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Audi has made no secret concerning the significance of the Q5 mid-size SUV to its lineup, each right here in Australia and around the globe.
Since the unique was launched in 2009, the Audi Q5 has discovered round 1.6 million properties globally over its first two generations, and a few 25,000 prospects in Australia.
Audi’s native managing director, Jeff Mannering, says the Q5 is “critical to [its] success” within the Australian market, a lot in order that the third-generation mannequin’s Australian media launch was held alongside the German model’s nationwide seller and investor convention on the Gold Coast not too long ago.
This new Q5 is maybe probably the most vital change to the nameplate since its inception. It’s the primary Audi SUV to experience on the corporate’s closely revised Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) structure, which is shared with the brand new A5 Sedan and Avant, bringing the marque’s newest design language and on-board applied sciences.
It’s additionally all-electrified, with the launch vary comprising solely of 48V mild-hybrid ‘MHEV plus’ drivetrains that help you drive in EV mode at low speeds, from the entry-level Q5 four-cylinder TFSI 150kW to the flagship SQ5 TFSI. A brand new e-hybrid (plug-in hybrid) powertrain will be a part of the lineup in a while, boasting as much as 100km of WLTP-certified electrical vary.
We attended the Australian press launch in Queensland to get a primary drive of the model’s “critical” new mid-size SUV on native roads, the place we had comparatively quick stints behind the wheel of all three engine variants.
Does the brand new 2026 Audi Q5 vary have what it takes to reclaim its high spot on the gross sales charts forward of rivals just like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, amongst others?
How a lot does the Audi Q5 value?
Base pricing for the brand new Audi Q5 has risen by nearly $8000 over its predecessor, with the entry-level TFSI 150kW kicking issues off at $81,000 plus on-road prices.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Audi Q5 TFSI | $81,000 |
| 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro | $87,600 |
| 2025 Audi Q5 TDI quattro sport | $94,100 |
| 2025 Audi SQ5 version one | $106,400 |
| 2025 Audi SQ5 | $122,400 |
While costs are up throughout the board, Audi Australia says commonplace tools is up considerably from base degree, claiming round $10,000 price of additional worth along with the brand new engines with extra subtle 48V MHEV tech.
The Q5 additionally nonetheless undercuts the BMW X3 (priced from $86,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (from $89,000) by hundreds of {dollars}, although the Volvo XC60 may be had from $74,990 earlier than on-road prices.
Later this yr the brand new Audi Q5 Sportback will even be a part of the lineup, whereas plug-in e-hybrid variations will seemingly launch someday in 2026.
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What is the Audi Q5 like on the within?
The new Q5 attracts heavy inspiration from the lower-slung A5 vary in addition to the similarly-sized Q6 e-tron SUV.
Audi’s newest show tech is entrance and centre, dubbed the ‘Digital Stage’ and working the model’s newest consumer interface, all housed in shiny black bezeling.
The driver is confronted with a brand new four-spoke steering wheel which sits forward of the brand new 11.9-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, which is housed in the identical free-standing panoramic show unit because the central 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system.
Both screens characteristic OLED expertise for higher brightness, depth and readability, and on first impressions are fairly enticing and pretty simple to get your head round, even in the event you’re used to Audi’s far easier previous-gen interface.
I personally am not enamoured by the brand new digital cockpit structure, which throws out the earlier standard speedo and tacho dials in favour of a brand new videogame-esque adaptive central show with dwell help tech view within the center. One good addition, nonetheless, is the mixing of smartphone maps into the sidebar widgets.
As skilled within the A5 in addition to the Q6 e-tron, the brand new interface largely presents effectively with swish graphics and animations, and whereas the local weather controls at the moment are digital they’re completely on the bottom of the show.
While I lament Audi giving into the digital A/C pattern, the excellent news is that it’s nonetheless one of many higher implementations on the market. The ledge under the display helps as a relaxation to your hand once you’re trying to make contact inputs on the transfer, and there’s a satisfying haptic suggestions.
Same goes for the steering wheel controls, which appear like shiny touch-capacitive models however the haptic suggestions makes them really feel like actual buttons. That mentioned, I do miss the clickiness of Audi’s previous-gen buttons.
