The winning formula

It’s the most comprehensive change to the hugely successful Q5 line-up since the model’s first appearance in 2009. Every aspect of the mid-sized luxury SUV, from design to technology, drivelines and indeed drivability have all been critically evaluated and markedly improved in this, the third generation of the Audi Q5 – one of the most popular model ranges in the brand’s history.

From its first appearance the Q5 was a winner. It represented the sweet spot in terms of size, performance, practicality and luxury appointment all wrapped in beautifully designed, yet characteristically understated body. In production from 2009 until 2017, the first generation Q5 sold 1.6 million units worldwide, with 25,000 of those finding homes in Australia. The second generation model was equally well received and between 2017 and this year accounted for another 1.1 million vehicles around the world, with Australia again embracing the model with another 25,000 vehicles sold here.

When a model is that successful, there is significant pressure on designers and engineers developing a new generation, to build on the strengths while remaining true to the core elements that made the vehicle such a success in the first place. With this newest iteration of the Q5, that mission has been accomplished, with a considered evolution rather than a revolution of the beloved model.

Recently presented to the Australian motoring press, the all-new Q5 range arrives with five variants starting with the front-wheel drive Q5 TFSI ($81,000*), the Q5 TDI quattro ($87,600*) and the Q5 TDI quattro sport ($94,100*). The V6-powered SQ5 once again tops the range from $122,400* and to commemorate the Australian launch, a special SQ5 edition one ($106,400*) is available to for a limited time. These will be joined by Sportback variants for both Q5 and SQ5 later in the year.

The first SUV to be built using the brand’s PPC architecture (Premium Platform Combustion), in the metal, the new Q5 is larger than its predecessor and significantly more robust and aggressive. In fact it is 35mm longer and seven millimetres wider than before, but also 11mm lower, which adds to its road presence.

Its silhouette is more dynamic than before and the front end treatment sports a wider Singleframe grille flanked by slim LED headlights that nestle just under the lip of the new, more powerful bonnet treatment. The rear too is completely new with its full-width LED light bar, again accentuating the vehicle’s width and adding to that ‘hunkered down’ look. It’s a more athletic and sporty package all round and the presence of S line exterior treatment for all Australian models only adds to that. 

To be honest, as good as they are, the images don’t do the new Q5 or SQ5 justice – this is a vehicle that definitely looks at its best in the metal. And while even at first glance it’s obviously a Q5, it represents a far more muscular version than any that have come before. Having said that, subtle remains core to the design – nothing garish here.

Under the skin too the evolution continues with MHEV plus technology on all engine variants as well was a new and improved MMI system, leading-edge safety systems and a significant increase in appointment and standard equipment across the board.

The interior features the brand’s new design language and represents another masterclass in interior design and execution. Once again, the Q5 prioritises occupant comfort and convenience with its state-of-the-art technology and connectivity seamlessly integrated into the large, sumptuous cabin.

The digital stage dominates the front with its combination of virtual cockpit and designated MMI screen, with the addition of the passenger screen on SQ5 and as an option on other Q5 models. The placement of the driver’s screens within their own surround which mirrors the shape of the Singleframe grille is both aesthetically pleasing and places everything right before the driver. 

Then there is the ability to tailor functions to suit your personal needs, adding your most used apps and functions to the central screen for easy access. This tailoring extends to items like the head-up display which allows you to select the type of information shown rather than just the vehicle’s speed – including third party navigation apps.

Considered touches abound, from the use of high quality materials throughout, to the squared off steering wheel in theTDI Sport and SQ5 with its touch controls, to the sliding and reclining rear seats, the Q5 places the emphasis on the passengers and enhancing the journey, whether that be a quick run to the shops or a long journey interstate.

Then there is the standard equipment across the range which is as impressive as it is comprehensive. The Q5 TFSI and TDI models with 150kW feature the sport S line exterior packages as standard along with 19-inch alloy wheels and Matrix LED headlights with selectable daytime running light signatures up front. On the rear there are LED tail lights with a rear projection light that shows exactly where to wave your foot to open the electric tailgate when your arms are full. 

Inside, there are the 11.9-inch virtual cockpit and 14.5-inch MMI screens with OLED technology, as well as as eight-speaker Audi sound system, ambient lighting and wireless charging that also features a cooling system to stop your device overheating. The front seats are covered in leather appointed upholstery with heating and electric adjustment up front that  includes four-way electric lumbar support and memory function for the driver – they even include four-way adjustable front seat headrests

The Q5 features 360 degree cameras and speed sign recognition, along with a full suite of safety and driver assistance systems – over 30 of them in fact. Then there are the aforementioned rear seats which recline and can be adjusted forward or back by 100mm for maximum rear comfort. From the connectivity and infotainment, to the seats and interior layout, the emphasis is very much on the occupant’s comfort, safety and convenience.

Also developing 150kW, the Q5 TDI quattro sport rides on larger 20-inch alloys and features a large panoramic sunroof that features an electric sunshade. It also offers sport front seats with integrated headrest and the interior gets the full S line treatment. It also features the sporty wheel which is flattened top and botton and wears S badging as well as featuring side perforations. Inlays in the Sport are in matt brushed aluminium with linear embossing in anthracite, while pedals are in stainless steel.

