The new Audi Q5 aims to improve on a winning car with sharper looks, more powerful engines
Americans buy 44% Audi Q5 are sold worldwide every year. Europe buys 35% more. When two similar markets vote for your best-seller in such numbers, it’s important to give them better versions of what they want. So when we say the Audi Q5 is all-new, we mean it. Audi Cars has incorporated all new ingredients to improve the old formula. Starting with the Audi-developed Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, a follow-up to the second-generation MLB Evo platform Question 5 sitting on, renamed to complement the Premium Electric Platform used by the new A6 E-Tron. Audi doesn’t provide dimensions, so we don’t expect any noticeable changes in vehicle size or interior space.
The look is sharper than the soft shapes of the first two Q5 generations, unsurprisingly influenced by 2025. A5 also uses PPC. The narrow-angle headlights anchor the corners of the wide single-frame grille, while a lower air intake below the grille connects the side air intakes and acts as a sort of bracket for the front end. This is a more dramatic change to the current look of the Q5. At the rear, the ever-popular light bar runs through the hatch to the slim taillights. In other countries, 266 OLED elements grouped into six panels make up these lights, which can flash signals to drivers behind. Above the hatch, the CHMSL on the spoiler reflects off the backlight, creating a brake Bright images to attract the attention of people behind.
Inside, new sustainable fabrics and textiles are said to enhance the interior quality. The Virtual Cockpit is gone, with Audi combining the instrument cluster and infotainment screens into a single dashboard. So, yes, we’re still talking about digital gauges, but the combination is now called Digital Stage, which combines an 11.9-inch instrument cluster display with a 14.5-inch central display. The optional head-up display for the driver covers an area 85 percent larger than today’s HUDs, while an optional 10.9-inch display for the passenger creates a true co-pilot situation, with a third screen providing navigation and media controls. A cooled wireless charging pad keeps phones running, and four USB ports, including one powerful enough to power a laptop battery.
Based on Audi’s European specs, our market’s engine could see some improvements. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 201 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, up 15 lb-ft over the current engine. SQ5 The 3.0-liter V6 remains the same, but it makes 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, up 47 pound-feet from today’s Q5. Overseas, all non-PHEV engines will come with mild-hybrid tech that adds 24 horsepower. Audi says all models will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission at launch, meaning the SQ5 will ditch the eight-speed Tiptronic with its torque converter. In Europe and other markets, the third launch engine will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel.
New steering and suspension systems will improve comfort and dynamic sharpness. Steel springs are again standard, with gas springs and adaptive dampers an option. Wheel sizes will range from 17 to 21 inches depending on the market.
Order books are now open in Europe. We expect the Q5 to arrive early next year, followed by other variants such as plug and play and Sportback. US pricing will be available closer to launch date.