You can even go for the MMI passenger-side show within the Q5 sport as a part of the $5700 Tech professional bundle. It successfully extends the central interface with app and streaming performance, and a privateness filter to keep away from distracting the driving force, although like I’ve mentioned beforehand the ten.9-inch show appears a little bit naff.
Build high quality feels fairly good, particularly in comparison with the last-gen Q5 which was a little bit arduous and scratchy in areas. It’s not a patch on the overall atmosphere of the Q8, however feels good in comparison with one thing like an X3 or GLC…
The rear seats aren’t as large as you may anticipate, regardless of the Q5’s achieve in total size (+35mm). It’s price noting the wheelbase is close to unchanged at 2820mm (+1mm).
Behind a taller driver like 6’1″ me, there’s satisfactory room for a equally sized grownup however it’s not stand-out. There’s respectable leg and foot room, however your knees might be pretty near the seat in entrance – even when it has scalloped backs.
Rear facilities are stable although, with a 3rd zone of local weather management and directional vents fitted as commonplace, as are a pair of USB-C cost ports which may be upgraded to 100W with the Premium bundle to cost laptops.
You additionally get net-type map pockets, respectable door bins, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, and the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether youngster seat anchor factors to cater to the kiddies.
Above: Overseas mannequin proven
Audi quotes 520 litres of cargo capability with the rear seats in use, increasing to 1473L with them folded. It seems to have retained its five-seat capability, however misplaced some two-seat quantity based on official dimensions (1473L v 1520L).
Australian autos get the ‘Storage and compartment package’, which brings issues like netting and straps to carry free gadgets in. The Q5 additionally lacks any type of spare wheel underneath the boot flooring, as a substitute that includes solely a tyre restore package.
| Dimensions | Audi Q5 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4717mm |
| Width | 1900mm |
| Height | 1647mm |
| Wheelbase | 2820mm |
| Cargo capability | 520-1473L |
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
A pair of four-cylinder engines with 48V mild-hybrid help kind the core Q5 vary in Australia – one petrol, one diesel. The former is front-wheel drive solely, whereas the diesel is completely provided with quattro all-wheel drive.
| Specifications | Q5 TFSI | Q5 TDI quattro |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol 48V MHEV | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel 48V MHEV |
| Engine outputs | 150kW + 340Nm | 150kW + 400Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | Up to 18kW + 230Nm | Up to 18kW + 230Nm |
| Battery | 1.7kWh LFP | 1.7kWh LFP |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | 7-speed dual-clutch |
| Drive sort | Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1910kg | 2030kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 8.6s | 7.4s |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 5.7L/100km | 5.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 65L | 65L |
| Fuel requirement | 95 RON | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 129g/km | 141g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2000kg | 2000kg |
Audi Australia has confirmed a plug-in e-hybrid model of the Q5 will be a part of the ranks in some unspecified time in the future, seemingly in 2026. Two variations are provided globally, one outputting 220kW and the opposite 270kW – each incorporating a 2.0L turbo-petrol engine.
Paired with a 105kW electrical motor and 25.9kWh (gross) battery, the brand new Q5 e-hybrid vary gives as much as 100km of EV vary based on WLTP testing. The extra highly effective model can sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds and hit a high velocity of 250km/h.
The solely different out there powertrain in Europe is the quattro model of the TFSI 150kW engine, although it’s unclear if that’s on the playing cards for Australia. Time will inform if a V6 TDI might be added to the combination, and Audi Australia says it’ll put its hand up for a six-cylinder diesel-powered Q5 if it involves fruition.
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How does the Audi Q5 drive?
We had temporary stints behind the wheel of each the TFSI and the TDI quattro variations of the brand new Q5, on a mixture of highways and B-roads in and across the Gold Coast.
First up was the TDI quattro, which was completed within the very eye-catching Sakhir gold paint and fitted with bigger 20-inch alloy wheels as a part of the non-compulsory $4900 Style bundle.
