Audi has been a dominant force in the luxury SUV market for over 15 years, thanks to its Q5, a model that has consistently impressed drivers with its blend of style, technology, and performance. Now, with the unveiling of the third generation, the 2025 Audi Q5 is poised to take its place at the forefront of the midsize premium SUV segment, once again redefining what consumers can expect from a luxury vehicle.
Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG, is confident that this new iteration will continue Audi’s legacy of success. “The Audi Q5 has been our most successful and important SUV model in the midsize class for more than 15 years. The new edition further develops its proven characteristics,” Döllner explained. “As the second model of our new generation of highly efficient combustion engines, it marks the next important step in the rejuvenation of our portfolio. I am certain that the new Audi Q5, as a sporty all-rounder with a dynamic SUV design, will continue its success story.”
This third generation of the Q5 features the most advanced technology Audi has to offer, from cutting-edge infotainment to high-performance engines. It also introduces the brand’s innovative Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), making it the first SUV to use this platform. Available with both petrol and diesel options, the new engines incorporate Audi’s MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) technology, ensuring that drivers experience greater efficiency without sacrificing performance.
Dynamic Design, Inside and Out
The 2025 Q5’s exterior embodies Audi’s evolution toward a sportier and more dynamic SUV. Featuring a high shoulder line and a rising beltline that runs across the wheel arches, the Q5 boasts a sleek silhouette that gives the impression of constant motion, even when stationary. The bold, single-frame grille, flanked by sharp headlights and larger air intakes, presents a confident and aggressive front profile, reinforcing its athletic stance.
At the rear, a minimalist design dominated by the digital OLED tail lights and a sleek light strip spanning the vehicle’s width completes the look. The tailpipes, shaped according to engine specifications, are another testament to Audi’s meticulous attention to detail. The S models in particular feature eye-catching elements like quad tailpipes, which further highlight the vehicle’s sporty DNA.
With a choice of eleven vibrant color options, including the bold Sakhir Gold metallic for the S models, and customizable exterior design elements like the Black Optic package, the Q5 ensures that every driver can tailor the SUV’s look to their personal preferences.
A Tech-Laden Interior
Audi’s latest Q5 offers a luxurious and technologically advanced interior. The cabin is a showcase of the brand’s signature “human-centric” design, providing a comfortable and intuitive environment for both driver and passengers. The spacious interior has been reimagined to maximize comfort, with more room for passengers and customizable seating options.
The central piece of the interior is the Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) panoramic display, which houses the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and a 14.5-inch touch display. This fully digital dashboard is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s design, ensuring that all necessary information is easily accessible to the driver without being overwhelming. Additionally, a separate 10.9-inch passenger display can be added, allowing the front passenger to manage entertainment and navigation tasks independently of the driver.
Ambient lighting and the innovative Dynamic Interaction Light (DIL) add another layer of sophistication to the interior, with LED strips that span the dashboard and doors. These lighting elements serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, such as indicating when the vehicle is locked or providing visual feedback when safety features are activated.
Practical and Adaptable
Audi’s engineers have crafted the Q5 with practicality in mind. The new model offers ample space for both passengers and cargo. A standout feature is the fully adjustable rear seat, which can be moved or tilted to either increase trunk space or offer greater comfort for rear passengers. With the seats folded down, the Q5 offers up to 1,473 liters of cargo space.
Other smart design features, such as the larger storage compartments, inductive phone charging, and USB-C ports capable of powering larger devices like laptops, add further convenience to everyday use.
Leading the Charge with Hybrid Efficiency
In line with the industry’s shift towards electrification, the 2025 Audi Q5 comes equipped with MHEV technology across its petrol and diesel engine range. This 48-volt system supports the combustion engine with additional torque and improves efficiency by enabling features such as electric coasting and stop-start functionality.
Audi’s MHEV system allows for smooth, purely electric maneuvering and parking in certain conditions, making it an ideal companion for city driving and daily commutes. Over time, the Q5 will expand its electrification efforts with plug-in hybrid models, giving drivers even more options to reduce their environmental impact without compromising the driving experience.
Enhanced Safety and Assistance
The third-generation Q5 offers an extensive suite of driver assistance systems aimed at improving safety and convenience. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assistance and traffic sign recognition, the Q5 is equipped with the latest in automotive technology. Audi’s new E³ 1.2 electronics architecture underpins these features, ensuring quick and reliable communication between the vehicle’s various systems.
The optional head-up display (HUD) provides essential driving information such as speed, navigation directions, and even incoming calls directly in the driver’s field of vision, allowing for hands-free operation and minimizing distractions.
Audi’s Commitment to Sustainability
In keeping with its broader commitment to sustainability, Audi is producing the new Q5 at its San José Chiapa plant in Mexico, which is the first automotive facility globally to be certified for its water management practices by the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). The plant’s use of rainwater collection and other resource-saving measures allows it to operate efficiently while significantly reducing its environmental impact.
The factory’s recycling rate is equally impressive, with over 90% of waste materials being reused, reinforcing Audi’s pledge to CO2-neutral production.
Pricing and Availability
The new Audi Q5 is set to hit European markets in early 2025, with pricing starting at €52,300 for the base TFSI model and €82,900 (INR 77.15 lakh) for the high-performance Audi SQ5. With a host of customizable options, Audi has ensured that the Q5 remains a versatile and highly desirable option for those looking to invest in a luxury SUV.
As Audi continues its journey toward greater electrification and premium mobility, the 2025 Q5 is poised to lead the charge—offering a blend of sportiness, technology, and luxury that is second to none in its class.
