New 2025 Audi Q5 SUV Unveiled With Big Changes

• Brand new redesign for the third generation 2025 Audi Q5 SUV
• Sleek new design, enhanced versatility, upgraded infotainment, and a contemporary control system
• Debut SUV on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), featuring efficient and partially electrified combustion engines
• Complete UK pricing and details will be revealed in October 2024

The Audi Q5 has emerged as a remarkable global success, outselling all other models in the brand's lineup, from the A1 Sportback to the A8 Saloon. The mid-size SUV’s appeal spans continents, resonating with a broad range of customers.

Is it any surprise really? First introduced in 2008, the Q5 saw its second generation arrive in late 2016, refining its winning formula with a refreshed design and enhanced technology. The third-generation model continues this trend, with product marketing spokesperson Dominic Stern remarking that it "makes the good, better". Clearly, Audi is interested in making the SUV that was already close to being perfect even more perfect.

This latest Q5, along with the high-performance SQ5 variant, is the second vehicle built on Audi’s PPC platform (Premium Platform Combustion). Its design draws inspiration from the mechanically similar A5 and A5 Avant. The front of the Q5 features a wide single-frame grille, slim LED headlights, and new-look badging, complemented by a pair of air intakes.

At the rear, the Q5 is equipped with a full-length light bar connecting a pair of slim, customisable LED tail-lights, a design choice that, according to designer Konrad Troger, “stretches the design” and accentuates the vehicle's width. A new addition is the third brake light integrated into the roof-mounted spoiler, which includes a 'mirror' function projecting onto the rear window for improved visibility.

The rear bumper is largely dominated by a wide, mesh-like trim, sitting above genuine 'hot' exhaust pipes reminiscent of those found on the new A5. Audi's updated two-dimensional four-ring logo is prominently placed in the centre of the boot lid.

While the exterior changes might be subtle, the interior enhancements are much more pronounced. Following the trend set by the A5 and the newly launched A6 e-tron, the Q5 now offers an optional three-screen layout running Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system.

Audi refers to this setup as the 'Digital Stage'. It features a single curved panel that seamlessly combines the 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit with a 14.5-inch touchscreen display. A separate 10.9-inch passenger screen is integrated into the dashboard, allowing front passengers to control media and navigation. Additionally, a configurable head-up display is available.

The primary screen supports Android Auto and can be updated over the air. Users can access apps like YouTube and Spotify, which Audi notes are integrated directly into the MMI, eliminating the need for a smartphone. The centre console houses a 15-watt cooled charging tray, along with four USB ports scattered throughout the cabin, the most powerful of which (100W) can charge larger devices like laptops.

Audi has decided to elevate the interior quality to new heights, as if it wasn't already amazing in the previous model. Audi’s ‘soft-wrap’ design element runs across the fascia, connecting the dashboard to the doors. The design team emphasises the new Q5’s potential for personalisation, with the option to tailor the interior according to individual preferences. The seats and much of the interior feature sustainable materials, including Kaskade textile made from natural fibres like wool, and Dinamica suede, composed of nearly 50% recycled polyester.

In terms of space and practicality, the new Q5 closely mirrors its predecessor, offering a 520-litre boot that can be expanded to 1,473 litres with the rear seats folded down. The parcel shelf can be conveniently stored beneath the boot floor, and Audi will offer a sliding and reclining rear bench as an option across the range.

As is now customary in Audi's expanding SUV lineup, a Q5 Sportback will follow the standard SUV, with an expected reveal later on in 2025. Some spy shots have already shown the vehicle in testing, featuring a steeply raked roofline and identical tail lights.

This latest Q5 will be the final model with a combustion engine, as it sits on Audi’s PPC architecture, distinguishing it from the new A6 e-tron, which uses the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) layout. The Q5 will be available with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as in the sportier SQ5 variant.

The base engine is a 2.0-litre TFSI, delivering 201bhp and 340Nm of torque, with options for front or quattro all-wheel drive. All non-plug-in Q5s feature a mild-hybrid (MHEV) system with a 1.7kWh battery, capable of providing an 18kW (24bhp) boost in short bursts, and recuperating up to 25kW during braking. A 2.0-litre TDI engine, also producing 201bhp, will be available, offering up to 400Nm of torque at low revs. This diesel engine is paired exclusively with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and both engines use a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

The Q5 TFSIe plug-in hybrid will join the lineup in mid-2025, featuring a 25.9kWh battery that offers more than 50 miles of electric range. Both plug-in variants will use a version of the 2.0-litre TFSI engine, with a combined output of 295bhp or 362bhp.

At the top of the range, the SQ5 boasts a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 362bhp and 550Nm of torque. This model will feature Quattro all-wheel drive, paired with a torque converter gearbox, unlike the dual-clutch system in the previous SQ5. Performance figures have yet to be disclosed.

Audi claims the new Q5 will deliver the brand's characteristic driving dynamics. The company also promises improved comfort due to optimised suspension and steering. Standard models come with steel springs, but options include a passive sports suspension (standard on the SQ5) and adaptive air suspension.

Buyers can choose from 11 paint colours, including one solid, seven metallic, and three pearlescent-effect shades exclusive to S line and SQ5 variants. Audi Exclusive offers additional custom paint finishes. The range of alloy wheels varies from 17 to 21 inches in diameter, with aero-optimised and forged designs available for the S models.

Although the Q5 is Audi's best-selling model globally, the US accounts for the largest share of sales at 44%, with Europe following closely behind at 35% of global demand.

UK pricing and specifications for the UK market haven't been confirmed as of yet but are due to be announced in October 2024 (next month at the time of writing this article), according to Audi's media press site.

The range is likely to include Sport, S line, and Edition 1 trims, with the latter eventually evolving into a Black Edition once initial stocks are sold out, as per Audi's usual business acumen.

Orders will likely be available in October when pricing and specifications are announced. With deliveries to hopefully be scheduled for March 2025, just in time for the 25 reg plate.