passenger display and… this week’s winning lottery numbers? Still waiting on confirmation on that one.

The most premium version of the new Q5 is the SQ5 Edition 1. The SQ5 remember, brings back V6 power to the tune of a 3.0-litre able to produce 362bhp and 406lb ft of torque. It’ll also crack through to 62mph in just 4.5s and on to a 155mph limited top speed.

Of course this car gets the schportiest of schporty bodykits, a banging B&O stereo, configurable HUD, and plenty of driver assistance. This car will start from £74,400. It’s also a wee bit heavier than the lesser-powered Q5s, weighing in at a whisper over two tonnes (1.9ish for the others).

UK deliveries will begin next April.