Audi Q5 review

This is the brand-spanking new Audi Q5 – a car that some may argue didn’t actually need to be reinvented for a new generation.

You see, although it first arrived back in 2016 and was facelifted in 2021, the second-gen Q5 remained Audi’s best seller right up until its death in 2024. In fact, Audi shifted 298,000 examples of the Mk2 Q5 last year, putting it some way clear of its closest in-house rival – the Audi A6 with 244,000 sales.

And yet here we are with the third-generation Q5 SUV and the second ever Q5 Sportback. We’ll cover both body styles in this review because there’s barely any difference between the two. No seriously, despite its sloping roofline the Sportback loses less than one per cent of the SUVs available boot space. And it’s actually the coupe-like thing that sells best in Europe, while the UK and US markets tend to favour the SUV.

But wait, what actually is the Q5?

Well, it’s a sort of medium-sized posh SUV, which explains why it’s such a big seller. This new one gets a more aero-friendly body and a ‘sportier stance’, says Audi. The singleframe grill up front sits higher and wider than before, and there are functional air curtains either side. There are new LED lights front and rear too, with a lightbar across the back. Fancy OLED lights with customisable signatures are an optional extra.

Wheels on offer in the UK span from 19 to 21 inches and not all of the exterior colours are boring. Yes, there’s the usual 50 shades of grey available, but you can also have Grenadine Red, Navarra Blue, Ultra Blue, District Green or Sakhir Gold.

What are the oily bits like?

At launch there are just two engine options for the standard Q5. Both are 201bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pots, both use Audi’s 48-volt hybrid setup and both are connected to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. The difference? One runs on petrol, the other diesel. Yep, you can still have a TDI Q5.

In case you care about what’s even further underneath, it’s probably worth mentioning that this new Q5 is based on Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) erm… platform. Oh, and both the current powertrains get quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

In the second half of 2025 there will be a plug-in hybrid introduced. We’re told that will be available with either 295bhp or 362bhp when the combustion engine and electric motor are working in sync.

Is there a faster version?

Ah yes, you’re referring to the SQ5. We’ll cover that off in a separate review, but if you’re after more performance it’s worth knowing that the SQ5 comes with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 (again with 48-volt hybrid tech) for total outputs of 362bhp and 406lb ft of torque.

What’s the interior like?

Great question, because this is perhaps where most has changed compared to the old Q5. It now gets a ‘Digital Stage’ which consists of an 11.9-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit screen and a giant 14.5-inch central touchscreen. And if that’s not enough, you can even spec an additional 10.9-inch screen for your front seat passenger.

There’s more about how it all works over on the Interior tab of this review, but elsewhere inside you’ll find the usual five seats trimmed in leather or recycled fabrics.

How much will a Q5 cost me?

Well, you’ve got Sport, S Line, and Edition 1 trims, plus the two powertrains to choose from and either SUV or Sportback body styles, so we’ll go into more detail over on the Buying tab. Just know that prices start at £49,980 for the SUV in entry-level Sport trim and the TFSI petrol engine, rising all the way to £62,380 for the more expensive TDI diesel engine in top-of-the-tree Edition 1 trim.

The SQ5 is only available in Edition 1 trim right now and starts at £74,430 for the SUV.

What else could I buy instead?

An Alpine A110, a Land Rover Defender 90 or a bonkers Caterham Seven 420 Cup. All cost somewhere between £50k and £60k and all are absolutely fabulous.

Oh hang on, you want actual Q5 rivals don’t you? Fine. Think of things like the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60 and Land Rover Discovery Sport. Or if you still want that premium mid-size SUV but fancy something a little more left-field, why not consider the Mazda CX-60, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio or the Lexus NX?

The Q5 is still a safe bet. The newly hybridised powertrains are clever and allow the car to run on electric power more than you might expect. The switchover between electric and combustion drive is seamless too, and it’s only the dual-clutch gearbox that slightly spoils your smooth progress.

However, it’s not quite as practical as the previous generation with a smaller boot despite a larger footprint, and on first impressions we’re not sure it’s as comfortable either – though we’ll need to try a UK spec car on the standard suspension to confirm that.

And then there’s that interior. It’s chock-full of tech and certainly looks impressive, but massive screens aren’t as easy to operate as proper buttons and there have been some material missteps. Oops.