Third generation Audi Q5 launched

The third generation of Audi’s popular mid-size luxury Q5 SUV has thrust forward into the global spotlight ahead of – hopefully – an Australian arrival in 2025.

We say hopefully only because Audi Australia isn’t giving out local launch timing at this stage, let alone specification or pricing details for its new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC fighter.

Considering some Audis have been pretty tardy in making the transition from left- to right-hand drive and arriving down under, we could be in for a long wait.

But it is an issue Audi is aware of and is vowing to fix. And considering the Q5 is among its most popular models (number three for the brand in 2024) the importer will want it here ASAP.

When it does arrive the new Q5 will be a minor evolution of the fundamental concept, but a significant technical overhaul.

Concept first. Both the first generation introduced in 2008 and its 2017 replacement were five-door five-seat SUV wagons. More recently in 2021 a slinkier Sportback arrived. The new version of that is yet to be revealed.

Technical stuff? The new generation follows the latest A5 (formerly the A4 – but even numbers now denote electric vehicles in the Audi line-up) Sportback (formerly sedan) and wagon in moving from the MLB evo architecture to the Premium Platform Combustion.

PPC is the highly flexible basis for Audi models with combustion engines that are mounted longitudinally (lengthways) in the engine bay.

The platform also has a significantly boosted electronic architecture and Audi claims it is a key contributor to improved Q5 ride and handling.

Under the bonnet the Q5 debuts with a choice of three mild-hybrid engines – a 150kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, a 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and a 270kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol that will be exclusive to the sporty SQ5.

Which means yep, the SQ5 continues its regular rotation between petrol, diesel and both at the same time.

Plug-in hybrid powertrains will be added later, which makes sense as Audi has tested the PHEV waters with the current generation Q5.

Only the four-cylinder turbo-petrol is available with front- as well as quattro all-wheel drive and all three direct their output via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The clever new 48 volt ‘MHEV plus’ system is as per the A5. It employs two electric motors and a 1.7kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack to provide the expected acceleration boost, fuel saving and smooth stop-start function.

The MHEV system can support the engine’s performance with up to 18kW and 230Nm while also feeding up to 25kW back into the battery when decelerating and recuperating.

But the Q5 can also run solely on electricity very briefly at slow speed – which is not a common MHEV attribute – and maintain full operation of climate control when the engine is off.

Provisional fuel consumption claims from Audi for the new Q5 are listed below. For what they are worth and where available, Australian ADR numbers for relevant current generation Q5 models are in brackets alongside.

Beyond the powertrain, the Q5 will continue with a passive independent suspension and the option of adaptive and air suspension. A sports-rated suspension package will be standard on SQ5 and optional for lesser models. Wheel choices in Germany range from 17- to 21-inches.

No dimensional details for the new Q5 have been stated as yet, apart from a boot capacity that actually decreases from 1520 litres to a maximum 1473 litres. Audi is also boasting about the rear seat sliding and reclining functions, which the current model already offers.

Externally, the look is more chiselled and certainly bolder with a large single-frame grille and significant side air inlets up front, and OLED rear lights that project a graphic onto the rear screen to emphasise when the brakes are being applied.

Inside, the Q5 abandons a separate instrument pod and sits both the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit digital instrument panel and 14.5-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen side-by-side on the dashboard. A separate 10.9-inch passenger screen is optionally available. “Shutter technology” is designed to ensure it is not a driver distraction.

Interior premium features include seats with diamond quilting, a soft wrap element that runs from door to door across the dashboard, fabric panels in the door and the armrests and sophisticated ambient lighting displays.

The infotainment system of the Q5 employs Android Automotive OS as its operating system. Content is refreshed via over-the-air updates. Two grades of Bang & Olufsen audio systems are on offer. A head up display is optional.

USB-C connectors are standard with outputs up to 60 watts up front and 100 watts in the rear. Audi lists numerous storage options including a 15-watt smartphone charging tray.

Safety features offered with the new Q5 include Front Emergency Brake Assist, Evasion Assist, Turn Assist, Front Cross Traffic Assist, traffic sign-based cruise control, Park Assist plus and Rear Turn Assist.

In Germany the Q5 includes standard rear parking aid with distance display, cruise control and speed limiter, lane departure warning, efficiency assistant and attention and drowsiness assistant.

An optional Adaptive Driving Assistant plus uses high-resolution map data and swarm data from other vehicles calculated in the cloud to optimise traffic sign recognition and assist with acceleration, maintaining speed and distance as well as lane guidance.

In Australia the current Q5 range is priced from $73,400 for the 35 TDI variant up to $125,400 for the SQ5.

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