Audi Q5 review – tech-laden and better-looking than before

Verdict – is the Audi Q5 a good car?

The Audi Q5 is a comfortable, refined tech-filled premium SUV with a new, less conservative design that helps it stand out against its predecessors. While the TFSI petrol model can feel a little strained, the TDI diesel is much more refined. However, we’d recommend holding out for the plug-in hybrid versions that are set to arrive later in 2025, particularly if you’re a company-car buyer.

Audi Q5 models, specs and alternatives

The Audi Q5 is the brand’s most popular car globally, and there's a good reason for that. It’s a family SUV, which is one of the hottest segments in the automotive landscape at the moment, and the upmarket image of the Audi badge means it’s a car that promises high build quality, plush materials and more kudos than mainstream models.

The first and second-generation Audi Q5 were both very similar to look at, thanks to Audi’s evolutionary, rather than revolutionary approach to car design. This time around, the Audi Q5’s styling has taken a wider leap away from its predecessor. Sleek, thin headlights sit above a large octagonal grille and the whole front end echoes the design of its siblings, the latest Audi A6, Q6 and A5, for a familiar look.

Best luxury SUVs to buy in 2025

At the rear, the Q5 now gets a full-width light-bar, which also ties it to other models in the range. Aside from these more adventurous departures front and back compared with the outgoing car, the Q5 has a very similar silhouette to before – if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it, we suppose.

The latest Audi Q5 costs from just under £50,000, and it’s available with petrol or diesel power as before. All versions of the Audi Q5 come with mild-hybrid tech from launch, but a plug-in hybrid version is set to join the range in the latter half of 2025 – that will probably be the version with the lowest CO2 emissions and thus the lowest BiK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax rating, so it might be worth waiting for that model if you’re a company car buyer.

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The standalone performance-focused SQ5 is back this time around, too, and uses a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech, which should be the most driver-oriented model.

Three trims are available from launch: Sport, S Line and Edition 1. All cars come as standard with kit like 19-inch alloy wheels, a 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, 14.5-inch OLED central infotainment touchscreen, heated leather seats, three-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, a powered tailgate, full LED lights front and rear and a comprehensive suite of safety equipment.

There are currently discounts on the recommended retail price of Audi Q5 models via our sister site Auto Express' marketplace

Audi Q5 alternatives

The Audi Q5 takes on rivals from fellow German manufacturers such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, or less-obvious premium SUVs from a growing number of brands.

• BMW X3
• Mercedes GLC
• Lexus NX
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio
• Porsche Macan
• Genesis GV70
• Range Rover Velar

Should you buy an Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 is a great premium family SUV with a focus on comfort, and first signs are that it fulfils that brief well, though we’ll reserve full judgment on its ride when we drive it in the UK. You can expect that typical sturdy build quality Audi is known for, and the interior is now teeming with tech, even if the optional passenger display feels a little unnecessary.

It’s let down somewhat by the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, because despite what the on-paper figures say, it can feel sluggish and underpowered at times. Although the TDI diesel offers the same 201bhp, it manages to feel more powerful than the TFSI petrol. We’re impressed with how refined the diesel is, too, and the mild-hybrid system does a good job of keeping things quiet.

What is the best Audi Q5 for keen drivers?

The Audi SQ5 is your best bet if you’re a keen driver, because it’s the performance-focused variant of the model. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine offers a well-needed extra dose of poke compared with the 2.0-litre TFSI of the Q5.

How we tested the Audi Q5

We tested the petrol 2.0-litre TFSI version of the Q5 and the SQ5 in Spain in March 2025 in sunny, dry conditions.

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The Audi Q5 is still offered with traditional engine options to satisfy fans of petrol and diesel, and all of the combustion-engine offerings are mild-hybrid assisted, to help improve fuel economy. These petrol and diesel engines are available from launch, but a plug-in hybrid will join the range later in 2025.

For now then, the most economical on-paper model is the TDI diesel, which can return fuel economy in the mid 40s, but be aware that diesel engines are better suited to buyers likely to do longer motorway miles than shorter trips around town.

If you see yourself sticking closer to home, the best option currently is the TFSI quattro, though it might be worth waiting for the plug-in hybrid TFSIe coming later if you can install a home wallbox charger and keep it charged up for short trips on electric power alone – up to 50 miles, we’re told. That version will also most likely be the best option if you’re thinking of buying a Q5 as a company car, because it will emit less CO2 and therefore fit into a lower BiK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax bracket. 

