SUV fans with a weakness for the four rings can breathe a sigh of relief - there is finally a new Audi Q5. 2.6 million of them have been sold since 2008 - a success story. Whereby Q5 number 1, with 1.6 million deliveries, was significantly more popular than the second generation. The latter has been on the market since 2016 and now has what feels like a kilometre-long beard. So it's high time for the changing of the guard.
Generation 3 is still easily recognisable as the Q5 from the outside, but otherwise almost everything is new. Let's take a closer look at what Ingolstadt has come up with to take the bread and butter from the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC.
Gallery: Audi Q5 (2024)
Exterior
Like the recently presented A5, the new Q5 is based on the so-called Premium Platform Combustion (PPC). The days of the rather staid, functional design are finally over for Audi's mid-size SUV. The new model looks much more aggressive and angular than before. Audi itself speaks of an appearance with more SUV character and muscle. Everything has moved up a level - headlights, shoulder, taillight. The latter is now as an unavoidable light strip.
As readers with an affinity for Audi will know, the lighting design is currently the Ingolstadt company's sacred cow. The new Matrix LED headlights consist of 15 switchable elements that allow eight different light signatures. Things get even wilder at the rear with the digital OLED rear lights 2.0. We have already been able to marvel at the new miracle taillight on the A5/S5 and A6 e-tron. Now the active light signature is also making its way into the Q5.
Audi Q5 (2024)
This means that the light graphics can move, even while driving. To achieve this, six OLED panels with a total of 266 segments generate a new image several times per second using a specially developed algorithm.
Audi is also introducing a projection light in the rear spoiler for the first time in Europe, which projects a graphic into the rear window and thus enlarges the brake light area. Incidentally, this is only visible to those driving behind. The driver is unaware of this when looking in the rear-view mirror. However, all these lighting features are subject to a surcharge.
The 4,717 mm length, 1,900 mm width, 1,651 mm height and a wheelbase of 2,820 mm are absolutely no extra charge. This means that the new Q5 is a good 3.5 centimetres longer than its predecessor. The remaining values remain almost the same.
Audi Q5 und SQ5 (2024)
There is a choice of three exterior finishes: Basic, Advanced and S line. The available wheels measure between 17 and 21 inches. 19-inch wheels are standard on the S line and S models. Some aero-optimised rims in 17 to 19 inches are also available on request.
Engines
The strong connection to the new A5 cannot be overlooked when it comes to engines either. Audi's new Knauser combustion engines with so-called MHEV Plus technology almost pass as full hybrids.
In the new 2.0 TFSI with 204 PS, the familiar 2.0 TDI with 204 PS and the new 3.0 V6 TFSI with 367 PS in the SQ5, the system consists of a 48-volt lithium iron phosphate battery with 1.7 kWh, a belt starter generator and a new drivetrain generator (i.e. an electric motor), which sits directly on the transmission output shaft. The latter boosts with up to 24 PS and recuperates with up to 34 PS.
Audi Q5 (2024)
All engines are coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox; only the four-cylinder petrol engine is also available as a front-wheel drive model. Two plug-in hybrids based on the 2.0-litre petrol engine will follow in 2025. They produce 299 and 367 PS and will have an electric range of more than 50 miles (the old Q5 had a range of 37 miles).
Chassis
Audi claims to have given the new Q5 "largely neutral handling" with its five-link front and rear suspension. In addition, the optimised suspension and steering set-up should lead to a "noticeable increase in comfort".
The car rolls off the production line with steel suspension and progressive steering as standard. Alternatively, a sports suspension with passive FSD dampers (Frequency Selective Damping) and a "more agile front axle" is available. The FSD reduces damping, especially at high frequencies - for example on cobblestones - and maintains high damping at low frequencies, such as those that occur when changing lanes or cornering. The sports suspension is standard on the SQ5.
The third option is an adaptive air suspension. Compared to the previous model, it should offer a noticeably greater spread between comfort and sport mode. In "Lift" mode, it is raised by up to 45 mm, in "Offroad" it is 30 mm. In Dynamic mode, on the other hand, it is 15 mm lower.
Interior
We are already familiar with the principles of the redesign with the OLED curved display (11.9-inch instruments, 14.5-inch infotainment) and the optional 10.9-inch passenger display from the A5. For the new Q5, the cockpit design has been slightly SUV-ified, but generally remains true to its new line.
That's a good thing, the new interior design is also very pleasing. At first glance, the quality of the Q5 interior makes the same excellent impression as in the A5.
Audi Q5 (2024)
The infotainment uses Android Automotive OS as its operating system. Content is updated via over-the-air updates. The Audi connect services are therefore always up to date. Apps such as YouTube are integrated directly into the MMI, so you don't need a smartphone to use them.
The head-up display has an 85 per cent larger screen size than its predecessor and can now also be operated from the steering wheel. The new Audi Assistant (with its own avatar for the first time) uses ChatGPT to answer the occupants' questions and requests.
For an extra charge, a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System with 685-watt amplifier and 16 loudspeakers is installed, which cancels out disturbing interior noise with Vehicle Noise Compensation (VNC).
Audi representatives are keen to point out the new interaction light, a light strip between the dashboard and windscreen, almost in a continuous loop. This can be used to display all kinds of lighting frills, but it can also display useful things such as the charge status, the indicator light when turning or a warning of traffic/objects when opening the door.
Audi Q5 (2024)
The space in the rear proved to be quite generous during the first short seat test. The Ingolstadt-based company proudly points out the sliding rear bench. The boot capacity is 520 to 1,473 litres. The previous model had 520 to 1,520 litres. However, the inner loading sill is no longer as high, which should make loading and unloading easier. In addition, the luggage compartment roller blind can now be stowed below the load floor.
Market launch and prices
The Q5 and SQ5 will be available from European dealers from the first quarter of 2025. Orders can be placed immediately. The most important markets are North America (44 per cent) and Europe (35 per cent).
UK prices have not yet been announced, but as a reference prices in Germany start at €52,300 (approx. £44,000) for the 204 PS petrol engine with front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive model is available from €54,650 (£46,000).
For the 204 PS diesel, you will have to put at least €57,100 (£48,000) on the table. The SQ5 with the 367 PS V6 changes hands from €82,900 (£70,000). A Q5 Sportback will follow around six months after the market launch.
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