Audi has several new or dramatically updated models hitting dealerships this year, including what might well be its most important one.
The redesigned 2025 Audi Q5 — as well as the performance-oriented SQ5 — should appease loyalists and new fans alike. And while the brand continues to introduce new electric vehicles (EVs) to the market, this one is still powered the old fashioned way.
Suave Styling
Where competitors have made some bold styling moves with mixed results (we mean you, BMW), Audi played it safe with the redesigned Q5. The changes are evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and with a wealth of rich, lovely colours offered — including the stunning shade of blue seen here — the new version blends just enough bold sportiness with understated elegance.
The same style of gaping grille as before appears slightly smaller than before, with a large honeycomb pattern this time. The inlets flanking the grille have grown considerably and are topped by sleeker headlights that now feature LED strips that reach further inward toward the grille. The elaborate running lights can even be customized to display a variety of different patterns.
The overall profile bears a strong resemblance to last year’s model, but the deep recess line running along the tops of the doors and fenders has been smoothed, replaced by a bold crease that’s lower on the sides. For those who prefer to sacrifice some interior space and practicality for style, Audi continues to offer both the Q5 and SQ5 in a sportback variant that has a more steeply-raked roofline.
The rear end is a bit fussier than before, with the bumper featuring a large black panel meant to mimic the honeycomb pattern up front. Plus, Audi’s designers have followed the overused trend of connecting the rear taillights with an LED strip. On the upside, the Q5 no longer gets faux exhaust openings and has actual tailpipe finishers this time.
High Tech Interior
The interior is expectedly contemporized, which means a more generous application of screens. The past generation’s interior was beginning to look and feel dated, but it remained a paragon of usable design, while the new cabin incorporates audio and climate controls into the main touchscreen, and the meaty gear selector has been shrunken to a small sliding button. The latter enables generous and more convenient placement of the cupholders, so at least there’s a functional improvement that comes with it.
Like its competitors, Audi now offers a broad swath of glass that spans the dash. Here, it comprises an 11.9-inch instrument display that seamlessly blends into the adjacent 14.5-inch infotainment screen. Both deliver rich, bright, and crisp graphics, and the system proved to be quick and responsive. Still, there’s a lot of information presented across the displays, and it takes time to get familiar with the various functions, while some features — like the wildly irritating speed warning chime — require delving into a series of menus to switch off.
Front-seat passengers can also entertain themselves with their own (optional) 10.9-inch touchscreen on the dash in front of them, with access to navigation, audio, and other apps. Meanwhile, overall the space inside is competitive within the segment, and the cargo area now has a larger under-floor space to stow the privacy cover when it’s in the way.
On the Road — and Off It
Like its A5 sedan sibling, the redesigned Q5 is built on a new platform. It shares plenty with the latest electric architecture that’s widely used across the Volkswagen Group portfolio, and gives the Q5 a solid, modern structure.
Driving the SQ5 in conventional and sportback styles both in town and on the highway, it proved to be a smooth, quiet operator, with engine, road, and wind noise all decently quelled. With adaptive air suspension, the ride quality can be adjusted from firm to slightly less so, depending on preference. When driven on tight mountain switchbacks, the SQ5 never became flustered, keeping a cool demeanour and cornering flat, although it wasn’t overly engaging thanks to the numb steering feel and somewhat dulled responses.
The air suspension can also raise the ride height for more ground clearance, which was enough to make it feel comfortable scrambling around rock-strewn and rutted mountain paths. Unsurprisingly, even in loose gravel and dirt, the standard all-wheel-drive system meant the Q5 was never without forward momentum, even on some serious inclines.
Two Turbocharged Options
As with before, the Q5 is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the SQ5 uses a larger V6. However, they’re now both augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that helps with efficiency and bumps power to 268 hp and 362 hp, respectively. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the only one offered, and while it’s agreeable most of the time, especially with upshifts, a few downshifts during this test were surprisingly clunky. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is coming to the Q5 at a later date.
For most drivers, the Q5’s four-cylinder should provide ample acceleration to keep them satisfied, with lively responsiveness around town, and plenty of power for accelerating on highway ramps. Predictably, those looking for a bigger shove in the back will appreciate the SQ5’s V6 thrust, which shaves nearly a second off the run from zero to 100 km/h. Unfortunately, it isn’t overly melodic, reinforcing that the new SQ5 is better as a grand touring machine than an outright sporty one.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 are expected to arrive at dealers in June, with the sportback versions following by about a month. Starting at $62,150 with freight, the Q5 is priced competitively against key offerings from BMW, Genesis, and Mercedes-Benz. The Progressiv trim adds key features like a panoramic sunroof, 16-speaker sound system, head-up display, and adaptive cruise control, ringing in at $67,350 before tax. Then there’s the Technik package that adds a few minor components including the passenger screen for $68,850.
Stepping up to the SQ5 Progressiv means an asking price of $82,150, while the range-topping Technik is $84,650. Opting for the sportback adds approximately $2,300 to any trim.
This third generation of Audi’s well-liked Q5 is sure to continue to appeal to the Audi faithful with its slick application of well-sorted technology. It’s priced well, too, with the Q5 in particular representing a strong effort. However, shoppers looking for a sportier experience may be disappointed by the SQ5 that’s far better as a smooth cruiser than a fun and truly engaging SUV.
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