It’s not often that automakers do a full reveal of a car right after its teaser. But that’s exactly what happened in the case of the all-new Audi Q5. Literally just a dew days ago, the next-generation luxury crossover showed a sliver of its headlights, and here we are now.
But perhaps it couldn’t wait too long. After all, the Q5 is Audi’s top-selling crossover. It might not be the most exciting model in its lineup, but there’s no denying its importance.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
The new Toyota Camry has finally made its ASEAN debut
Back on top: Marc Marquez has won the Aragon MotoGP for his first victory in three years
Perhaps predictably, the third-generation Q5 takes a more cautious approach with its redesign. Rocking the boat with a radical new look could alienate the brand loyalists and turn off potential new clients. That’s not to say Audi tried to make it stylish.
For starters, it has sharper-looking headlights and a pointier ‘Singleframe’ grille, following the lead of the A5. There are also more creases and folds on the bodywork, and it’s noticeably longer than the outgoing model. But it’s at the rear where most of the changes are seen, sporting a set of full-width tail lights and a more rakish tailgate. All in all, it still looks very much like an Audi.
Expected from a modern German luxury car, it’s a festival of screens inside. That said, Audi made the effort of giving the Q5’s cabin more distinction over the model it’s based on, the A5. The dash fascia is higher and flatter, showing more of its ‘SUV’ side. A strip of ambient lighting by the windshield lifts the mood of the cabin, while the large center infotainment screen is noticeably aimed towards the driver.
But if two screens aren’t enough, there is an option to add another one right in front of the passenger. All of those are powered by an Android Automotive OS operating system and can be updated over-the-air. And yes, one can download apps such as Youtube.
Optional is a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System that packs 16 speakers and 685 watts of power. It includes Vehicle Noise Compensation (VNC), which compensates for interior noise. Of course, it has a barrage of advanced driver assist systems, but there are add ons that can further enhance the assists. It includes Adaptive Driving Assistant plus and Active Front Assist that includes Evasion Assist.
As this is an odd-numbered model, all the powertrain options for the new-generation Q5 are mild-hybrid internal combustion engines. It starts with a 2.0-liter TFSI turbo gas mill that makes 201hp and 340Nm of torque.
Surprisingly, there’s still a diesel option in the form of the 2.0-liter TDI. That one also makes 201hp, but heaps more torque at 400Nm. Both shift with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive is available. There’s also a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, but that’s reserved for the sporty SQ5.
Interestingly, the all-new Q5 will not be made in Germany. Instead, production will be in Mexico at the San José Chiapa facility. It will be interesting to see how it fares against the past models that mostly came from its home soil.
The 2025 Audi Q5 will be launched in Germany and numerous other European countries in the first quarter 2025. Its release in Southeast Asia is yet to be determined.
