2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5: Redefining the Premium Crossover SUV

Audi has just announced the all-new Q5 and SQ5 2025. These are likely to be the last of the series to employ regular internal combustion engines— the next Q5 will have electricity play a pivotal role. The Audi Q5 has been one of the most prolific cars in the premium crossover SUV segment.

Its undeniable success has seen millions of the type on the roads all over the world. The new third-generation Audi Q5 range includes the standard model as well as the sportier SQ5. Both have been subject to multiple design, features, and technical updates— making the all-new Q5 more enticing than ever before.

Would there be a name change?

Unlike in the case of the erstwhile A4 (now the all-new Audi A5), the Q5 will retain its familiar nomenclature. Given that it already has an odd number attached to its ‘Q’ prefix, the all-new Audi Q5 2025 will maintain its ICE status for the time being.

What has changed with the Audi Q5 2025?

Slick exterior design

Compared to the current Q5, all the primary design elements up front have been raised and have grown in size ever so slightly. This makes the all-new Q5 look bigger and lends it a tall and confident stance. That notion is further accentuated by the integration of a wider and bolder iteration of the Audi Singleframe grille.

The stylized front features wider and more sophisticated LED headlights with their slim LED DRLs shaped like eyebrows. These new headlights make a world of difference by infusing some much-needed character into the Q5’s design. Located beneath these are large air intakes with silver trim, which are also found around the grille and window frames.

The aggressively-sculpted front bumper looks sporty with its wide lower intake, while the carved-out hood bolsters the suave appeal of the new Q5. There’s quite a lot happening at the back as well. Major highlights include all-new 3D OLED taillights with choreographed animations (in select markets), along with a completely revised bumper.

The rear bumper incorporates a honeycomb structure surrounded by the same silver trim found up front. Tucked underneath the bumper is a pair of rectangular exhaust tips— similar to the ones seen on a Porsche Macan. The 2025 Audi Q5 can be fitted with 20-inch wheels, with 21-inch rims available for the 2025 Audi SQ5.

Befitting its sporty intentions, the Audi SQ5 2025 comes with plenty of black trim on the outside. The larger wheels of the SQ5 consist of a more intricate pattern and also get red brake calipers. Then there are the rounded quad tailpipes that are akin to those in a Macan S. Safe to say, the exterior design of the Audi Q5 2025 is pretty mature— Audi could have omitted the fake rear vents, though.

Spacious and comfortable cabin

The cabin of the 2025 Audi Q5 should be more spacious for front and rear-seat occupants than the outgoing model. While the difference in interior dimensions will not be huge, even an incremental increase in room will be welcome. The front seats offer loads of space and get extendable under-thigh support for extra comfort.

Those in the back are treated to well-padded and wide seats— the middle seat looks fairly decent too. The rear of the front seats is partially scooped out for good kneeroom, while headroom shouldn’t be an issue for most people. The boot has handy tie-down hooks and storage nets, plus the aperture and depth are equally good and usable.

High-quality and high-tech interior

The interior design is noticeably different from the outgoing car and is a showcase of Audi’s high-tech approach to new car interiors. This is evident with the new "Digital Stage" philosophy, which encompasses a set of curved dual displays and a separate display for the front passenger. The curved OLED panels comprise the Virtual Cockpit and MMI screens that are 11.9 and 15.5 inches respectively.

The 10.9-inch HD screen for the front passenger would be optional and can be used to control facets of the infotainment system. It boasts Dynamic Privacy mode, which will render the display invisible to the driver to reduce distractions while driving. The new-age design incorporates LED mood lighting as well as interactions-based dynamic lighting in the dash to uplift the cabin’s luxuriously modern ambiance.

The driver-centric dashboard, along with the design of the seats plus the flat-bottom steering wheel makes for a sporty vibe. The traditional gear lever has been replaced by a small toggle switch, which could be finicky to use at first. Audi has also moved the buttons for the lights, mirrors, seats & locks to the driver’s side— crammed into one touch-sensitive panel.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also home to many buttons, controlling the Virtual Cockpit display to several primary functions of the MMI infotainment screen. Even though some of the soft-touch upholstery and suede finish has been produced using recycled materials, the quality of this interior is top-notch.

The infotainment system in the all-new Audi Q5 runs on Android Automotive OS. This means customers can access multiple Google apps via the Play Store, including streaming services like YouTube. Meanwhile, the new 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system features 3D surround sound and active noise cancellation tech.

There is also an all-new and configurable head-up display (HUD) with multiple display modes, controlled by the steering-mounted buttons. This HUD is much bigger than others before it and is capable of projecting information regarding speed, assistance systems, navigation instructions, or media data.

What are the technical specifications of the Audi Q5 2025?

Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) and MHEV plus technology

Similar to the new Audi A5, the Audi Q5 2025 will be based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. Reserved exclusively for Audi’s with longitudinally-mounted combustion engines, the PPC underpinning of the all-new Q5 allows some level of electric aid. The aim is to optimize efficiency and performance by integrating Audi’s MHEV plus technology, comprising a 48-volt electrical system.

The 48-volt system uses a 1.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and a powertrain generator (PTG), just like in the new A5. The PTG will keep the climate control running for a brief period with the engine turned off (at a red light, for example). It will also be used to start the engine and supply electrical energy to the battery.

With the help of the PTG, the 2025 Audi Q5 can be driven in pure-electric mode for short distances. Under normal driving, decelerating will capture some of the lost energy and feed it back into the battery, further increasing efficiency.

Powertrain options and specifications

The 2025 Audi Q5 in Europe will come with two petrol engine options, all equipped with MHEV plus technology. The base Q5 2.0 TFSI version produces 201 hp and 340 Nm of torque. Audi claims 15.6 km/L (6.4 L/100 km) and 13.7 km/L (7.3 L/100 km) for the FWD and AWD variants, respectively.

As for the 2025 Audi SQ5, its 3.0-liter V6 TFSI engine results in a claimed 11.6 km/L (8.6 L/100 km). It also produces an impressive 362 hp and 550 Nm of torque. While the base Q5 can be had with FWD or AWD, the SQ5 gets Quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Also standard across all variants is the 7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Even the entry-level Audi Q5 should ride and handle better, courtesy of its revised steel spring suspension and front axle. Those seeking the best of both worlds should go for the optional air suspension with adaptive dampers. These will make a marked difference when switching between the Q5’s Comfort and Sport modes.

When will the all-new Audi Q5 & SQ5 be launched?

The all-new Audi Q5 & SQ5 will be launched in Germany (and some other European markets) in Q1 2025. The starting price of the base Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI will be EUR 52,300 (approx. AED 213,000), while the all-new Audi SQ5 will start at EUR 82,900 (approx. AED 337,000). The premium midsize crossover should reach the UAE in the first half of 2025.