Next generation

Arriving in Audi dealerships in a matter of weeks, the third-generation Audi Q5 and SQ5 models are set to build on the tremendous legacy established by the brand’s popular mid-sized luxury SUV worldwide.

The all-new Q5 range will launch with five distinct variants before being joined later in the year by Sportback models in both Q5 and SQ5 as well. Entry to the range starts with the front-wheel drive Q5 TFSI ($81,000*) as well as two TDI variants – the Q5 TDI quattro ($87,600*) and the Q5 TDI quattro sport ($94,100*). The V6-powered SQ5 will once again top the range from $122,400* and to commemorate the Australian launch, a special SQ5 edition ($106,400*) will also be available to for a limited time.

Since it was first launched in 2008, the Audi Q5 has enjoyed tremendous international success, effectively creating the mid-sized luxury SUV market in the process. Its combination of what is widely considered the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of size, coupled with advanced automotive technology, luxury appointment and performance have endeared the Q5 in all its iterations to legions of fans. The SQ5 high-performance model has likewise built something of a cult following particularly here in Australia.

This latest generation of Q5 and SQ5 models build significantly on those past iterations, bringing with them the most advanced automotive technology, increased levels of luxury appointment and innovation across the range, as well as new design inside and out. 

New engine technology, incorporating Audi’s latest MHEV plus electrified technology provide not only greater performance but more efficient and with lower emissions.

Built on the brand’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), the new Q5 appears larger and more robust than before, with a higher shoulder line and a completely revised front end. In addition to the wider Singleframe treatment flanked by larger air intakes, the standard Matrix LED headlights add to a significantly more aggressive front end. The rear end too is completely new and embraces a more linear design that accentuates the feeling of width. The S line exterior package is standard equipment from the entry-level Q5 TFSI, as are the 19-inch alloy wheels with their graphite grey, gloss turned finish. The Q5 TDI quattro sport rides on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Driven by a four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine, the 2.0-litre Q5 TFSI generates 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque between 2000 and 4000rpm. Using a seven-speed S tonic transmission and driving the front wheels it can hit 100km/h from a standstill in 8.6 seconds yet is capable of returning 5.7L/100km. This frugal fuel usage is greatly assisted by the inclusion of the MHEV plus electrified technology. With its advanced integrated powertrain generator, it can add drive torque of up to 230 Nm and up to 18kW of power, assisting both fuel efficiency and reduced emissions and enough to enable limited all-electric driving.

The Q5 TDI quattro and the Q5 TDI quattro sport both feature four-cylinder inline diesel engines with turbocharging and the MHEV plus technology. Both also produce 150kW of power but with the characteristic additional torque of TDI – in this case 400Nm between 1750 and 3250rpm. Both TDI models are also capable of returning 5.4L/100km despite their quattro all-wheel drive systems.

Progressive steering is standard as is a full complement of safety and driver assistance systems including active front assist, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, lane departure warning, side assist blind spot warning, speed sign recognition and park assist plus.

Exterior mirrors are heated and folding while the roof rails are finished in aluminium. Little touches like the convenience key with keyless entry and start along with electric rear tailgate are all standard inclusions. 

Inside, the new Q5 features the brand’s all-new design language which includes the digital stage dash configuration with optional passenger side screen on some models. The slimline, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display features OLED technology and houses the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display.

Audi’s connect plus Navigation & Infotainment as well as the Audi connect plus Security and assistance systems are standard across the Q5 and SQ5 range, along with the Audi virtual cockpit plus. Likewise the Audi smartphone interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, inductive phone charging with adaptive cooling and the 180 watt Audi sound system with eight speakers and six-channel amplifier. The top specification Audi SQ5 is the exception here, featuring the 685 watt Bang & Olufsen 3D premium sound system as standard.

A study of style and elegance, the interiors feature leather appointed upholstery with heating and electric adjustment of the front seats including four-way electric lumbar support and memory function for the driver. 

The rear seats too are designed for maximum comfort with forward and aft adjustment as well as backrest angle adjustment. Three-zone climate control is standard across the range as is colour ambient lighting and the two entry models also feature twin-spoke multi-function leather steering wheels with shift paddles.

Additionally, the Q5 TDI quattro sport features Sport front seats with integrated headrests and S line interior with leather appointed upholstery featuring contrasting stitching and S embossing in the front seats. There is also a flat top and bottom steering wheel, black headlining, and matt brushed aluminium inlays with linear embossing in anthracite.

Additional packages will also be available, with a Premium package for Q5 TFSI, TDI quattro and TDI quattro sport adding a head-up display, B&O 3D premium sound system, acoustic glazing, USB interfaces with higher charging capacity and the dynamic colour interior ambient lighting. A Style package is likewise available which adds 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior package and privacy glass.

The Q5 TDI quattro sport can also be optioned with a Tech package ($5,700*) which features heated steering wheel and electric steering column, MMI front passenger display, heated rear outer seats and Digital OLED tail lights.

Sitting at the top of the Q5 SUV range, the SQ5 once again raises the bar across all areas as well as being available in a limited run SQ5 edition specification to mark the arrival of the new range. Both feature the 3.0-litre V6 power plant with MHEV plus technology, delivering 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque between 1700 and 4000rpm. Once again a seven-speed S tonic transmission puts power down to all four wheels using Audi’s quattro with ultra technology and the 0 to 100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds makes this the fastest SQ5 to date and indicates the serious edge to performance these S models have in store.

Visually the edition one features a unique black styling package including gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps, window trims, anthracite grey Audi rings as well as dark tailpipe trims on its quad exhaust. Privacy glass, red brake calipers and exclusive 20-inch black metallic Audi Sport alloy wheels further add to its sporty appearance while maintaining Audi’s focus on subtlety.

The top specification SQ5 takes things even further both inside and out, with distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke black metallic and gloss S design, metallic paint and acoustic front glazing aluminium-look trims as well as distinctive S exterior styling including prominent tailpipe trims.

Inside too, the SQ5 wants for nothing with its ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats finished in premium diamond-stitched leather, as well as soft wrap Dinamica upholstery elements throughout the cabin. Colour ambient lighting pro is also standard equipment, complete with a dynamic interaction light strip at the base of the windscreen, while the likes of Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System with 16 speakers, head-up display, and USB interfaces with increased charging capability all form part of the standard inventory.

Customers of the SQ5 variants can also select to further enhance the appearance of their vehicle with the optional Carbon style package ($9,200*) which adds carbon wing mirror caps, carbon door inlays and a carbon roof spoiler for an even sportier appearance.

Across the board this new Q5 range represents another significant step up over its predecessor, building on the many attributes that have endeared the Q5 and SQ5 to countless customers to date and improving on every conceivable metric. Although the segment that the original Q5 created has attracted many imitators, the constant refinement of the Q5 with each generation has ensured it has remained the benchmark and the same is true of this new Q5 and SQ5 range.

The all-new Audi Q5 and SQ5 SUV will arrive across the Audi dealer network over the coming weeks. Visit the official Audi Australia websites to learn more about the all-new Q5 models or SQ5 models, or visit your preferred Audi dealer.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)