The commonplace passive suspension setup options frequency-selective damping, with adaptive air suspension reserved for the flagship SQ5 as an choice – however I’m certain in the event you requested, Audi would look into providing you an air-suspended Q5.
As with many European – particularly premium-branded – autos on metal springs, the Q5 errs on the firmer facet in an effort to dial in some ‘sporty’ vibes by holding physique motion tight over bumps and within the bends.
Our preliminary stint on the freeway encapsulated why diesel continues to be so nice in vehicles like this. The TDI quattro settles right into a relaxed hum, there’s heaps of torque at your disposal, and it’s a superbly refined unit.
The 48V MHEV plus expertise irons out the standard low-speed dual-clutch quibbles, because of its means to drive in EV mode at low speeds in addition to how rapidly it fires the engine again up once you want it.
Once rolling, the seven-speed S tronic transmissions gives snappy and crisp upshifts which are almost imperceptible given how effectively insulated the cabin is from powertrain noise.
By comparability, the front-driven TFSI is much more refined when it comes to sound and can also be happier to rev out, although the dearth of four-wheel traction means it might simply chirp the entrance tyres in the event you’re seeking to make a fast getaway.
It additionally lacks the easy low-down shove of the diesel, because it’s down 60Nm and peak torque is available in barely larger (2000rpm v 1750rpm).
While we didn’t get sufficient time with both powertrain to file practical gas consumption figures, the diesel hovered across the 5.0L/100km mark after largely freeway driving, whereas the petrol was within the sevens on twistier, undulating B-roads.
As for help tech, the Q5 has simply about every thing bar a semi-autonomous freeway mode just like the mannequin it replaces, and numerous different autos each on this section and others.
Apparently, Audi is engaged on a software program bundle for each PPC and PPE fashions to roll out this characteristic and others which are out there abroad, and can seemingly include a mannequin yr improve. It will probably be retrofittable to some current vehicles pending the fitment of requisite {hardware}, however the model’s native staff couldn’t affirm additional particulars.
It’s a disgrace that Audi has been compelled to go away options off the roster for the Australian market in its effort o guarantee a well timed launch, particularly as a result of the model’s adaptive cruise help operate is usually excellent.
The similar concern plagues the associated A5 in addition to the Q6 e-tron, and it seems the associated Porsche Macan Electric is equally unavailable with a lane centring operate domestically in the intervening time. Hopefully that is addressed sooner somewhat than later.
The Q5 in any other case has a well-sorted set of help applied sciences, together with adaptive cruise management with cease and go, lane departure warning and lane-keep help, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic help.
Standard encompass cameras with entrance and rear parking sensors are a significant improve to the bottom spec, making it a lot simpler to put this 4.7m-long and 1.9m-wide household SUV in tight suburban carparks or college carpool lanes.
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
What do you get?
The commonplace Q5 and Q5 ‘sport’ trim ranges sit under the SQ5 ‘edition one’ and the SQ5 within the native hierarchy.
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2025 Audi Q5 tools highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Matrix LED headlights
- LED tail-lights incl. dynamic indicators
- S line exterior styling
- High-gloss aluminium exterior trim
- Keyless entry, begin
- Power tailgate
- 11.9-inch Audi digital cockpit
- 14.5-inch MMI contact show
- 3D navigation
- Voice management incl. pure speech recognition
- MMI search
- Apple CarPlay – wi-fi
- Android Auto – wi-fi
- Leather-appointed upholstery
- 3-zone local weather management
- Heated entrance seats
- Power entrance seat adjustment
- 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel
- Colour ambient lighting
- Illuminated entrance door sill trims
- Matte brushed aluminium inlays
- Digital key
- Audi cellphone field mild – wi-fi charging
- Audi join plus providers
- Online site visitors information incl. hazard alert
- Destination entry through myAudi app
- Parking info
- Car finder
- Remote lock & unlock
- Emergency name
- Online roadside help
Q5 TDI quattro sport provides:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Panoramic sunroof
- Sport entrance seats
- incl. built-in headrests
- incl. S embossing
- S line inside bundle
- Contrast stitching
- Steering wheel with flat high, backside
- Black headliner
- Matte brushed aluminium inlays with linear embossing
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Options
Premium bundle: $5400 – Q5 + Q5 sport
- Head-up show
- Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system
- Colour inside ambient lighting
- incl. dynamic intersection mild
- USB interfaces with larger charging capability
- Acoustic glazing for entrance door home windows
Style bundle: $3400 (Q5 sport) $4900 (Q5)
- 20-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
- Black exterior bundle
- Privacy glass
Tech professional bundle: $5700 – Q5 sport
- Heated steering wheel
- MMI entrance passenger show
- Electric steering column
- Heated outer rear seats
- Digital OLED tail lights
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
Is the Audi Q5 secure?
