The 2025 Audi Q5 is the latest challenger to the new BMW X3 in the luxury mid-size SUV market, with the third-generation model launching overnight.
Replacing the seven-year old Q5 which became one of Audi’s most popular models, the new SUV brings sharp looks and new technology.
“Timing for model introduction for the new Q5 is yet to be determined for the Australian market,” an Audi spokesperson told CarExpert.
“The information, pricing, and specification within the press release from Audi MediaCentre is not specific to Australia, which will be announced closer to the local launch.”
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Q5 
SQ5
The Q5’s exterior adopts Audi’s new design language, with thin LED headlights, a wide grille with integrated number plate holder, and a full-width OLED brake light at the back.
Audi has so far shown off the Q5 and SQ5, which continue to share similar looks, with the latter adopting more performance-oriented highlights with dark exterior accents.
Inside, the cabin’s features are angled towards the driver, with a squared-off steering wheel sitting in front of a 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, housed in the same unit as a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen.
SQ5 interior
The climate controls have now moved from a standalone panel to now being integrated into the infotainment screen, while thinner central air vents sit ahead of simplified vehicle controls including the start/stop button.
Audi has also replaced the Q5’s traditional gear selector with a push-button panel which also houses the electric parking brake switch.
A pair of front USB-C charging ports can be optioned overseas to deliver 60 watts of power, while the rear pair can supply up to 100 watts of power – enough to charge some modern laptops.
The new Q5’s rear seat is fully adjustable, capable of moving forwards and being tilted. With the rear seats folded, Audi says there’s 1473L of boot capacity, a reduction on the current Q5’s 1520L claim.
Luggage compartment
Under the bonnet, Audi is offering three mild-hybrid assisted engines in the Q5 overseas at launch, all of which are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The entry-level turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, available with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Just one turbo-diesel is on offer, a carry-over 2.0-litre with 150kW and 400Nm, mated solely to an all-wheel drive system.
The SQ5 is now a petrol model rather than diesel, with its 3.0-litre V6 developing up to 270kW and 550Nm – a gain of 19kW but loss of 150Nm.
Steel springs, passive dampers and progressive steering are standard in the Q5, with the SQ5 benefitting from lowered sports suspension. Optional is an air suspension setup with adaptive dampers.
Standard safety equipment includes a reversing camera with distance display, cruise control, a speed limiter, lane departure warning and driver attention monitoring.
Overseas, the Q5 is available with optional safety enhancements, including traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, front emergency brake assist, evasion assist, junction assist and front cross-traffic assist.
All examples of the new Audi Q5 for Europe and Australia will be built in Mexico.
Prices of the Q5 in Germany have increased by 4.5 to 6 per cent compared to its predecessor, with the new model now starting from €52,300 (A$85,355) – a €2350 (A$3835) rise.
The flagship SQ5 has gone up by €5000 ($5160), priced from €82,900 (A$135,300).
In Australia, the Audi Q5 currently begins at $73,400 before on-road costs for the base Q5 35 TDI, while the SQ5 starts from $119,084 before on-roads.
MORE: Everything Audi Q5 • SQ5
