The Audi Q5 is one of the most luxurious and enjoyable compact SUVs, and it does not go over the top. For 2025, the Q5 will receive some important upgrades.
The familiar style and build of the Q5 has been improved, but not changed to the point of indistinguishability. For the new model year, this SUV continues to be powered by a gas-fed engine without any hybrid or electric components, but that could change in the near future. The Q5, and its performance-oriented variant, the SQ5, are built using Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture.
The last platform of its kind
Audi has been transitioning many models to electrification for several years, utilizing its e-tron naming system. So far, the brand has separated its electrified models from the regular versions but used some of the same names. The Q5 could see this change in the near future but hasn’t found that to be the case yet. The PPC platform is the last gas-only platform from Audi, which will be retired as this compact SUV transitions to new hybrid and electric versions of the Q5 SUV.
New design, similar shape
The 2025 Audi Q5 brings a new design to the market, which might not look entirely new to most drivers. That said, it is entirely new but uses the same shape of the cabin area as before. You’ll see a large grille with two large air inlets on the front and thin LED lights that are positioned over the headlights to act as daytime running lights. This look gives the lights more personality than you’ll see on most vehicles. There’s some subtle sculpting of the door panels and black trim pieces at the base of the doors to make the Q5 look a little less massive than it actually is.
Different wheels for different models
When looking at the Q5 and SQ5 models, the wheel sizes are distinct between them. The regular Q5 has wheels that range from 18 to 20 inches while the SQ5 starts with the 20-inch wheels and can be had with 21-inch wheels when chosen. The Q5 rides on regular all-season tires while the SQ5 has more aggressive summer performance tires or similar all-season rubber to what the regular model has touching the ground.
Unique brake lights from Audi
The rear area of the Audi Q5 is interesting and unique. This area has horizontal OLED taillights that can change their look. These lights are made of six panels with 266 OLED elements to present various animations and patters to warn other drivers. The center brake light, mounted on the underside of the spoiler at the top of the hatch, shines a pattern on the rear window to increase brake-light visibility. This gives a more visual appearance for other drivers to know the Q5 is slowing or braking hard.
What powers this Audi SUV?
The base engine from 2024 is no longer offered; instead, this SUV begins with the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 268 horsepower. This is more horsepower than last year, which allows the Q5 to sprint to 60 mph faster than ever before.
If you move up to the SQ5, you’ll enjoy a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that makes 362 horsepower. This is more horsepower than last year, which should make it faster than before. The SQ5 also features a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to produce quick and decisive shifts.
Going inside for more from Audi
When you look inside the Audi Q5, you’ll find a new instrument panel with two large screens, which Audi calls the Digital Stage. The center touchscreen is 14.5 inches in size and has many of the controls you need, including audio, climate, and other vehicle controls. There is a volume knob that helps you navigate through screens and audio tracks without reaching over to the screen.
The driver-information screen measures 11.9 inches and is located directly in front of the driver. This screen is configurable and provides information such as speed and navigation where you need it.
The Q5 has a third screen, which is a 10.9-inch head -up display with the configurable information you need and want to see when you’re driving. This screen has the items you want to see at all times and makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road and avoid looking over at the infotainment screen.
The Q5 is subtly new
For 2025, the Audi Q5 brings some new qualities and features that make it more modern and interesting. This SUV takes a step forward in preparation for Audi to add electrification to the mix. Will you drive the Q5 or wait to see what’s next for this compact luxury SUV?