The new-gen Audi Q5 is but to obtain an ANCAP security ranking, although it already has a five-star ranking from sister organisation Euro NCAP.
| Category | Audi Q5* |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway consumer safety | 79 per cent |
| Safety help | 77 per cent |
*Euro NCAP scores
Standard security options embrace:
- 9 airbags incl. front-centre
- Active entrance help – AEB
- Autonomous emergency braking – ahead
- Front cross-traffic help
- Front flip help
- Swerve help
- Adaptive cruise management with cease and go
- Driver consideration and fatigue monitor
- Emergency help – lane hold
- Lane departure warning
- Side help
- Blind-spot monitor
- Exit warning
- Rear cross -traffic help
- Rear flip help
- 360-degree cameras incl. kerb view
- Park help plus
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Semi-autonomous parking
- Tyre strain loss indicator
Audi has additionally allowed for fast entry to sure help characteristic settings by means of a favourites menu, permitting you to pick out as much as 5 options that you simply may wish to rapidly change on or off.
Further, the German marque says it hung out calibrating the Q5’s driver help programs domestically, because it does for many of its new fashions.
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Audi Q5 value to run?
As with the broader Audi lineup, the brand new Q5 is roofed by a 5 yr, unlimited-kilometre new car guarantee with 5 years of roadside help.
| Servicing and Warranty | Audi Q5 |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 5 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 yr Service Plan |
| Total capped-price service value | $3520 |
To see how the Audi Q5 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument
CarSkilled’s Take on the Audi Q5
We want extra time behind the wheel to make a extra definitive verdict, however the brand new Q5 is a stable contender within the premium mid-size SUV section, even when it doesn’t actually break any new floor.
Our first impressions of the brand new engine vary are optimistic, though there’s nothing exemplary right here both. I’m fairly a fan of the TDI quattro, which is refined and relaxed whereas additionally providing wonderful gas financial system.
The lack of the complete driver help suite from launch and the not-insignificant improve in pricing stings a little bit, although no less than the previous needs to be addressed in the end.
I’d additionally wish to see adaptive damping and air suspension provided extra extensively throughout the core vary, as the usual suspension is a contact on the agency facet for the type of on a regular basis duties the Q5 might be subjected to by Australian patrons.
Further, whereas Audi’s touch-heavy inside isn’t as fiddly or gimmicky because the interfaces in fashions from different Volkswagen Group manufacturers, it nonetheless looks like a step backwards from the model’s superbly constructed and extremely ergonomic interiors of previous – however hey, it’s shiny!
Based on my short-ish drive of the bottom fashions, I believe the usual TDI quattro could be the choose when bundled with the $5400 Premium bundle, which provides niceties just like the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and a head-up show.
The base automotive could lack the choice of a sunroof, however you do get the selection of three inside colors and two completely different wooden inlays as a substitute of the usual brushed aluminium, which is far more old-school luxurious than the one black-on-metal inside of the costlier TDI quattro sport.
While many are of the assumption that ‘diesel is dead’, the oiler gives torquey and relaxed efficiency regardless of gas effectivity that would make some full hybrids sweat a little bit. If you’re spending a number of time on the open highway, or drive on the odd dust path, it’s the plain choose of the core engines.
Stay tuned for a extra definitive verdict on the brand new Q5 after we get a extra in depth week-long stint behind the wheel within the coming months.
CarSkilled can prevent hundreds on a brand new Audi Q5. Click right here to get an excellent deal.
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