Recent Audi Q5 goals to enhance a winner with sharper looks, sweeter engines

Americans buy 44% of the Audi Q5s sold world wide annually. Europe buys one other 35%. When two similar markets vote to your best-seller in those sorts of numbers, the secret is to supply them higher versions of what they need. So once we say the Audi Q5 is all-new, we mean Audi brought together all-new ingredients to enhance the old recipe. That starts with the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture Audi developed, an extra iteration of the MLB Evo platform the second-gen Q5 sat on, renamed to enhance the Premium Platform Electric utilized by the brand new A6 E-Tron. Audi didn’t provide dimensions, so we do not expect any changes of note to the vehicle footprint or interior room.   

Above which can be sharper looks in comparison with the soft types of the primary two generations of Q5, unsurprisingly influenced by the 2025 A5 that also utilizes the PPC. Narrow, angled headlights anchor the corners of a large singleframe grille, while a lower intake beneath the grille connects side intakes and acts as a kind of cradle within the front fascia. It is a more forceful tackle the Q5’s current looks. In back, the ever-popular light bar runs across the hatch to thin taillights. In other countries, the 266 OLED elements grouped into six panels that form these lights will have the opportunity to flash signals to drivers behind. At the highest of the hatch, the CHMSL on the spoiler reflects into the backlight, making a larger brake light image to get the eye of those behind.      

Inside, latest sustainable fabrics and textiles are said to lift the inside quality. The Virtual Cockpit is not any more, Audi joining the gauge cluster screen and infotainment screen right into a single panel. So, yes, we’re still talking about digital gauges, but the mixture is now called the Digital Stage that unites an 11.9-inch gauge screen with a 14.5-inch center display. An optional head-up display for the driving force covers an area 85% larger than today’s HUD, while an optional 10.9-inch screen for the passenger creates an actual co-pilot situation, the third display offering navigation and media control. A cooled wireless charging tray keeps the phone going, 4 USB ports include one port powerful enough to resupply a laptop battery.     

Based on Audi’s European specs, engines for our market could enjoy slightly sweetening. The bottom turbocharged 2.0-liter makes 201 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, a rise of 15 lb-ft. over today’s mill. The SQ5 sticks with the three.0-liter V6, nevertheless it’s making 362 hp and 406 lb-ft, an increase of 47 lb-ft over today’s Q5. Overseas, every engine that may not a part of the PHEV range will include mild-hybrid tech that permits bursts of 24 hp. Audi says all models at launch will fit a seven-speed dual clutch, meaning the SQ5 would relinquish its eight-speed torque converter Tiptronic transmission. In Europe and other markets, the third launch engine might be a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel.     

Recent steering and suspension tuning will improve comfort and dynamic sharpness. Steel springs are again standard, air springs and adaptive dampers an option. Wheel sizes will range from 17 to 21 inches depending on market.

Order books are open in Europe at once. We expect the Q5’s arrival early next 12 months, followed by other variants just like the plug-in hybrid and Sportback. U.S. prices will come closer to launch.