The SQ5 sacrifices some fuel efficiency in the pursuit of power and performance, though it’s not as big a sacrifice as you might expect, with a mid-30s mpg figure.

How efficient is the Audi Q5 in the real world?

When we tested the 2.0-litre TFSI mild-hybrid on the Q5’s international launch, we averaged fuel efficiency of 32.1mpg on twisty back roads. That’s a fair chunk less than the quoted figure, but you could probably return much better fuel economy by driving a bit more sedately.

We also tested the SQ5 with its 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V6 engine. Despite the fact its 34mpg figure is only marginally worse than the standard petrol car’s, it’s rather optimistic – we achieved just 22.4mpg.

How much will the Audi Q5 cost in tax?

Taxing the Audi Q5 will be rather expensive because every model costs over £40,000, meaning it will incur the luxury car surcharge from years two to six. Otherwise, the Q5 will be liable to pay the annual standard rate of VED (road tax), which is currently £190. We wouldn’t recommend buying the Q5 as a company car until the plug-in hybrid version arrives, as that is likely to cost significantly less in BiK (Benefit-in-Kind) tax.
 

What will the Audi Q5 cost to insure?

The Audi Q5 is expected to sit in insurance groups 37-39 for the petrol TFSI and 38-39 for the TDI diesel, depending on the trim level. The SQ5 is the most expensive to insure and sits in group 45 out of 50.

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The latest Audi Q5 sits on a new platform, despite its overall shape being similar to its predecessor. It shares many of its underpinnings with the latest A5, which Audi says has a greater emphasis on comfort than before.

Because our test drive was carried out in Spain, we can’t say definitively whether the improvement translates over to potholed UK roads. Our test cars also both had the optional adaptive air suspension fitted.

All current versions of the Audi Q5 have mild-hybrid assistance, which means there’s a small boost in performance, as well as efficiency. 

Is it good to drive in town?

Because of the mild-hybrid technology, the Q5 can travel around very quietly at low speeds with the engine off, making it very serene to ride along in. The regenerative braking system slows the car down while harvesting energy to top up the battery, but it doesn’t quite bring you to a full stop. The steering is light when you need it to be, making manoeuvres easy.

Is it good to drive on long journeys?

The Q5’s steering firms up at higher speeds to help make the Q5 feel stable when you need to change lane. There’s a noticeable amount of road noise, but otherwise the engine isn’t loud and wind noise is minimal when cruising. Joining the motorway on a slip road or overtaking, however, exposes the TFSI engine’s flaw – it feels underpowered and sluggish at times, and the motor can feel stressed.

Is it good to drive on B-roads?

The focus for the Audi Q5 is comfort above all, so don’t expect a riveting driving experience. For that, you’d be better off with a BMW X3, but that being said, the Q5 feels composed enough on a twisty road and it’s easy to place. On sharper corners it does feel like the Audi Q5 drifts wide, so you can’t push it too hard.

Petrol models

The Q5 TFSI uses a 2.0-litre mild-hybrid assisted four-cylinder engine, and while its on-paper figures aren’t bad, it feels slower in the real world and rather underpowered. The SQ5 uses a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that’s more performance-oriented, and power delivery is very smooth. There’s instant shove from this version, and it sounds great, too.

Diesel models

In our opinion, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine is a better match for the standard Audi Q5 because it feels less strained and is fairly quiet, despite having the same power output as the TFSI. Despite being the slowest from 0-62mph in the Q5 range, the TDI feels faster than the petrol version because of that extra grunt low-down. There are times when it sounds like a typical diesel when you put your foot down, but at lower speeds the mild-hybrid tech helps it glide around in a refined manner.

Plug-in hybrid models

A TFSIe plug-in hybrid version of the Q5 will be arriving later in 2025 and is said to offer up to 50 miles of electric range, which should help make it even more refined around town.

Carbuyer notes

“The ‘MHEV plus’ technology shines around town, when the Q5 can silently coast along with the engine off, and can trick you into thinking you’re driving a plug-in hybrid or even an electric car at times.” Ellis Hyde, News Reporter

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Buyers have come to expect an impressive level of build quality from Audi’s products, and the latest Q5 is no different. This time, though, the interior takes a big stride ahead with lots of impressive tech that we’ve already seen featured on the A6 e-tron and Q6 e-tron models.

