The latest generation of the new Audi Q5 has gained significantly in key product attributes – and occupants can feel this from the very first time they experience it. In combination with the new interior concept, the result is a comfortable feeling of space with excellent head and legroom.
A particularly practical feature of the Audi Q5 is the fully adjustable rear seat standard from S line upwards. It can be moved lengthways and tilted, thus increasing the boot volume. At the same time, three people can be comfortably seated on the rear bench. With the rear seats folded down, the boot capacity increases to up to 1,473 litres, depending on the model variant. The luggage compartment cover can be stowed in a specially designed compartment under the luggage compartment floor. This provides even more space for luggage and a secure place for the cover.
Other practical features include an even larger storage compartment under the centre armrest compared to the previous model, numerous smaller storage areas for sunglasses, keys and other everyday items, an inductive and cooled charging tray with 15 watts of charging power in the front centre console, two USB-C ports in the front, and two in the rear. As part of the optional Sound & Vision Pack or standard on SQ5 Edition 1, the USB ports at the front can support charging capacities of up to 60 watts; the rear ports can even support charging capacities of up to 100 watts. This means larger devices such as laptops can be safely supplied with power while driving.
The third generation of the Q5 models has become even sportier and offers perfect proportions. The taut and high shoulder line creates a powerful silhouette, connects the front and rear lights, and makes the vehicle appear longer. Above the sill, a rising line runs over the wheel arches and into the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance even when stationary.
The front is self-confident, as all the defining design elements are positioned one level higher than in the predecessor model. The sporty, wide Singleframe sits high and is flanked by vertical, functional air curtains.
The strongly filed and sculpturally shaped headlights create a sharp, focused look, manifesting the agile and self-confident character of the car right from the front. A large air intake with sensors sits under the Singleframe, giving the Q5 a visually full and wide stance on the road. The exterior S line impresses with striking and sporty body components, such as the Air Curtain Tubes with matt anthracite chrome-look accents.
The rear has an extremely clear design thanks to the maximum reduction of lines. From the rear window to the lower edge of the sculpturally shaped light strip, there is a smooth surface, defined by the light strip with a sharp cut across the entire width of the vehicle. The area between the light strip and bumper is sleek and gives the SUV a sporty elegance. The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumpers as an island. The positioning and shape of the tailpipes depends on the engine: a functional double square tailpipe under the diffuser on the left-hand side (for all diesel engines), or functional rectangular tailpipes on the right and left (for all petrol engines). The S model features the iconic twin round tailpipes in a new, sharpened design.
The third generation of the Q5 models has become even sportier and offers perfect proportions. The taut and high shoulder line creates a powerful silhouette, connects the front and rear lights, and makes the vehicle appear longer. Above the sill, a rising line runs over the wheel arches and into the rear bumper, giving the vehicle a dynamic appearance even when stationary.
The front is self-confident, as all the defining design elements are positioned one level higher than in the predecessor model. The sporty, wide Singleframe sits high and is flanked by vertical, functional air curtains.
The strongly filed and sculpturally shaped headlights create a sharp, focused look, manifesting the agile and self-confident character of the car right from the front. A large air intake with sensors sits under the Singleframe, giving the Q5 a visually full and wide stance on the road. The exterior S line impresses with striking and sporty body components, such as the Air Curtain Tubes with matt anthracite chrome-look accents.
The rear has an extremely clear design thanks to the maximum reduction of lines. From the rear window to the lower edge of the sculpturally shaped light strip, there is a smooth surface, defined by the light strip with a sharp cut across the entire width of the vehicle. The area between the light strip and bumper is sleek and gives the SUV a sporty elegance. The diffuser is integrated into the raised bumpers as an island. The positioning and shape of the tailpipes depends on the engine: a functional double square tailpipe under the diffuser on the left-hand side (for all diesel engines), or functional rectangular tailpipes on the right and left (for all petrol engines). The S model features the iconic twin round tailpipes in a new, sharpened design.
The design of the interior of the new Audi Q5 is based on the four basic characteristics of Audi interior design. Firstly, the interior is designed to be “human-centric”, i.e., consistently geared towards the needs of its users.