Topping the range is again the SQ5 which is available in two variants at launch with the edition one available for a limited time. It rides on 20-inch alloys finished in black metallic which really show off the red brake calipers. The SQ5 edition one rides on S sport suspension which is firm when required but smooth and supple with comfort selected through the Audi drive select.

It wears a black exterior package which includes the Singleframe grille, front and rear bumper trims and roof rails all finished in black. Likewise the wing mirror housings, window trims and lower door trims also get the black treatment as do the distinctive S quad exhausts – which, like all of the new Q5 and SQ5 exhausts, are real.

The SQ5 TFSI rolls on 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels and features aluminium look styling elements as opposed to the edition one’s black highlights. It picks up a host of additional equipment like the front seat ventilation and heating as well as massage function, a 16 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and dynamic interaction lighting, which sends a light across the expansive base of the windscreen in the direction of the indicators. It also features the aforementioned head-up display and higher charging capacity of its USB-C interfaces (60 watt front and 100 watt rear) so that they can power larger items like laptops.

Customers can also choose further enhancements with select packages available for different models. A Premium package ($5400*) for Q5 TFSI, TDI quattro and TDI quattro sport adds 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 ($4900* for Q5 TFSI and $3400* for TDI models) adds 20-inch alloy wheels, black exterior package and privacy glass.

There is also a Tech package ($5,700*) available for the Q5 TDI quattro sport which features heated steering wheel and electric steering column, MMI front passenger display, heated rear outer seats and Digital OLED tail lights.

For the SQ5, a Carbon style package ($9,200*) further enhances the vehicle’s appearance with carbon wing mirror caps, carbon door inlays and a carbon roof spoiler.

The level of technology and equipment across the board is impressive and with the ability to configure everything to your personal tastes and needs, the new Q5 again cements it place as a model of practicality and comfort. Although this is a completely new model, there is that feeling of familiarity as soon as you get inside. 

Yes, the interior is completely new in terms of design and the tech is cutting-edge, but control placement and operation are intuitive as you would expect from Audi, so that nothing has to be ‘relearned’. Even the passenger screen in the front of the SQ5 as an example, quickly becomes familiar.

Driving the Q5 is likewise familiar although the addition of the 48 volt mild hybrid adds considerably to the experience, allowing a measure of electric only power at low speeds while aiding the combustion engines off the line which is particularly impressive in the SQ5. 

Across the entry models though, that 150kW is more than up to the task, and the TFSI offers a balanced ride quality and remains smooth and composed despite power going only to the front wheels. The addition of quattro for the two TDI models provides that proven surefooted feel at speed and on poor road surfaces.

And the addition of TDI power plants will appeal to a great many customers with its qualities of tremendous range and economy on top of being smooth and tractable.

Once again, the Q5 balances ride comfort with agility across the full spectrum of daily driving, with its frequency selective dampers automatically varying the stiffness depending on the road inputs.

The flagship model, the SQ5 is even more impressive than ever, with a major increase in performance – up 10kW over the previous model – to make it the most powerful SQ5 ever produced. At launch the SQ5 is available in its standard form as well as a special edition one to mark the introduction of the new range. Both feature the 3.0-litre V6 power plant with MHEV plus technology, developing 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque between 1700 and 4000rpm. Mated to a seven-speed S tonic transmission it races from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 4.5 seconds, helped off the line by the presence of the MHEV plus system, which gives the instantaneous acceleration of electric power before the V6 petrol engine seamlessly cuts in.

So smooth is this system that it is practically impossible to pick the interplay between the two powerplants, but the effect is tremendous on the SQ5’s drivability and takes the performance of this beloved model to new heights.

Its S sport suspension is firm but fits with the performance bent of the vehicle, and set to comfort around town delivers a smooth, limo-like ride. The cabin of the SQ5, with its familiar diamond stitched leather upholstery and now with the flat top and bottom multi-function wheel is beautifully executed – equal parts luxury interior with sporty overtones.

That the SQ5 has proved so popular from its first appearance circa 2012 is no surprise and this newest version builds on that appeal across the board – remaining perhaps the best combination performance vehicle and a luxurious family car in the one package.

While the SQ5 remains a true highlight, the new Q5 range across the board once again hits the sweet spot with its combination of elegance, performance and practicality. This is a model range that is understated yet expressive, sophisticated yet sporty and thoroughly equipped for pretty much anything that the modern lifestyle can throw at it. Performance enthusiasts and the legions of SQ5 aficionados will be thrilled by the new SQ5 which takes the model’s legacy and runs with it. And the SQ5 edition one’s keen pricing represents an outstanding way to enjoy the model’s many attributes, while the ‘full cream’ SQ5 is simply in a class of its own.

Improving on such a perennial favourite is no small feat and yet Audi’s designers and engineers have done just that with the new Q5. More powerful yet efficient than before, with greater driving dynamics and with next level safety equipment. It integrates technology that elevates every trip and once again delivers a beautifully rounded vehicle that sets the standard for the medium luxury class.

By all conceivable measures, the new Q5 represents a quantum leap forward, not only safeguarding the Q5 legacy, but taking it to the next level. Mission accomplished.

Visit audi.com.au for more information on the Q5 and SQ5 range.

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