Is the Audi Q5 infotainment and sat-nav system easy to use?

Audi calls its curved infotainment system the ‘Digital Stage’, consisting of an 11.9-inch digital display and a 14.5-inch centre touchscreen. As with other models in the Audi line-up, you can also add a separate passenger display, so they can keep themself entertained while you drive.

The displays are great to look at with sharp resolution and vibrant colours as well as quick responses and load times. Audi’s system is underpinned by Android Automotive software, which means it’s great to use, with over-the-air updates possible to keep things running smoothly. You can add a wide variety of apps including YouTube and Spotify, and you can run Android Auto or Apple CarPlay by connecting your smartphone, should you wish.

On the centre console, there’s a shortcut button that allows you to toggle through drive modes, but there’s also a useful button that opens up a configurable on-screen menu with toggles for various driver-assist features.

Is the Audi Q5 well equipped?

The Audi Q5 is a premium SUV, so that means customers expect a high specification as standard. Sport models get the aforementioned infotainment display and driver’s display as standard, and it’s good to see heated leather seats and a useful powered tailgate are also thrown in. S Line adds sporty detailing, such as an upgraded body kit and larger 20-inch alloy wheels, and you also get a sports suspension setup. The highest current specification is the Edition 1, which gets all the bells and whistles including – but not limited to – 21-inch wheels, matrix LED headlights with customisable signatures and the 10.9-inch passenger display.

What options should you choose on the Audi Q5?

Packs for the Audi Q5 include the Sound and Vision pack for just over £2,000, adding a head-up display and Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. Adaptive air suspension is just over an extra £1,700, while a panoramic roof will cost you £1,600. It’s worth noting that the SQ5 gets all of those extras as standard.

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As before, the Audi Q5 can be bought as the boxier, more upright body style, or you can go for the coupe-like Sportback model with its lower roofline. Be aware that going for the Sportback will predictably rob you of some headroom, though it’s still roomy enough for six-foot tall adults.

The standard car should serve you well if you want to use it as a plush family SUV, because four adults can fit comfortably, and there are three ISOFIX points (one on the front passenger seat and two in the rear) which will come in useful if you have small children.

Does the Audi Q5 have a big boot?

While cars generally seem to be getting bigger, the latest Audi Q5 actually has 30 litres less boot space than its predecessor. The Lexus NX has less, though, while the BMW X3 has a more generous capacity, as does the Mercedes GLC, which leads the pack. It’s worth noting that S Line cars and above come with the ability to slide the rear bench forward to free up more boot space. Handily, there’s no load lip on the boot, and underneath the floor there’s extra space to store the parcel shelf if you need to remove it.

Is the Audi Q5 a good tow car?

With a maximum towing capacity of 2,595kg on the TDI diesel version, the Audi Q5 is quite a capable hauler. Even the TFSI and SQ5 petrol versions can tow up to 2,400kg, so they’re still very capable. Adding a towbar to the Audi Q5 will cost you an extra £1,150.

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While the latest Audi Q5 is too new to have featured on our 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, Audi as a brand came in a disappointing 27th place out of 32 manufacturers. Buyers of premium marques like Audi tend to expect a lot more from their cars, and it seems that value for money is the area that lets the brand down most. Audi was also scored low for the braking and steering feel of its cars, although it scored well for acceleration and seating versatility.

Reliability itself isn’t terrible, and a lower-than-average 21.3% of Audi buyers reported an issue with their car in the first year. Mercedes fares worse, with 26.3% of its owners reporting an issue in the first year, although BMW was about on par with Audi. Lexus is the reliability king of the premium car brands, though, with just 18.1% of owners reporting a fault.

How safe is the Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 is yet to be crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but we would be surprised if it didn’t get the full five-star rating, given its predecessor achieved this, and the latest model comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, cross-traffic alert, swerve assist, a handsfree parking system, lane-departure warning, an advanced driver-attention and fatigue monitoring system and a 360-degree parking camera system.

What is the warranty on the Audi Q5?

One area where Audi lets itself down is when it comes to its warranty, because it’s pretty mediocre. You’re covered for up to three years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. That used to be the industry standard, but the game has moved on since, with premium marques like Lexus offering up to 10 years of cover, with an extra year or 10,000 miles added to the warranty after each service at a main dealer.