The clear layout of the interior provides an overview in all situations and forms the second basic feature, “visual clarity”. Functionality and aesthetics are combined down to the last detail. This clear design approach is evident in the horizontal structure of the control panel: an application made of high-quality material extends like a wing across the entire width of the control panel and rises at the transitions to the doors. The control panel forms the basis for the “Digital Stage” and for the form-fit integrated air vents. The consistent design of the centre console and doors complements the orchestration of the interior: components in aluminium look and C-clamp shape surround the controls in the doors and centre console. With their ascending alignment, they emphasize the robust and sporty SUV philosophy of the Audi Q5.
The central component of the interior is the “Digital Stage”, which is set up in front of the driver and front passenger in the form of the Audi MMI displays. The clearly aligned displays are integrated into the interior with a perfect fit. The slim, free-standing Audi MMI panoramic display has a curved design and OLED technology and houses the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit and the 14.5-inch MMI touch display.
The 10.9-inch MMI Passenger Display can be ordered specially for front passengers on Edition 1 and SQ5 Edition 1. Thanks to Active Privacy Mode with shutter technology, passengers can use the infotainment system undisturbed without the driver being visually distracted. At the same time, it offers the option of assisting the driver with navigation tasks, for example.
With its “Material Driven Design”, the new Audi Q5 meets the demand for a spacious feeling with a high level of comfort. As a counterbalance to the digital and technical areas, the so-called soft wrap element runs from door to door across the entire width of the dashboard. Together with the fabric panels in the door and the armrests, this creates a homely ambience. This philosophy of material-driven design also offers the potential to individualize the interior according to your own ideas.
The materials were selected from a functional point of view, and at the same time ensure clear design differentiation between the various areas in the interior. Comfort-oriented areas are emphasized with generous surfaces and soft materials. In contrast, controls are precisely designed and optionally finished in high-quality high-gloss black.
The seats with diamond quilting, the soft wrap, and the armrest in the sporty S line version are finished in the sustainable materials Cascade and Dinamica, among others. The Cascade textile upholstery is reminiscent of natural materials such as wool and is not additionally dyed. It is made from recycled materials and recycled polyester. Part of the cover is made from the fabric Impressum, which consists partly of recycled plastic fibres. Dinamica looks and feels like suede, but almost half of it is made from recycled polyester, one of the sources of which is leftover textiles.
The new Audi Q5 family is based on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), a platform architecture for conventionally powered vehicles with longitudinally installed combustion engines. All models in the Q5 series at market launch are equipped with the highly efficient MHEV plus technology.
The new MHEV plus system with 48-volt electrical system supports the combustion engine, reduces CO2 emissions and at the same time increases performance and driving comfort. Purely electric manoeuvring and parking are also possible to a limited extent. The powertrain generator puts out an additional drive torque of up to 230Nm and up to 24PS of power. The 48-volt system also enables the use of an electrically driven air conditioning compressor. This offers the advantage that even when the combustion engine is switched off – for example when coasting or at a red light – the air conditioning system continues to operate at full power and keeps the interior at a comfortable temperature.
The lithium-ion battery of the vehicles with MHEV plus is based on lithium iron phosphate chemistry (LFP) and has a storage capacity of 1.7kWh. The main tasks of the belt starter generator are to start the engine and supply electrical energy to the battery.
The new powertrain generator (PTG) enables electric driving, relieves the combustion engine, and helps reduce fuel consumption. When decelerating, the TSG feeds up to 25 kW of energy back into the battery (recuperation). The PPC enables gradual electrification in the form of mild hybrids. Later in the lifecycle of the new Audi Q5, plug-in hybrids with a large battery and external charging option will also follow.
In Europe, the series will be launched with three engine versions*, with further drive variants to follow. At market launch, all variants will be equipped with MHEV plus technology, which can provide up to 24PS of additional power for short periods. All models use the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.
The entry-level engine is the 2.0 TFSI. It delivers 204PS and 340Nm of torque and is quattro all-wheel drive. The Audi Q5 is also available with the 2.0 TDI in the EA288 evo generation. It delivers 204PS and 400Nm of torque.
The Audi SQ5 features a 3.0 TFSI V6 that produces 367PS and has a maximum torque of 550Nm. The seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission drives through quattro all-wheel drive as standard.
Full UK pricing and specification to be announced in October
